VICTORIA OLGUIN – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JAN 31 2024
Love, betrayal, and fighting for one’s life in a world that is against them have been top trending topics in recent movies and books. It was no surprise that The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has made over $336.6 million in box office as of January 24. Heavy on these popular themes, this movie follows the story of Coriolanus Snow, a man who came from a wealthy family but lost it all once his father passed away. As his family began to starve, he then had to fight for fortune again with one condition: mentoring Lucy Gray, a selected individual who would be fighting in the annual Hunger Games. Snow was promised his fortune again, along with the position of president, if Gray was victorious. The story follows Gray and Snow as they both strive to be winners of the games.
Largely seen as a villain in the original trilogy, many became intrigued with Coriolanus Snow as they learned more about his harsh past. Social media like TikTok and Instagram Reels were flooded with Coriolanus Snow edits portraying their infatuation for Snow, often using his past to justify his inconsiderate actions as president. Sophomore business marketing major at UTSA, and former Rattler, Priseis Gutierrez was one of many who saw Coriolanus Snow differently after watching the movie. “I really liked the story of Snow. It really gave a background of why he is the way he is. It showed why Katniss caught his attention and foreshadowed a lot, although [we] already knew [the] ultimate demise,” Gutierrez stated. Many began attending the theaters wearing “I Love Snow” t-shirts and other Hunger Games merchandise. Stores like Hot Topic are now flooded with merchandise from the movie, including Lucy Gray’s dress and the academy uniform. Influencers have even gone as far as creating their own versions of Lucy Gray’s dress filled with many colors and patterns, clearly inspired by the costume design from the movie.
Perhaps what made the movie even more intriguing was the outstanding soundtrack.
The soundtrack included the intense ballad Can’t Catch Me Now by Olivia Rodrigo, which was shortlisted for Best Original Song for the Oscars, and Nothing You Can Take from Me by Rachel Zegler.
Many began to record themselves with these adventurous songs, pretending to go on quests or acting as if they were preparing for the Hunger Games.
The release of the movie brought back a fandom that first emerged back in 2008 when the first Hunger Games book was published, and in 2012 when the first Hunger Games movie was released.
Memes of previous Hunger Games actor, Josh Hutcherson, were all over social media featuring the infamous song Whistle by Flo Rida playing in the background.
Originally a book series, The Hunger Games has clearly seen immense success in the past and continues to see success with the new movie. However, even with the film’s success, loyal readers have noticed differences between the movie and the book. For one, the movie lacks the inner dialogue of Coriolanus Snow, leaving out Snow’s sinister thoughts that show his true, dark side. Additionally, different tributes experienced betrayal and death in the movie but did not in the book. Despite the differences between the movie and the book, one thing is clear: both portray love, betrayal, and fighting for one’s life in a world that is against them, something that many feel a connection to.