The fifth movie in the Hunger Games series, Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, recently hit the movie theaters on November 17. This prequel is set in Panem, a fictional republic, sixty-four years before the games with Katniss and Peeta in Catching Fire. The concept of the Hunger Games is completely bizarre, with tributes being randomly selected in each district to fight till the death on live television. Before watching the movie, I was skeptical if the Hunger Games series would continue its greatness with this latest installment. Running two hours and thirty-eight minutes, the movie was captivating from start to finish. Even though I’m not a fan of frightening films, I loved watching this thrilling movie. 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes tells the fascinating backstory of President Snow and how he became the tyrant of Panem. In this movie, Snow is a young, hardworking student with ambition. His goal is to be rewarded with the Plinth Prize, a substantial cash prize. The student that is the best mentor in the 10th annual Hunger Games is awarded this prize. A mentor gives valuable information and tactics to the tributes to help them win the Hunger Games. Snow prepares his tribute Lucy Gray for the arena. Lucy Gray is quite the character. She sings right after being selected for the games and wears the same rainbow corset-shaped dress. Soon, Snow and Lucy Gray develop complicated feelings. Their main focus, however, is to win the games. Snow does everything he can to be the best mentor for Lucy Gray. 

Their outcome after the games is what ultimately leads to Snow’s villain arc. The director did an excellent job blending in many references to prior films. If you are a fan of the previous Hunger Game movies, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be just as enjoyable. The action-packed scenes are best viewed on the big screen. I completely recommend watching this movie in the theaters.