Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

I was able to check out the prequel to Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games franchise, Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes last week. It was an interesting movie, to say the least, but it lacked what all the others had, action and depth. However, it still continued to give us an insight into the characters and the role of their place within the games and their districts. I understand that the movie is to set up why one of the main characters in the franchise, President Snow, became President Snow, and why he has so much hatred for the franchise's hero, Katniss Everdeen in the rest of the movies, but, it didn't touch on the other main character, Lucy Grey Baird (played by Rachel Zegler). Unless you've read the books, you won't know the connection between the two. But we aren't here to discuss that, let us get back to business.

We follow the story of Coriolanus Snow (played by Tom Blyth), who is trying his hardest to make sure his cousin Tigris Snow(played by Hunter Schafer) and their Grandma'am(played by Fionnula Flaragan) are protected and safe as rebels in the district continue to fight back against the government at The Capitol. The 10th Hunger Games is approaching and The Capitol is working to take back complete control over all of the districts. Current Headmaster of The Capitol's Academy, Casca Highbottom(played by Peter Dinklage), and, leader and creator of the Games, Dr. Volumnia Gaul(played by Viola Davis), work together in a sense to pair their 24 top seniors at the Academy with a tribute from each district as their final assignment. They must try to keep their tributes alive in order to pass the class and win the monetary prize for themselves and their family, but we all know there can only be one victor for the capital. With some rebellious thoughts educated and bending some of the laws that they have set between districts and people of the capital, Coriolanus was able to help her songbird, Lucy Gray, reach the light at the end of the tunnel. But not before she learns about him as well.

The movie was a smash hit! With not only pulling in big numbers for opening weekend ($121.2 million within the U.S. and Canada, and $122.7 million in other territories), and a stellar cast and storyline to keep the audience interested, it was an excellent movie! Now, the hope is that Suzanne Collins can continue the franchise and give us more prequels. What's a character you'd want a prequel for?

<Photo Credits to Suzanne Collins and Lionsgate>