A new Hunger Games prequel movie will finally correct one of the most awkward plot points from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The Hunger Games released its first feature film in 2012, based on the original novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. In the years that followed, the movie had three more sequels which explored the original trilogy of books in more depth, with the final part of that series hitting theaters in 2015.

Eight years later, the franchise returned to theaters with the incredibly popular Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which explored Panem many decades earlier, and took a closer look at the early life of Coriolanus Snow. Despite a generally positive reception for the movie, there was one aspect that audiences, myself included, struggled to reconcile. Fortunately, another prequel is on the way that will be able to correct this and slot in with the franchise without any obvious dissonance.

I Couldn’t Get Past The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes’ Attempt To Humanize Snow

The Whole Movie Was Leading Up To His Downfall

Listen, I love a complex villain. Characters that are one dimensional and trying to stop the heroes just because make no sense, and make for a lackluster story. But, when the prequel story follows the primary antagonist and tries to turn them into a tragic hero who falls into a pattern of misfortune, I can’t help feeling that it contradicts the original story. Yes, they become more complex and compelling, but it also introduces two considerable issues that are not easily pushed aside.

Firstly, as in the case of Snow, it makes them a victim. Watching the original trilogy with new knowledge about Snow’s poverty, mistreatment by those in authority, and his sincere feelings of love and loss changes the narrative. Secondly, as a result, it makes the hero of the original stories feel less justified. Katniss fights the oppressive rule of President Snow, a man who tries to control her life, and attempts to have her killed on several occasions. However, Ballad attempts to make him more relatable, and thus makes Katniss appear more antagonistic and rash for lashing out.

Snow Will Return To Being A Villain In Hunger Games’ New Movie

The President Who Sends Children To Fight For Their Lives

Fortunately, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes place a few decades later, with Snow having become an established villain, and hopefully no ambiguity about his alignment. While Sunrise will be a sequel to Ballad, it is still many years before the original trilogy, but Snow has had time to accept his broken morality, and lean into his role as a leader in the Capitol, and a tyrant to the districts. This will clearly be seen in any interactions he may have with tributes for the 50th Hunger Games, including Haymitch from District 12.

During The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Snow could already be President of Panem. His rise to power will come to fruition, and after years of struggling to get control, he will effectively win. With his history with the Annual Hunger Games, and his pivotal role in the Capitol, his role as a villain in a story which puts Haymitch at the center will be much more clear. Instead of a teenage boy struggling with complex feelings, this Snow will be an unfeeling monster who sends children into the arena to die.

Sunrise On The Reaping Can Make Snow Even Scarier Than The Hunger Games Trilogy

Showcasing His Rise To Power, And Fall From Grace

When Snow is last seen in Ballad, the young man has built up a relationship with the Head Gamemaker, Dr. Volumnia Gaul. Gaul was incredibly excited by the ideas young Snow shared about how to make the Games more popular, and incentivize residents in the Capitol to tune in and participate in the momentous event. In the original trilogy, President Snow is mainly concerned with his duties as the leader of Panem, only interacting with the games in a reduced capacity.

Considering his work with Gaul, it is possible that Snow went on to become Head Gamemaker after The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which would explain his relationship with Haymitch. In this pivotal role, it would further highlight how far the character has fallen, and his cruelty. Not only would Snow be allowing these children to be sent into a fight to the death, but he would be literally designing the games and pulling the strings that force them to become murderers and victims. Fighting for their lives, and enduring cruel and unusual torture for the entertainment of the Capitol.