The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the latest addition to the Hunger Games series, explores a gripping tale of ambition, competition, and the heavy cost of power. As the morning of the tenth annual Hunger Games begins, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow sees an opportunity to rise to fame as a mentor. Once a proud member of the Snow family, he now faces difficult times, with his family's reputation hanging by a thread. He must outshine his peers to secure a chance at glory for himself and his family. However, the odds are stacked against him, as he is tasked with mentoring the female tribute from District 12, regarded as an underdog in the brutal competition.

As Coriolanus navigates the treacherous landscape of the Games, he finds himself grappling with his choices that could mean life or death. Every decision he makes with his tribute intertwines their fates, and he becomes increasingly torn between following the rules and his instinct to ensure survival. The arena transforms into a battleground where not only physical strength but also cunning and strategy come into play. Outside the arena, Coriolanus begins to develop feelings for his tribute, complicating his mission and forcing him to confront what he values most. This novel provides an intense exploration of his character, showcasing how ambition can clash with morality in a world where the stakes are life and death.