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“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins — Book Summary

The well-known “Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins has a prequel called “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”. The story is set in the dystopian republic of Panem and takes place 64 years before the events of “The Hunger Games,” during the tenth Hunger Games. It centers on the life of Coriolanus Snow, who subsequently transforms into the merciless President Snow.

the life of Coriolanus Snow, who subsequently transforms into the merciless President Snow
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Chapter 1:

Coriolanus Snow, an eighteen-year-old descended from the once-powerful Snow family, is living in squalor in the Capitol at the start of the novel. In the next Hunger Games, he mentors a tribute from District 12 in an effort to bring his family’s money and prestige back.

Coriolanus Snow, an eighteen-year-old descended from the once-powerful Snow family
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Chapter 2:

District 12’s Lucy Gray Baird is given to Coriolanus as an homage. She’s a superb singer and performer, he finds out. During the Games, he hopes to leverage her abilities to secure sponsors for her.

Lucy Gray Baird is given to Coriolanus as an homage. She’s a superb singer and performer
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Chapter 3:

Lucy Gray and Coriolanus arrive at the Capitol for the pre-Games activities. His lack of connections and power makes it difficult for him to find sponsors.

Claim your FREE Copy of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Here

Lucy Gray and Coriolanus arrive at the Capitol for the pre-Games activities
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Chapter 4:

The tributes take part in a public event where the audience is enthralled by Lucy Gray’s singing. Coriolanus understands that her notoriety could aid him in obtaining sponsors.

the audience is enthralled by Lucy Gray’s singing
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Chapter 5:

Lucy Gray’s independence makes it hard for Coriolanus to be her tutor. He finds it difficult to restrain her since he thinks it would hurt their chances of winning.

Lucy Gray’s independence makes it hard for Coriolanus to be her tutor.
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Chapter 6:

Coriolanus seeks to control the arena’s activities as the Games draw near in order to guarantee Lucy Gray’s triumph and survival.

Claim your FREE Copy of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Here

Coriolanus seeks to control the arena’s activities as the Games draw near
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Chapter 7:

As the Hunger Games get underway, Coriolanus must deal with the harsh realities of the arena. He experiences mixed feelings while he witnesses Lucy Gray battle for her life.

As the Hunger Games get underway, Coriolanus must deal with the harsh realities of the arena
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Chapter 8:

As the Games go on, Coriolanus encounters unforeseen difficulties that put his morality and allegiance to the test.

As the Games go on, Coriolanus encounters unforeseen difficulties
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Chapter 9:

As alliances are formed and betrayals take place inside the arena, tensions increase. Coriolanus struggles with his aspirations for achievement and his developing compassion for Lucy Gray.

Claim your FREE Copy of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Here

Coriolanus struggles with his aspirations for achievement and his developing compassion for Lucy Gray
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Chapter 10:

The Games culminate in a plot with surprising turns and surprises. Coriolanus is compelled to make tough choices that will affect his life and destiny for a long time.

Coriolanus is compelled to make tough choices that will affect his life
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Chapter 11:

Coriolanus returns to the Capitol following the Games, struggling to deal with the fallout and thinking about his future.

Coriolanus returns to the Capitol following the Games, struggling to deal with the fallout
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Chapter 12:

Coriolanus must deal with the fallout from his deeds and decisions made throughout the Games. He becomes aware of the depth of the political environment in the Capitol’s dishonesty and manipulation.

Claim your FREE Copy of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Here

Coriolanus must deal with the fallout from his deeds and decisions made throughout the Games.
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Chapter 13:

In the epilogue, Coriolanus establishes the foundation for his eventual rise to prominence by realizing the power dynamics at work and the course he must follow to advance in Panem’s society.

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Conclusion:

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” offers a more comprehensive look into President Snow’s personality by highlighting the moments that molded his cunning and lust for power. Through Coriolanus Snow’s voyage, readers are exposed to the corrupting influence of the Capitol, as well as moral quandaries and deception. In a compelling and thought-provoking story, Suzanne Collins deftly weaves together themes of ambition, morality, and the cost of power.

Claim your FREE Copy of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Here

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