The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Everyone’s favourite dystopian series returns to the big screen with the long-awaited prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. (Doesn’t it just roll off the tongue?) Set 64 years before Katniss sets foot in the Games, Ballad follows the rise of Panem’s most ruthless dictator, Coriolanus Snow. As a Capitol mentor, Snow forms a bond with his allocated tribute, District 12’s charming songbird Lucy Gray Baird and tries to save her from a gory fate in the arena. Even though my relationship with this franchise has only recently blossomed, I was instantly drawn into the world of Panem in the cinema. The worldbuilding is so incredible! Also, it wouldn’t be a review by yours truly without mentioning the fantastic score, which features familiar instrumental themes and of course Zegler’s endearing and haunting folk performances throughout. The ending had me delving into lore and fan theories online for several hours, though there were a fair few ‘Young Snow Thirst Edits’ to wade through. Overall, it’s a thrilling addition to the franchise!

Sophie Cooper