The Ballad of Songbirds, Snakes, and the Resilient Echo of Justice

In the dim glow of the movie theater, the silver screen flickered to life with the newest installment of “The Hunger Games” series, a prequel to the trilogy — “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” (2023) The film debuted at number one on the weekend of its release, and crowds after crowds are eagerly swarming into their local screenings, eager to catch a glimpse of the latest trending movie. Sitting crouched in front of my laptop staring at my phone, though I was supposed to be busy attending to my various schoolwork and other duties, I couldn’t help but scroll through social media posts about this very movie, colorful light illuminating my face with each new clip appearing on my Twitter timeline. I was once again captivated by the dystopian world and the haunting melodies of rebellion, and suddenly nostalgia overwhelmed me as I felt chills going up my back—I was immediately reminded of the journey that led me to that very moment. Almost a decade ago, I was just a lightheaded little girl with wide eyes and flushed cheeks, completely immersed in the world of Panem, excitedly exiting the theater past midnight with her parents after finishing the newest movie then, “Mockingjay.” 

Back then, the Hunger Games were just a thrilling spectacle, a fictional tale of rebellion against the Capitol. I was too young to fully grasp the profound social and political undertones woven into Suzanne Collins’ narrative. Fast forward to my teenage years, and I found myself unintentionally mirroring the resilience and determination of the series’ heroine, Katniss Everdeen, in my own quest for justice in a more conservative environment. Growing up in a society that often resisted change, I discovered my passion for feminism and advocacy for social justice. The echoes of Katniss’s defiance against the Capitol, especially with her being a young woman, resonated with my own desire to challenge the status quo. In a community where traditional values held sway, I became a silent rebel, navigating the complexities of being a feminist in a sea of conservative beliefs that bore various standards that women are expected to adhere to. Ideals of beauty extend beyond mere aesthetics; instead, they become a measure of a woman’s worth and societal acceptance. Weighted with the burden of conforming to specific criteria – be it fair skin, a slim body shape, or conforming to regional beauty trends – women find themselves navigating a delicate balance between tradition and individual expression to avoid unfair judgment or criticism. 

As I faced opposition and skepticism, it almost mirrored Katniss’s unwavering commitment to justice. The parallels between my journey and hers became increasingly apparent. The Capitol, with its oppressive power, represented the forces that sought to silence voices of dissent, much like the conservative ideals I found myself challenging. In the face of adversity, I learned to channel the strength I saw in Katniss, transforming my passion into a force for change. The Hunger Games, once a mere source of entertainment, became a reflection of the struggles of my own fight for equality and justice. 

When I reread mere parts of the trilogy again in high school, the amount of emotions that resonated with me brought me to tears. Now, as I reflect on the progress made and the battles yet to be fought, it feels as if the little girl who was once enchanted by the fictional rebellion is looking back at me. She sees a version of herself who refused to conform, who dared to question, and who embraced the challenges that came with standing up for her beliefs even when her surroundings disapproved of it. Today, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is an even more profound example of the fact that the fight for justice is a melody that transcends generations. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, our voices have the power to spark change. As I continue this journey, I aspire to carry with me the of resilience, the spirit of rebellion, and the unwavering belief that justice—a song that can never be silenced.