It’s pretty difficult to forget the 74th reaping of the Hunger Games when Katniss Everdeen bravely volunteered in place of her sister, Prim. 

“I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!” will forever be replayed in my head, no doubt being one of the most memorable pop culture moments of film and literature. 

No one from District 12 had volunteered in decades, which is partly what made this act so dramatic. Naturally, the movie further capitalized on this drama, leaving us with an unforgettable scene portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence.

After reading “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” I have no doubt Lucy Gray Baird, the protagonist in the book, will give Katniss a run for her money. The prequel takes place 64 years earlier during the 10th Hunger Games. 

The Games as we know them are completely different during the prequel. Yes, the essence of inhumanity remains the same, but it’s intensified by the lack of glamor –– like a peacock without its feathers –– or a rotting president without his roses. 
The Capitol makes no effort to disguise their disgust for the tributes. There is no fancy train ride, no over-the-top costumes and no delicious banquet. They don’t bother to feed the pigs before the slaughter. To the capital, the tributes are merely animals whose sole purpose is to pay for the sins of their rebellious ancestors.

In the 10th Hunger Games, Lucy Gray is 16 years old while Coriolanus Snow — who will climb the ranks to be a ruthless dictator and the president of Panem during the span of “The Hunger Games” —  is an 18-year-old guppy.

Coriolanus “Coryo” Snow may as well be a different person. Snow was not born innately evil. He is just a young man desperate to get into university in order to make a life for himself and his family — a concept many of us can relate to. 

His ticket to university: being a mentor to the District 12 tribute — ballad-singing, ruffle-wearing Lucy Gray Baird. They’re reliant on one another for survival; with no choice but to hatch a plan to ensure both of them success. Much like Katniss and Peeta, however, a certain four-letter word has a way of sneaking up when least expected. 

Although I am a diehard Everlark (Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark) shipper, the chemistry between Snow and Baird was palpable. One would think knowing how Snow turns out ruins the book, but it only made it more interesting. Life is about the journey, not the destination. If I ever believed this cliche to be true, it would be regarding this book.

I am curious to see how well actress Rachel Zegler captures Lucy Gray’s natural star quality, with Gray’s ability to soften even the toughest of characters and her carefree attitude despite being sentenced to death. When the film comes to theaters November 17, my inquiry shall be answered.

Until then, may the odds be ever in your favor.