Is Another Hunger Games Book in the Works?
Is Suzanne Collins planning to extend the Hunger Games series beyond the prequel, Songbirds and Snakes? Fans eagerly await news of a potential sequel installment to the highly popular dystopian saga
The Hunger Games fans recently received another addition to the franchise with the release of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2022. Authored by Suzanne Collins, this prequel book has raised questions about the possibility of a future Hunger Games installment.
Collins's trilogy began in 2008 with the publication of The Hunger Games, which follows the journey of Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers to protect her younger sister in the 74th annual Hunger Games. This was followed by the release of Catching Fire in 2009 and Mockingjay in 2010. Two years later, the highly anticipated live-action adaptation hit theaters in 2012, culminating with Mockingjay – Part 2 in 2015.
After the successful franchise of The Hunger Games, Collins penned a prequel titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which takes place 64 years before Katniss's story, amidst the 10th annual Hunger Games.
Furthermore, Lionsgate adapted the prequel novel into a film starring Rachel Zegler as the lead character Lucy Gray Baird. Given the film's box office triumph, one wonders if Collins will embark on creating a sequel or another Hunger Games book.
Could Songbirds and Snakes get a sequel installment?
Suzanne Collins hasn’t revealed plans to write another book in the Hunger Games series and no plans to develop a sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
If Collins does not have any intention to create a sequel for Songbirds & Snakes or any other Hunger Games book, producer Nina Jacobson will allow the franchise to remain as it is. In an interview with Polygon, Jacobson expressed that if Collins had a compelling story to share within this world or something to delve into, it would be wonderful. However, if this is not the case, it would be preferable to maintain the franchise as something that people remember fondly instead of simply producing a sequel for the sake of creating one.
"I believe she will continue writing more books in the world, and I hope she does. However, I have no clue what they will entail," she added.
In 2020, Collins explained her decision to return to the franchise by writing a prequel book. "Currently, I have two distinct realms - the Underland from The Underland Chronicles series and Panem from The Hunger Games. I utilize both of these worlds to explore various aspects of just war theory. Once I identify a relevant subject worth exploring, I determine which world it fits best in. The state of nature debate during the Enlightenment period naturally aligned with a story focused on Coriolanus Snow," she explained to Scholastic.
Jacobson noted that Collins doesn't write solely for financial gain, but rather when she has a compelling tale to share. The recent release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes hints at potential future explorations within the expansive Hunger Games universe. At this time, fans will have to patiently anticipate when the writer will be inspired once again. Be sure to explore Dexerto's additional coverage on The Hunger Games series.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of The Hunger Games series, I eagerly await news of a potential sequel installment. Suzanne Collins's captivating storytelling and intricate world-building have captivated readers for over a decade, and I believe there is still much more to explore within the realm of Panem.
While I understand and respect Collins's decision to focus on other projects, I can't help but feel a sense of longing for more. The prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, provided a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Panem and the origins of the Hunger Games, but it also raised many questions and left room for further exploration. I would love to see Collins return to the world of Panem and continue the story of Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, and the other characters we've come to know and love.
