Following the release of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” a Hunger Games prequel, in May 2020, the Hunger Games audiences have been wondering whether this new novel will continue the movie saga. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” hits theaters on November 17, 2023 , answering all the pending questions. Coming back to the Hunger Games saga, Francis Lawrence returns for “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” after directing the previous three Hunger Games films. 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

This prequel novel focuses on a young President Snow (played by Tom Blyth). Before his malevolent and bloodthirsty regime, we find 18 year-old Coriolanus Snow broke and ambitions. The mighty house of Snow has taken a hard hit after the attempted revolution, and it is up to Snow to earn his name in the Capitol. He becomes the mentor of District 12’s female tribute in the 10th annual hunger games. Determined to mentor a winning tribute, Snow finds that he may care more for his tribute than he should. 

The last Hunger Games movie released in 2015, and all the details of the previous films may be forgotten. Here is a little recap of the Hunger Games Trilogy so you know everything you need to know about the dystopian world. 

The Hunger Games

“The Hunger Games” introduces us to Panem, a nation established after a series of catastrophic events ravaged the world. Panem consists of 13 districts and their central government, the Capitol. Each district provides a specific material or service for the wildly extravagant and wealthy capitol. This uneven relationship caused the first civil war of Panem. The districts’ rebellion failed and district 13 ceased to exist. The annual Hunger Games were born as a form of punishment for the surviving 12 districts. Every year each district must provide a male and female child tribute that must fight to the death until there is one remaining victor. 

The first novel brings us to the impoverished district 12 where we meet the protagonists. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute for the 74th hunger games after her younger sister’s name is chosen. Along with Katniss, Peeta Melark. Together, they were able to cheat the system, becoming victors of the games and lighting the spark of hope amongst the districts. 

“Catching Fire” follows Katniss and Peeta as they suffer the repercussions of winning the games. They tour the districts and witness the uprisings happening throughout the nation. In order to suppress the rebellion, President Snow announces that for the 75th games, the tributes will be chosen from the already existing victors. Peeta and Katniss return to the arena. However, this time they have allies. Katniss is rescued from the arena and Peeta is taken by the Capitol. 

The final installment, “Mockingjay” follows the full scale rebellion against the Capitol. District 13 reveals itself to be the driving force behind the rebellion and Katniss becomes the symbol of the rebellion.