The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a gripping prequel to the Hunger Games series that dives into the early life of Coriolanus Snow, who is just eighteen years old. On the morning of the tenth annual Hunger Games reaping, he prepares for a chance at glory as a mentor. The once-proud House of Snow has faced hard times, and all hopes rest on Coriolanus's ability to charm, outsmart, and outmaneuver his peers to guide a winning tribute. However, challenges arise when he receives the humiliating task of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, known as the weakest district.

Coriolanus finds himself deeply connected to his tribute, and he must navigate a perilous path where every decision can lead to either favor or failure. Inside the dangerous arena, it's a fight for survival, while outside, Coriolanus wrestles with his growing feelings for his tribute and the pressures of the rules. As he grapples with ambition, competition, and the harsh realities of power, the line between morality and survival blurs. This novel explores the complexities of choice, the quest for success, and the heavy toll of ambition.