The Victorious Victor: Who emerged as the first Hunger Games champion?

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is a prequel to the popular Katniss Everdeen movie franchise, focusing on the 10th annual Hunger Games. However, readers of Suzanne Collins's dystopian book series may wonder: who was the first winner of the Hunger Games?

Back in 2012, fans were introduced to the thrilling live-action adaptation of Collins's beloved young adult book series. In the fictional world of Panem, each of the 12 districts is obliged to sacrifice a tribute between the ages of 12 and 18. These young tributes are thrown into a merciless Hunger Games, where they must fight for survival and strive to be the sole victor, all while their feats are broadcasted on television.

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The Hunger Games franchise began with the victory of Katniss Everdeen in the 74th annual Hunger Games. However, in 2020, Collins released a prequel to the series called The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes explores events dating back to the 10th annual Hunger Games. This raises the question of whether the books unveil the identity of the very first winner of the Hunger Games.

The first winner of the Hunger Games can be tricky

Esme Yule, a 16-year-old from District 7, is believed to be the initial champion of the Hunger Games, as depicted in fan fiction. However, the information provided by Collins's book only delves into the first ten annual games. Further exploration through a Google search leads fans to the 34th Hunger Games FANON Wiki, where they may initially be led to believe that Esme's victory was indeed the first. Nevertheless, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that this concept was formulated by fans and does not align with the original storyline in the books. Despite this, Esme Yule, a lumberjack from District 7, emerged as the victor.

Magnus recounts a tale in which the games occur in a vast field. The account depicts Esme choking a fellow participant and brutally killing a boy, potentially from District 9, with her axe. The fanfiction further elaborates that she later returns as a mentor for the 5th and 12th annual Hunger Games.

According to Collins's books and the Hunger Games Victor Wiki, Lucy Gray Baird is recognized as the earliest victor of the Hunger Games. At the tender age of 16, she was selected to compete in the 10th annual Hunger Games, hailing from District 12. Mayor Lipp specifically chose her due to her romantic affiliations with his daughter's former lover. Through careful planning and expertise in poison, Lucy emerged triumphant in the games.

The majority of the victors who come after Lucy have passed away, but Beetee Latier, Haymitch Abernathy, Enobaria, Annie Cresta, Katniss Everdeen, and Peeta Mellark are still alive. For more Hunger Games coverage, head over to Dexerto's other articles.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am fascinated by the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The book explores the 10th annual Hunger Games and introduces us to Lucy Gray Baird, the first-ever victor. Lucy Gray is a complex and intriguing character, and I am eager to learn more about her story.

The Hunger Games is a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the power of propaganda. The books are a reminder that we must always fight for our freedom and never give up hope, even in the darkest of times.