The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes vs. The Hunger Games: Which Is Better

The Characters: Lucy Gray vs. Katniss

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is reigniting the popularity of The Hunger Games, but it's also raising questions about which movie is better. The Hunger Games prequel takes viewers back to the 10th iteration of the Games, offering insight into Panem's history and how the Capitol's punishment evolved over time. Like the original Hunger Games, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes focuses on a tribute from District 12: Lucy Gray Baird. Lucy's experience in the arena is much different than Katniss' during the 74th Hunger Games. However, their stories also bear a few obvious similarities.

Lucy Gray Baird looking shocked in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes next to Katniss Everdeen sitting on a throne in her red Mockingjay suit from The Hunger Games

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the lowest-grossing Hunger Games movie thus far, but it's still received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Despite making nearly $400 million less at the worldwide box office than 2012's The Hunger Games, Lucy Gray's story seems to be resonating with viewers nearly as much as Katniss'. However, comparing the prequel to the first Hunger Games movie in terms of characters and storytelling, there's one clear winner.

Katniss concerned in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Snow and Lucy Gray looking at each other in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

It's difficult to choose between Katniss Everdeen and Lucy Gray, as the two Hunger Games franchise leads are such different characters. Katniss is hot-headed and savvy with a bow, while Lucy Gray is a performer at heart. Lucy's charm is obvious from the moment her name is called in the Reaping, whereas Katniss' sarcastic and standoffish nature is why the Capitol falls for her. Both characters use their strengths to their advantage, but their contrasting natures render their approaches very different. In fact, one could say that Lucy Gray has more in common with Peeta Mellark than Katniss in terms of her presence and behavior in the Hunger Games.

Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games with Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Like Peeta, Lucy uses her ability to work a crowd to survive the 10th Hunger Games tournament. Her songs captivate audiences, and they even get citizens of the Capitol on her side. Lucy's undoubtedly more charming than Katniss, but Katniss has something that's more impressive overall: courage. Lucy can't help being reaped, and she does her best to survive the Hunger Games. However, Katniss volunteers in place of her sister, knowing the odds aren't in her favor. She's also willing to die rather than kill Peeta at the end of the tournament. It's this strength and bravery that puts Katniss a step above Lucy Gray.

hunger-games-ballad-songbirds-snakes-lucygray-made-sugar-katniss

The Casts: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes vs. The Hunger Games

Both The Hunger Games and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes have great casts, but the original movie's lineup proves a bit stronger. When it comes to leading roles, the two offerings are on equal footing. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are iconic as Katniss and Peeta, but Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth are just as impressive as Lucy Gray and a young Coriolanus Snow. All the leads fit their book counterparts well, and they dominate the screen every time they're on it.

Katniss is kneeling on the ground, with arrows on her back in The Hunger Games.

In terms of fame and talent, the supporting casts of The Hunger Games and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes are also equivalent. Viola Davis and Peter Dinklage bring as much name recognition and experience to their roles as Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Donald Sutherland. Unfortunately, the latter three are more memorable in their parts, perhaps due to how iconic their characters have become. Even without that element, Harrelson and Banks' performances make viewers want to root for their characters. Davis and Dinklage both play villains, and they just don't capture viewers' hearts the way Effie and Haymitch do.

Peeta, dirty and leaning back in the Hunger Games

The Storytelling: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes vs. The Hunger Games

When it comes to the storytelling aspect of both movies, one truth must be recognized: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' plot wouldn't be as meaningful without The Hunger Games. The 2023 film is a prequel, and as such, most of its appeal lies in its relation to the original series. Without an understanding of who President Snow becomes, Coriolanus' journey is far less interesting. Likewise, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is incredibly impressive in its world-building. However, the original Hunger Games movie establishes Panem and its politics in the first place, opening the door for the prequel to elaborate.

Effie giving a speech in The Hunger Games

Not only does The Hunger Games offer a fully original and fleshed out story without further context, but it focuses on themes of dissent. As The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a villain origin story, it treats the Games as an inevitable status quo, and criticizing them from a less direct angle. The Hunger Games sees Katniss pushing back against the Capitol multiple times throughout its run, and it makes her story a more powerful and compelling one overall.

Haymitch eating breakfast with Katniss and Peeta on the train in The Hunger Games

Comparison of the Hunger Games

Although Katniss' first Hunger Games are more interesting visually — the Capitol's technology and methods of torture evolve significantly from the 10th tournament to the 74th — Lucy Gray's time in the arena is actually more memorable. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes does a better job of making viewers feel for every tribute, offering some truly tragic moments over the course of its run. Between Lamina killing Marcus out of mercy and Reaper covering the deceased tributes in Panem's flag, the 10th annual Hunger Games contains more powerful moments from supporting players than the 74th, which mainly focuses on how the tournament impacts Katniss, Peeta, and Rue.

Katniss volunteers as tribute in The Hunger Games

Additionally, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes gives more history and depth to the Games, showing viewers how they become the extravagant affair Katniss is involved in decades later. Lucy Gray's Games provide context for what comes next. They make sense of the mutts, sponsorships, and the improved treatment of the tributes, all of which serve to keep the Capitol's cruel punishment going longer.

Although The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a strong follow-up to the original Hunger Games movies, the first Hunger Games film still reigns supreme. Katniss' story is gripping from the moment she volunteers in place of Prim, and her journey maintains a strong sense of hope throughout. Lucy's Games feel bleaker, and rightfully so. They're meant to expand on Panem's tragic and violent history, and they do a great job in that regard. However, The Hunger Games is the film that establishes that world and gives meaning to the franchise overall, kickstarting the rebellion that eventually takes down the corrupt system Katniss and Lucy both live in.