Siara's Thoughts On The Hunger Games (repost 11-18)
- Siara Carpenter
- Nov 25, 2023
- 2 min read
I am a diehard Hunger Games fan. The love I had for it back in fourth grade is only resurfacing now with the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. In this blog post I will discuss how effective of a series The Hunger Games (THG) trilogy is and the importance of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (BSS).
THG was on the NYT Bestselling list for six years. THG details what happens in war, how unchecked powers abuse their citizens, and the importance of banding together to gain what you want. The books specifically show this from the tributes ' perspective rather than viewing it like a Capitol member. You can see planning, mourning, and history all in one fell swoop. THG is barely about the love story of Katniss and Peeta, it's about a hunter, who has grown up in squalor being forced to perform for those who put her in that position. Katniss is rightfully upset, but her story translates into many things. This is how war impacts other countries, and America is the ruling power.
BSS is about a performer forced to hunt. She is a victim to her society and she is not strong enough to change it. This installment, which happens 64 years before THG, shows how this power differential started. While I could go on about this series. It is important to note that this has some of the most solid worldbuilding of any book series that I have ever read, with a very applicable real life comparison. Suzanne Collins could milk this series for 70 other books, full of worldbuilding and stuffing her pockets, but she writes when she has something to say, which makes it powerful.
As a fellow diehard Hunger Games fan, I completely resonate with your rekindled love for the series, especially with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I agree that The Hunger Games trilogy is exceptionally effective, spending six years on the NYT Bestselling list. The books delve into the consequences of war, the abuse of power, and the importance of unity, all from the perspective of the tributes, not the Capitol.
Your point about Suzanne Collins' restraint in extending the series is spot on. It's refreshing that she prioritizes substance over quantity, making each installment impactful. As fans, we're fortunate to have a series that not only captivates but also reflects on relevant societal issues.
Super interesting to see your passion for The Hunger Games and how it evolved with time, especially with this recent prequel. I like how you highlighted the importance of the series beyond the Katniss and Peeta love affair and focused on the greater nuances of oppression and resistance. Looking forward to see the movie soon.
Katniss was the screensaver on my phone throughout middle school. The Hunger Games is one of my favorite book and movie series, and the widespread appreciation for it among those around me is testament to its exceptional quality. The underlying themes of the series are incredibly powerful, and viewing it with that perspective in mind makes the experience even more profound. I haven't seen the new movie yet, but your enthusiastic review gives me hope that it lives up to the high standards set by the original trilogy.
While I haven't read all the books, I too am a fan of The Hunger Games series. I remember reading the first book and crying, and then seeing the first movie and bawling. The world building you described is truly impactful among all audiences, captivating people and bringing them into the danger of Panem. Now, I just recently saw The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and needless to say, I wasn't a fun. I felt it was too focused on pleasing audiences then grounding itself in the raw, violent and true world the original movies displayed. Also, wasn't a fan of the acting... but that is a different story.
Like you, I also read the Hunger Games books in middle school, and was immediately hooked. I thought the story was great, and I thought many of the acts of resistance by members of different districts was very emotional and inspiring. I have not read BSS yet or seen the movie yet, and I'm looking forward to viewing it.