The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes By Suzanne Collins

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a novel by best-selling author Suzanne Collins. The book is set in the world of the popular “Hunger Games” series, but takes place 64 years before the events of the first book. It tells the story of a young Coriolanus Snow, who would later become the tyrannical president of Panem.

The novel begins with the 10th annual Hunger Games, which takes place shortly after the end of the war between the Capitol and the districts. Coriolanus Snow, a privileged student at the Capitol’s Academy, is chosen to be a mentor for the Games. He is assigned to mentor the female tribute from District 12, a talented singer named Lucy Gray Baird.

As Snow gets to know Lucy Gray and helps her prepare for the Games, he begins to question his own values and the society he lives in. He is forced to confront the harsh realities of the Hunger Games and the Capitol’s treatment of the districts, while also dealing with his own personal demons.

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a gripping and thought-provoking read that explores themes such as power, corruption, and the human condition. It is a prequel to the “Hunger Games” trilogy, but can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Collins’ writing is engaging and descriptive, bringing the world of Panem to life in vivid detail. The characters are complex and well-developed, with Snow in particular being a fascinating and multi-layered protagonist. The book also offers a unique insight into the origins of the Hunger Games and the events that would ultimately lead to the rebellion.

Overall, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a must-read for fans of the “Hunger Games” series and anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel.