How do you feel about prequels? Logically I understand their purpose – back story and insight into our favorite character’s psyche. But, in most cases, shouldn’t this remain a mystery? I appreciate George Lucas tackling the prequel trilogy, but I don’t think I appreciate them enough.

Am I the only one who looks at Darth Vader a little differently after those movies? I cannot reconcile the image of my favorite villain as a youth, rolling around in a meadow of wildflowers and getting hay fever.

This is the crux of my problem with a book I’d really like to read – A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. I adore President Snow as a bad guy. A huge part of that is due to Donald Sutherland – that man is a brilliant actor. This book is a prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy. It focuses on Coriolanus Snow as a young man, before his rise to power. That is basically all I know. Even with the extensive promotions for the movie, I tried not to listen. I would like to go into the books with a clear mind and no preconceived notions. If I read them.

Dare I read the book and have my image of the tyrannical ruler tarnished? As I ponder this great question, I have included a review I did of the original trilogy on a blog of Jennifer’s several years ago. I have read these books often and enjoy them more each time.

Katniss worried about the same things every teen girl did – attraction to two boys, starvation, illegal hunting, black market sales, being killed by fellow participants in the arena.

Of course, I’m talking about The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins’s 3-book set about Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl from Panem, a dystopian America of the future. Ruled by poverty and enforced labor, the twelve districts of Panem live to serve the Capital, a wealthy walled city where decadence and luxury rule. As retribution for uprisings during civils wars, each district must offer one boy and one girl every year to participate in the Hunger Games. With twelve districts, the 24 contestants are put into an arena covering miles of rugged terrain, with natural and manmade dangers at each step. The goal – be the last one alive. From the second the starting whistle blows, each contestant’s goal is to kill the others. The winner is promised a life of riches and luxury.

The books follow Katniss and her family and friends as they navigate the trials, tribulations, and hardships of life in Panem.

The movies were great but I highly recommend reading the books. You are able to read much more about Katniss’s inner thoughts. Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal captured that underdog complex perfectly, but Book Katniss had a much more selfish streak, even malicious. Though it is hard at times, you root for her and you want her to survive!

These books are categorized as Young Adult, but contain mature themes such as murder, brutality, classism, and disregard for human life. Parents will want to read them first to make sure they are suitable for their child. But don’t worry – adults will love them too!

As you enjoy the following weeks, please remember the wise words of President Snow – Whatever game you think you’re playing, those out there are not playing it with you. (This is a joke – enjoy life!)