The Ultimate Ranking of the Most Captivating Characters in The Hunger Games Prequel

Highlights

Reaper Ash is a complex character with a deep hatred for the Capitol, but he's really just a conflicted teenager forced to participate in the Hunger Games.

Dean Casca Highbottom, despite his initial unlikeability, is in fact a vulnerable being striving to navigate the harshness of his existence.

Lucy Gray Baird, a district 12 entertainer, bears similarities to Katniss Everdeen but possesses her own unique allure and self-assuredness. Coriolanus Snow finds himself intrigued by her, unveiling an unexplored aspect of his personality.

The Hunger Games trilogy gained worldwide popularity upon its initial release, and now fans eagerly await the movie adaptation of its prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. While the prequel primarily delves into the early life of Coriolanus Snow, it also introduces pivotal characters who significantly shaped his journey and ultimately contributed to his rise as the leader of Panem.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes introduces a diverse array of memorable characters, but among them are a select few fan favorites that are sure to captivate viewers when they experience the movie for the very first time.

This article contains light spoilers for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

6 Reaper Ash

Reaper Ash is the male tribute from District 11 in the tenth annual Hunger Games; he is from the same district as the loveable Rue from The Hunger Games.

Reaper, a complex individual, carries a heavy burden of thoughts. Despite the lack of information about his past in District 11 prior to being chosen as a tribute for the Reaping, one thing is clear: his intense animosity towards the Capitol drives him to unconsciously rebel through certain actions.

He presents himself as tough and unyielding, yet his bravado and intimidating demeanor are mostly a facade. Beneath it all, he is simply a conflicted teenager, forcibly thrust into a grotesque event against his own desires.

5 Dean Casca Highbottom

Throughout The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Highbottom consistently appears, yet the true essence of his actions remains undisclosed until the conclusion. This revelation provides clarity regarding his addiction, as well as shedding light on his demeanor and various actions. Despite his initial portrayal as an unsympathetic and malicious individual from the Capitol, Highbottom is ultimately portrayed as a fractured being, incapable of effectively coping with the brutal reality he faces and the lingering unresolved issues that consume his thoughts.

4 Sejanus Plinth

Sejanus, a native of the district of Capitol, is entrusted with the role of mentoring a tribute in the tenth edition of the Hunger Games. As we delve into The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, we witness how Sejanus forms a strong bond with Coriolanus Snow, a staunch supporter of the Capitol's principles.

While fortunate enough to have the backing of the affluent Plinth family, Sejanus finds himself grappling with a dilemma. Despite his earnest endeavors, he struggles to establish a connection with the male tribute from his own district, District 2. This internal conflict becomes a significant source of turmoil for him.

Sejanus has a very good heart and is an extremely likable character, but unfortunately, the world around him is tough, and he has a particularly hard time fitting in.

3 Lucy Gray Baird

Lucy Gray Baird is the female tribute for District 12 during the tenth annual Hunger Games. Coriolanus Snow is the Academy student appointed as her mentor during the games.

Fans will observe the striking similarities between Lucy Gray and Katniss Everdeen, despite their stark differences. Both hailing from District 12, their primary concern is safeguarding their loved ones, and they possess musical talents. However, Lucy Gray sets herself apart as a charismatic entertainer radiating with confidence.

Lucy Gray's magnetic aura captivates Snow, revealing an entirely distinct facet of his character. This significant revelation sheds light on his initial treatment of Katniss in The Hunger Games series.

2 Dr. Volumnia Gaul

Dr. Gaul, a sinister being with a distorted psyche and a penchant for psychological manipulation, initially presents herself as an enigmatic and unsettling individual. However, it quickly becomes evident that her true nature is one of pure malevolence, reveling in the torment and mind games she inflicts upon others. This sadistic inclination is precisely why she derives great pleasure from assuming the role of the Head Gamemaker in the tenth annual Hunger Games.

Gaul holds an incredibly influential position within The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, striking fear even within the heart of Snow himself. While Coriolanus becomes a prime target for her psychological manipulations, Gaul inexplicably develops a peculiar fondness towards him, inadvertently becoming his mentor. Her compelling presence and captivating persona exert a formidable influence over him, ultimately shaping the individual he evolves into throughout The Hunger Games trilogy, much to the intrigue and fascination of fans.

1 Coriolanus Snow

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes delves deeper into the world of Panem, shedding light on crucial aspects. However, at its core, it is the origin story of Coriolanus Snow. While he is portrayed as a tyrant in power in The Hunger Games, this novel reveals that he wasn't always that way. Readers are given a glimpse into a different side of this character.

The narrative explores the complexities of Snow's thoughts, touching upon the devastating impact his family's downfall after the war had on him. Moreover, it becomes evident that the tenth annual Hunger Games and the subsequent events had a profound effect on him, altering the course of his life. These experiences, coupled with his contemplations and dangerous ambition, molded him into the dangerous and malevolent man we know.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is scheduled to hit theaters on November 17, 2023.