While many thought “The Hunger Games” story was over, the new movie came out Nov. 17th. The movie is the prequel to the trilogy titled, “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”
“The Hunger Games” championed the dystopian era of the early 2010s, the pinnacle of many students’ most memorable reads. The story leaves a place of nostalgia in the hearts of many, especially those who have aged out of their elementary school years and are now making their way through the adult world.
As adults and college students, reading is a time commitment that is a luxury not many can afford. So, while people might remember the book trilogy, only some have read the recent prequel. A book might be time-consuming, but most can sit through a movie.
Thus, trying to find joy in watching the trailer might only be as satisfying if you know the book’s plot.
VALLEY is here to help explain the main characters and the start of the prequel!
A Quick Summary
In a flashback of 64 years, the city of Panem looks a bit different, as well as the Games. It is set during the 10th annual Hunger Games where the idea behind making a spectacle of tributes and mentors becomes present. The first nine weren’t shown on camera and happened behind the scenes. The Games mentors are chosen from the Capitol’s Academy and as usual, the tributes are a boy and girl chosen from each of the 12 Districts.
Coriolanus Snow is chosen by the Academy to mentor Lucy Gray Baird from District 12, the beginning of a turbulent relationship. Thus, the catalyst for the rest of the book.
Now, who are the main characters?
Coriolanus Snow
The master behind the popularity of the Games, Snow. In the original trilogy, we see Snow as this evil older man, torturing civilians and trying to control all the Districts. How does he become evil, or has he always been that way? In “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” we find these answers through watching him as a mentor, solider and lover.
Lucy Gray Baird
A talented singer uses charm to finesse the Games, with the help and companionship of Snow not only as a mentor but potential lover. She has an act that draws attention to the tributes, gaining compassion for the people in the Capitol, and raising the stakes for the Games.
Casca Highbottom
The creator of the Games and Dean of the Academy. He holds a long-time grudge against Snow’s family line, a spoiler however that you will learn in the movie!
Sejanus Plinth
A close friend to Snow and a mentor in the Games. In the trailer we see him screaming at the TV, his heart filled with compassion for the chosen tributes. Traits that leave him with a melancholy ending.
Dr. Volumnia Gaul
The –again another evil– scientist behind the muts that are used in the original trilogy. Remember the dogs in the first movie or the creepy zombies that killed Finnick in the last? Yeah – the creator of and originator of those. She is the puppet master behind the Games and is the Head Gamer for the 10th Annual Games.
While there are many more relevant characters, these are some with deep impacts on the story “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”
Let VALLEY know your thoughts on the new movie on X, @VALLEYmag.
