The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a 2020 science fiction novel that was written by Suzanne Collins and is a prequel to The Hunger Games series. It tells the story about young Coriolanus Snow, the future President of Panem, as he becomes a mentor for a tribute residing in District 12 for the 10th Hunger Games. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is primarily interested in the character’s opportunities and choices. It focuses on the impact that evil choices can have on every District. 

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a novel that gets you hooked by the first page, wondering how President Snow becomes the villain we know. From the beginning, the audience knows who Snow is and the horrible things he does in The Hunger Games series, but this novel doesn’t try to make us sympathize with Snow. His choices are selfish and for his own gain. He collects power throughout the novel until he’s ‘landed on top’.  

As good as the novel is, it does start slowly so it has time to introduce all the new characters and the differences in Panem. The original trilogy takes place during the 74-75th annual Hunger Games. It was interesting to see how the Hunger Games evolved. For example, the Tributes are treated like animals and are locked in cages during their pre-game training. Snow is also the one who introduces the idea of allowing Tributes to receive gifts from sponsors.

The novel is well done and is interesting from start to finish. You never really knew what was coming next. The novel has been made into a film by the same title which will star Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird. It will be in theaters on November 17.