Last year it was announced that Suzanne Collins, author of the popular Hunger Games series, has written a new book. She was happy to announce that this book would be within the Hunger Games world but would take place 64 years before the story of Katniss Everdeen. Well today, Entertainment Weekly shared an exclusive excerpt from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. After reading the excerpt through twice, I am still a bit skeptical. For you see, the main character of this novel is Coriolanus Snow. You would remember him as the big bad villain portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the films.
Now I have faith in the writing of Suzanne Collins and her upcoming book The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. However I am having a hard time coming to terms with Snow being anything but a villain. From the excerpt, he seems to be painted as someone we should like or dare I say it, feel pity for. Now this idea isn’t unheard of. Probably the best example lies in the Star Wars franchise and Darth Vader/ Anakin Skywalker. However, he attempts to redeem himself in the end of Return of the Jedi and we know this when watching the prequels. It gives me hope that Suzanne Collins will be able to capture our hearts, but eventually break them because you know something bad is going to happen for him to become the cruel old man we know.
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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes excerpt also introduces us to a much younger version of the games as a whole. In this Snow isn’t one of the tributes being sent away to his possible death, but one of those mentors tasked with helping them. We know that in the later version of the games, tributes mentors are previous winners. So it makes me wonder if something happens during this time that makes it change from members of from the academy. Not to mention, Snow is the mentor for a girl from District 12! Now we know from other books that there was another winner from District 12 but they passed before the 74th games. Could this be her?
We want to know how you feel about this whole idea. Read the excerpt here and let us know what your opinions are. Will it be possible for Suzanne Collins to make us like Snow? Or do you think this will be a case of an unlikable main character? Also do you think this mystery District 12 tribute is the unnamed winner from the original books?
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will release on May 19, 2020.
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
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