Book Club Discussion Questions: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins is the prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy and tells the story of President Snow. There is so much in this amazing book that I put together some discussion questions. Be warned that there may be some spoilers, so read on only if you have already read the book and are ready to discuss it with others. If you haven't read it, do so. Suzanne Collins does amazing things in young adult literature. 

Book Discussion Questions: 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

1)      What did you think about the title of this book before you read it? And after?

2)      This book is about Coriolanus Snow and his origins. Did he seem like the same character we’ve seen in the other Hunger Games books?

-          His family was poor and couldn’t even afford new shirts. Was that a surprise? What did you think about him wanting to hide his family’s poverty?

-          Tigris is his cousin! By Mockingjay, we know she is on the rebel’s side. What do you think of this?

3)      Let’s talk about Lucy Gray Baird.  What did you think of her character?

-          Her affinity for snakes

-          From District 12

-          Her singing – Lucy Gray is the writer of the lullabyes Katniss sings “Deep in the Meadow” and “The Hanging Tree”

4)      Much of the book centers on the romance between Coriolanus and Lucy Gray. What are your thoughts on their relationship?

5)      Coriolanus gets a break when he gets to feature Lucy Gray at the zoo. Quite a bit happens at the zoo. What are your thoughts on this?

-          What do you think is worse….letting tributes starve in cages, or fattening them up like Katniss and Peeta?

6)      Let’s talk about Sejanus, one of Corio’s peers. He is different than the others. Do you think that is because he is from District 2 and not the Capitol?

-          What do you think about the relationship between Coriolanus and Sejanus….and the Plinths?

7)      What are your thoughts on Casca Highbottom, the brains behind the Hunger Games?

8)      We are introduced to Dr. Volumnia Gaul, Head Gamemaker. Did she surprise you in any way?

-          What did you think of her neon colored snakes?

9)      Were you surprised when the girl from District 10 suddenly killed Arachne Crane? Did you think Arachne brought it on by teasing with the sandwich?

10)   Did the explosions at the arena surprise you? What are your thoughts on the arena?

11)   What do you think happened to Clemensia after the snake bite?

12)   Sejanus’ tribute, Marcus, was a classmate. Do you think that was unfair to Sejanus?

13)   By the time the Hunger Games begin, there are only 13 tributes left. What are your thoughts on that?

14)   As the games begin, Coriolanus and Lucy Gray kiss. How does this make you feel?

15)   They display Marcus’ body at the beginning of the games. What did you think of that?

16)   What about the Hunger Games in this book was familiar to you? What differences did you notice?

17)   Coriolanus has to go into the games to save Sejanus. What are your thoughts on that? What do you think about when he killed Bobbin….his first kill?

18)   Was Coriolanus cheating when he put the handkerchief in the snakes’ cage?

19)   What are your thoughts on the snakes in the arena?

20)   In part 3, Coriolanus is sent to District 12 to be a Peacekeeper.  What are your thoughts on this?

21)   Is Coriolanus responsible for what happens to Sejanus?

22)   There is a lot of talk about the mockingjays and their origins. What are your thoughts on this?  On jabberjays? What are your thoughts on how Coriolanus sees these birds?

23)   We find out that Coriolanus’ father is responsible for the creation of the Hunger Games. What are your thoughts on this?

24)   This book is about Coriolanus. Do you think he changes by the end of the story?

25)   What do you think happened to Lucy Gray?