The iconic series is back to the big screen. On November 17th fans once again had the opportunity to enter into the world of Panem with the release of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” The prequel to “The Hunger Games” follows an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (President Snow) as he mentors District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird in the tenth annual Hunger Games.
The movie includes a cast of some very well-known actors and actresses. Which includes Viola Davis (Dr. Gaul), Peter Dinklage ( Casca Highbottom), Rachel Zegler (Lucy Gray), Tom Blyth (Coriolanus Snow), and Hunter Schafer (Tigris Snow).
It’s important to note that this movie will not have any characters from the original series except for Snow, and while the Hunger Games do take place in this book they are a much smaller part than in the original series.
The book as mentioned follows a young Coriolanus Snow who is not the powerful and influential person he is in the original series. Coriolanus struggles to hide the fact that his family has lost all their money and they are not as powerful as they once were. Motivated by his family’s motto. “Snow lands on top”; when the opportunity for the Capitol Academy students to mentor the tributes in the Hunger Games comes along, Snow is the first to jump at the idea. It might just be his final chance to assert his dominance as a member of the Snow family.
He meets Lucy Gray Baird, the tribute he is set to mentor, expecting nothing because she is from the poorest District (District 12). However, he is met with a gem of a girl, with a stage presence and a fighting spirit; she might just have a chance to win.
The pair face many challenges, from strange feelings of love to the crude methods of the head gamemaker, Dr. Gaul. Lucy Gray might be in the games, but Snow is also fighting for his life and his reputation.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” gives viewers a glance into how Coriolanus Snow started his ascent to absolute power over Panem. Viewers will watch him start the descent into his seemingly crazy views on Panem and begin to go a bit mad.
Freshman Maya Rydberg was excited to watch the film saying,” I’m reading the first book for the first time, it’s so good and I’m excited to read the rest of the series and watch all the movies!”
Part of what makes the original Hunger Games movies so iconic is the soundtrack that features artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” promises artists of the same level. It was recently announced that rising star Olivia Rodrigo would be featured on the movie soundtrack.
Junior Shannon Ouiment said,” I was so excited about the new Olivia Rodrigo song, I love her music and the song perfectly captures the vibe of the movie.”
Junior Emma Holton also commented on the topic saying,” I was excited to see her featured in such an iconic movie series so she can gain recognition.”
This movie was highly anticipated by many and promised to be action-packed and accurate to the book. With its captivating plot and engaging characters Its release on November 17th was undoubtedly a big moment for Hunger Games fans all over the world
