Scenes I Hope Make It Into the New Hunger Games Prequel Film — The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Spoilers Ahead for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I will be referencing important scenes to the plot of The Hunger Games prequel book.
On May 19, 2020 Suzanne Collins released a prequel to the popular Hunger Games trilogy titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It was made official that director Francis Lawrence would be returning for the film adaptation. The film is set to hit theaters on November 17, 2023.
Before any trailers come out, I thought it would be fun to look back at the book and list the important scenes from the novel that I hope will make the cut.
- The Hanging Tree scene
During Coriolanus Snow’s brief stint as a peacekeeper in District 12, the origin of The Hanging Tree is illustrated in tragic detail. Since the song plays a powerful role in Mockingjay, I hope this scene makes the cut. Having Lucy Gray’s version of the song to compare and contrast to Katniss Everdeen’s would be a cool parallel. The scene itself is also important in exemplifying how life in District 12 has always been a struggle.
- Sejanus and Coriolanus in the arena
The arena scenes are always captivating and tense. Reading about Sejanus and Coriolanus running from the tributes in the arena was one of the most stressful chapters I have ever read. This scene offers an eye-opening perspective to the reality of the games themselves. After reading the book through the perspective of a mentor for so long, it was jarring to be thrown back into a flight or fight scenario.
Sejanus was in the arena voluntarily, trying to show his tribute some respect, while Snow was forced into the arena against his will. I love that this mirrors the volunteering rule that is allowed at the Reaping ceremony years down the line.
- The snakes in the lab
The scene where Snow is first introduced to the snake mutations was terrifying. This scene chillingly illustrates how dark and horrific the Capitol’s methods have always been.
- Snow lying to the Plinth family
At the end of the book, Snow lies to the Plinth family about their son’s fate. Conveniently keeping it a secret that Snow is the reason for his execution, he allows them to name him as heir to their fortune. This is an important detail for Snow’s character as he begins his rise to power. It proves that from the beginning, he did not care what he had to do to get ahead.
- The Valley Song
The Valley Song was only referenced in The Hunger Games by Peeta Mellark when he and Katniss Everdeen take refuge in the cave during the 74th games. He mentions Katniss singing The Valley Song back when they were little kids in school.
Lucy Gray sings The Valley Song during her interview before her hunger games. Maiah Wynne on YouTube has a version of this song that is truly beautiful.
Have you read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? What scene are you hoping to see in the movie? Are there any scenes you are hoping they cut? Let me know in the comments!
ashleyohare 