"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a thrilling prequel to the beloved Hunger Games series. Set in the Capitol during the tenth annual Hunger Games, it follows eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow as he prepares for his chance at glory. Once a proud member of the Snow family, Coriolanus now faces hard times. He is tasked with mentoring the female tribute from District 12, a role filled with humiliation and challenge. This is the lowest district, and the odds are stacked against him.

As he navigates the cruel and competitive world of the Hunger Games, every decision Coriolanus makes could lead to either triumph or disaster. His life becomes deeply intertwined with that of his tribute, leading him to experience emotions he never expected. Inside the arena, peril awaits, as competitors are forced to fight to the death. Outside, Coriolanus wrestles with his growing feelings for his tribute and the necessity to comply with the ruthless rules of the Games. This gripping story explores ambition, power, and the moral dilemmas that come when survival is at stake.