The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | Suzanne Collins | Cliff Note Books
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a prequel to “The Hunger Games” trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins and published in 2020. The novel is set in the dystopian world of Panem, 64 years before the events of “The Hunger Games.” It follows the life of a young Coriolanus Snow, who would later become the tyrannical President Snow in the original series.
The story takes place during the 10th Hunger Games, an annual event where tributes from each of Panem’s 12 districts are pitted against each other in a televised fight to the death. Coriolanus Snow, an 18-year-old from the Capitol, is chosen as a mentor for the Games, tasked with guiding the female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird.
Initially, Snow is unhappy with his assignment, as District 12 is known for its poverty and low chances of victory. However, he soon discovers that Lucy Gray possesses a unique charm and musical talent. As the Games progress, Snow becomes increasingly invested in her survival and success, and the two develop a complicated relationship.
Throughout the novel, Snow grapples with his own ambitions, morals, and the expectations placed upon him by his family and society. The book delves into the origins of the Hunger Games and how they evolved into the form seen in the original trilogy, while also exploring themes of power, privilege, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
In “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” readers gain a deeper understanding of President Snow’s character and motivations, as well as the early history of Panem and the seeds of rebellion that would eventually lead to the events of “The Hunger Games.”
CHARACTERS
- Coriolanus Snow: The novel’s protagonist, an 18-year-old from the Capitol who eventually becomes the infamous President Snow. Born into a once-wealthy family that has fallen on hard times, Snow is ambitious and eager to reclaim his family’s status. As a mentor in the 10th Hunger Games, he is assigned to guide Lucy Gray Baird, which leads to a complicated relationship between them. The novel follows his journey as he grapples with his own morals, ambitions, and loyalties.
- Lucy Gray Baird: The female tribute from District 12, chosen to participate in the 10th Hunger Games. She is a talented singer and performer, with a captivating charm that captures Snow’s attention. Over the course of the novel, she becomes both an ally and a love interest for Snow, while also serving as a symbol of the districts’ struggle against the Capitol’s oppression.
- Sejanus Plinth: Snow’s classmate and fellow mentor in the Hunger Games, Sejanus comes from a wealthy family that moved from District 2 to the Capitol. He struggles with the cruelty and injustice of the Games and often clashes with Snow over their differing perspectives. Sejanus represents a more compassionate and empathetic point of view in contrast to Snow’s ambition and pragmatism.
- Dr. Volumnia Gaul: The eccentric and sinister Head Gamemaker who oversees the 10th Hunger Games. She takes a special interest in Snow, recognizing his potential as a future leader. Dr. Gaul is a driving force behind the development of the Hunger Games into the brutal spectacle seen in the original trilogy, and she encourages Snow to embrace his darker instincts.
- Tigris: Snow’s cousin and closest confidante, who provides support and encouragement throughout the novel. She later appears in the original trilogy as a member of the resistance against President Snow’s regime.
- The Covey: A group of traveling musicians, including Lucy Gray, who play a significant role in the story. They serve as a symbol of unity and the spirit of the districts in their struggle against the Capitol.
QUOTES
- “Snow lands on top.” This quote, repeated throughout the novel, highlights the Snow family’s ambition and determination to reclaim their status in the Capitol.
- “Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping.” This line is spoken by Lucy Gray Baird during a key moment in the story, demonstrating her resilience and defiance in the face of the Capitol’s oppressive regime.
- “May the odds be ever in your favor.” This phrase, which later becomes the iconic tagline of the Hunger Games, is introduced in this prequel as a slogan coined by the Capitol to encourage hope and excitement among the districts.
- “You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.” This quote from the novel showcases the desperation felt by the tributes during the Hunger Games and the lasting impact the event has on their lives.
- “The real work is done by those of us who have not forgotten the value of a life.” Spoken by Sejanus Plinth, this line illustrates his compassionate perspective and emphasizes the importance of empathy and humanity in the face of brutality.
- “There’s a snake in the garden, and it will strike. No one will be safe until it’s dead.” This quote from Dr. Volumnia Gaul reveals her sinister nature and foreshadows the events that would ultimately shape the future of Panem and the Hunger Games.
- “But deep down, we always knew it was a lie, didn’t we?” This line, spoken by Coriolanus Snow, reflects on the false hopes and empty promises made by the Capitol to maintain control over the districts.
Suzanne Collins is an American television writer and author, best known for her bestselling young adult series “The Hunger Games.” Born on August 10, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut, she grew up in a military family, with her father serving in the U.S. Air Force. This upbringing exposed her to various cultures and places, which would later influence her writing.
Collins graduated from Indiana University in 1985 with a double major in Theater and Telecommunications. She later earned her Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1989.
Collins started her writing career in children’s television, working on popular shows like “Clarissa Explains It All,” “The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo,” and “Little Bear.” In 2003, she made her debut as a novelist with “Gregor the Overlander,” the first book in the five-part “Underland Chronicles” series. This middle-grade fantasy series was well-received and laid the groundwork for her future success in the young adult genre.
In 2008, Collins published “The Hunger Games,” the first book in a dystopian trilogy that would become a cultural phenomenon. The series, which includes “Catching Fire” (2009) and “Mockingjay” (2010), explores themes of power, resistance, and survival in a brutal, post-apocalyptic world. The trilogy has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It also spawned a successful film franchise, with Collins serving as an executive producer and contributing to the screenplays.
In 2020, Collins released “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” a prequel to “The Hunger Games” trilogy that delves into the early history of Panem and the life of a young Coriolanus Snow, who would later become the series’ main antagonist.
Throughout her career, Collins has received numerous awards and honors, including the Bram Stoker Award, the California Young Reader Medal, and the Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers. Her work has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature and popular culture, making her one of the most influential authors of her generation.
SUMMARIES
Chapter 1: The story opens with 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow preparing for the reaping of the 10th Hunger Games. Snow, born into a once-prominent family, now struggles with poverty and strives to maintain appearances. He attends the reaping ceremony, where tributes from each district are selected.
Chapter 2: It’s announced that the Capitol Academy students will serve as mentors for the tributes. Snow is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12. Initially disappointed, he fears this will further damage his family’s reputation.
Chapter 3: Snow watches a recording of Lucy Gray’s reaping, where she captivates the audience with her singing. He begins to see potential in her and believes she might help him regain his family’s status.
Chapter 4: The tributes arrive at the Capitol, and Snow meets Lucy Gray for the first time. He’s taken aback by her charm and beauty, and the two form an immediate connection. He assures her he’ll help her in the Games.
Chapter 5: Snow attends a strategy meeting with other mentors, where they discuss ways to make the Games more popular. Snow suggests incorporating bets and gifts from sponsors to help tributes, generating excitement for the event. This idea is well-received.
Chapter 6: Snow and Lucy Gray prepare for her pre-Games interview. They discuss her musical talents and devise a plan to win the audience’s favor. Meanwhile, Snow’s relationship with his fellow mentor, Sejanus Plinth, becomes strained due to their differing views on the Games.
Chapter 7: Lucy Gray’s interview is a success, as she charms the audience with her singing and storytelling. Snow feels a growing attachment to her and hopes her performance will increase her odds of survival.
Chapter 8: Snow visits Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the Head Gamemaker, who takes an interest in his ideas and potential. She gives him access to the Games’ control room, where he learns about various traps and obstacles.
Chapter 9: The 10th Hunger Games begin, with the tributes sent into a makeshift arena in the Capitol’s zoo. Snow watches nervously as Lucy Gray navigates the dangerous environment. He feels a strong desire to protect her.
Chapter 10: As the Games progress, Snow and Sejanus continue to clash over their perspectives on the Games’ morality. Snow remains focused on ensuring Lucy Gray’s survival, while Sejanus becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Capitol’s brutality.
Chapter 11: Snow watches the Games closely, strategizing to keep Lucy Gray alive. He becomes increasingly invested in her survival, and their bond deepens. In the meantime, Snow’s fellow mentor and friend, Sejanus, grows more disturbed by the brutality of the Games.
Chapter 12: Lucy Gray manages to form alliances with other tributes, which increases her chances of survival. Snow is pleased with her progress, but also concerned about the dangers she faces.
Chapter 13: Sejanus, unable to bear the cruelty of the Games any longer, sneaks into the arena to help his tribute, Marcus. This puts both Sejanus and Snow in a precarious position, as mentors are forbidden from entering the arena.
Chapter 14: Snow enters the arena to save Sejanus from being caught, risking his own life in the process. In doing so, he gains a deeper understanding of the tributes’ experiences and the extent of the Games’ brutality.
Chapter 15: After rescuing Sejanus, Snow returns to the Capitol and faces punishment for his actions. However, Dr. Gaul, impressed by his resourcefulness, spares him from severe consequences.
Chapter 16: Lucy Gray is still in the arena, and Snow uses his newly acquired knowledge of the arena’s hazards to guide her. As the number of tributes dwindles, the stakes become higher for both Lucy Gray and Snow.
Chapter 17: Dr. Gaul introduces “muttations” (mutated animals) into the Games to increase the spectacle and danger. This further horrifies Sejanus and raises the stakes for all tributes, including Lucy Gray.
Chapter 18: As the Games reach their climax, Lucy Gray relies on her cunning and resourcefulness to stay alive. Snow becomes increasingly worried for her safety and continues to devise strategies to help her.
Chapter 19: Lucy Gray eventually emerges as the victor of the 10th Hunger Games. Snow, relieved and overjoyed, looks forward to reuniting with her and building a future together.
Chapter 20: Following her victory, Lucy Gray returns to the Capitol, and she and Snow share a brief reunion. The Capitol celebrates her win, but Snow remains concerned about their future, given the many challenges that still lie ahead.
Chapter 21: Snow is awarded a scholarship to the University due to his mentoring success. However, his relief is short-lived, as he’s also enlisted into the Peacekeepers, Panem’s militarized police force.
Chapter 22: While awaiting his Peacekeeper assignment, Snow spends time with Lucy Gray and the Covey, her troupe of performers. The two grow closer, but Snow’s feelings are complicated by his ambitions and his loyalty to the Capitol.
Chapter 23: Snow receives his Peacekeeper assignment: District 12, the same district as Lucy Gray. He views this as both an opportunity to be with her and a punishment for his actions during the Games.
Chapter 24: Upon arriving in District 12, Snow is confronted with the harsh realities of life in the districts, which contrasts with the relative luxury of the Capitol. He begins his duties as a Peacekeeper, striving to maintain order.
Chapter 25: Snow reunites with Lucy Gray and the Covey, who are now performing in District 12. He’s torn between his feelings for her and his responsibilities as a Peacekeeper, which often conflict with his personal desires.
Chapter 26: Sejanus, also assigned to District 12 as a Peacekeeper, becomes involved with the district’s burgeoning rebellion against the Capitol. Snow discovers Sejanus’s involvement and is faced with a moral dilemma: whether to turn in his friend or protect him.
Chapter 27: Dr. Gaul arrives in District 12 to investigate the unrest, putting additional pressure on Snow. Meanwhile, Snow learns about a hidden stockpile of weapons that could aid the rebellion, further complicating his loyalties.
Chapter 28: In an attempt to protect Lucy Gray from danger, Snow decides to reveal the hidden weapons cache to the Peacekeepers, betraying Sejanus and the rebels. This decision leads to a violent confrontation, resulting in Sejanus’s death.
Chapter 29: Following the incident, Snow is hailed as a hero by the Capitol. He’s offered a chance to return to the Capitol and continue his education, but he struggles with the consequences of his actions and the cost of his ambition.
Chapter 30: Realizing that they cannot stay in District 12, Snow and Lucy Gray decide to run away together. They plan their escape, knowing that it will likely result in them being hunted by the Capitol.
Final Chapter: Snow and Lucy Gray set out to escape District 12 together, but their plan takes a dark turn when they come across a deadly snake. Snow believes Lucy Gray is responsible for the snake, intending to kill him. Paranoia and fear begin to consume him. Lucy Gray disappears into the woods, and Snow, not knowing her intentions, decides not to pursue her. He returns to District 12, uncertain of her fate and feeling betrayed.
Epilogue: Snow returns to the Capitol, where he resumes his studies and starts rebuilding his life. Over time, he rises through the ranks, eventually becoming the President of Panem. His experiences in District 12 and the 10th Hunger Games have shaped him into the ruthless and cunning leader seen in the original trilogy. The novel concludes by revealing that Snow maintained a connection to Tigris, his cousin, but their relationship deteriorates over the years. As Snow consolidates his power, the seeds of the rebellion continue to grow, setting the stage for the events of “The Hunger Games” trilogy.
The conclusion of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” explores the transformation of Coriolanus Snow into the authoritarian figure familiar from the original series, while also providing an insight into the origins of Panem’s rebellion and the development of the Hunger Games themselves.