Hear me out. Everything we know about Haymitch's hunger games is from the video archive Katniss and Peta watched. What if the version they watched is a doctored version - and Haymitch did far more in his games than just discover a force field. We never here anything that happened in the games itself from Haymitch - only that his family and girlfriend were killed by the Capitol. We know the Capitol is more than willing to edit the games to look a certain way. They completely scrubbed Lucy Grey's games from the public as soon as it was over. Katniss even says in Catching Fire that they archived versions of the games are edited to feature the victors more and tell an "entertaining" story. And that they are the versions that are replayed constantly between live games. I always thought it seemed a bit extreme for them to murder his entire family just because he discovered the force field. Katniss does far worse, and they leave her family alone. I don't really think it's enough to say that Katniss's family was safe because the people of the Capitol were in love with her. I also reread the trilogy recently, and found it really interesting how Haymitch and Katniss's mother talk to each other when the Peacekeepers crack down in Catching Fire and Gale is whipped. They seem to have a moment where they see each other, having not really ever interacted - and Katniss's mum says "it's starting again". Plus you have Madge coming to the house with her mother's morphlin for Gale - something that is hard to come by and expensive in District 12. Katniss seems to be surprised and confused why she would do that. But the adults seem to understand what it means. There's just so much going on with that generation. They're all so connected, but so quiet and beaten down. It wouldn't surprise me if they were holding some serious secrets. Having no choice but to let the Capitol spew their propaganda. Also Susanne Collins wouldn't be writing about Haymitch's games if there wasn't something juicey there!
agreed bc maysilee donner is madge’s mum’s twin sister and on the day of the 50th reaping we know that both katniss’s mother and madge’s mum were clinging to maysilee once her name gets pulled and if madge’s mum ends up marrying the mayor of 12 then they’re probably pretty rich (in district 12 standers) so one would assume that they lived in the merchant part of 12 (like katniss’s mum) there fore making her the “most stuck up girl in the town”
Okay maybe this is just me, but I also interpreted the bird and snake connection on the cover as being reminiscent of the bracelet he had in the second hunger games book 🤷♀️
Would be neat if he used to have a bracelet like what's on the cover, only to lose it in the games, and that's why Effie specifically got him a bangle later on to replace it.
The first thing I thought I saw on the cover was some kind of harp wit the crownspikes as strings. But I have no clue, how that would tie in and I love the bracelet idea
omg I was waiting for your reaction to this lol hihi I've got a couple thoughts: 1. Collins is gonna do a trilogy of prequels all with the snake and bird motif, and after haymitch we're gonna get finnick -- and all of the prequels are going to be tainted with Lucy Gray's imprint on the games. Like we'll see her songs or how performative the games get. 2. We're gonna see Katniss's parents and get more insight into them -- we might even get to see mellark and hawthorne ancestors too?? (lol it would be funny if haymitch's girlfriend was peeta's aunt or smth) 3. I don't think we'll see Lucy Gray return, but on the off chance that we do, we're gonna see how she parallells to Snow, like how the snake and the mockingjay are connected to eachother on the cover 4. A detail that I haven't seen anyone talk about is how the gamemakers make the games leading up to the quarter quell more basic and less interesting to draw attention to their quarter quell arena. I wonder if we'll see Haymitch talk about that and compare it to the 49th games
Oooh I learned from my disrespect of Finnick in the mockingjay video that people love him a lot!! So it would be so cool to get a book from his perspective! I also love the idea of his girlfriend being the ancestor of someone we already know!! It’s gonna be SO fun I cannot believe we have to wait until March!!
@devinjohnson5582 WAIT THATS REALLY SMART!! IF SNOW CAME UP WITH THE AVOXES AS PUNISHMENT FOR SINGING LUCY GRAY’S SONGS, THAT WOULD BE THE COOLEST DETAIL!! What if that’s what happens to Haymitch’s girlfriend 👀
@@devinjohnson5582Snow mentions avoxes already being around in song birds and snakes when he talks about them cleaning up trash. This would have been such a good theory though !!
1000% this is going to show how the underground rebellion begins. Girl! Did you forget what happens in the next Quarter Quell? Also, on the first cover, the bird is standing over the snake, while on the second cover, they're facing each other like they're about to fight. And if you look closely, you can see the snake's tail is becoming the bird. To me, it looks like an ouroboros, a snake eating its own tail, which is symbolic of self-destruction and rebirth. Meaning, Snow is going to start facing the consequences of his cruelty toward Haymitch and personally cause the rebellion to begin.
yeah maybe this is where haymitch and plutarch meet and they start plotting the rebellion?? that’s a GREAT point on the snake eating its tail, I didn’t catch that!!
Tigress. She in all the books she's been in is a good person. We know she works with the rebellion, but she's also part of snows personal family unit. Part of him betraying him
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but as far as I remember, we never hear what actually happened in the arena from Hamitch, the guy who was there. Peeta and Katniss saw the recording of what was aired in Panem, meaning they only saw the curated storyline. We saw the "Starcrossed Lovers of District 12" version of his story. And the question of real or not real and the control of propaganda are what plague Suzanne Collins of late.
Yes! That's what I was thinking. You never hear anything about Haymitch's games from Haymitch himself - the only living person who was there. I always thought it was a bit extreme for the Capitol to murder his entire family just because he discovered the force field. And even stranger that they would then edit and distribute a version of the games that shows him journeying out to the edges of the arena and accidentally using the force field to win. There's got to be more to the story.
suzanne collins absolutely has her finger on the PULSE!!! a book about propaganda is so needed for young people. not sure if i believe collins would taint haymitch that way but meredith's theory about him possibly benefiting from compliance with the capitol would be a CRAZY thing to put out right now. personally i would be seated and attentive.
@@SimmyGreen_My headcannon has always been that Haymitch was supposed to be the first iteration of the Mockingjay, but whatever they did to him broke him too much to be useful. He eventually got to play his part with Katniss and Peeta.
What if Haymitch’s drinking is not a result of trauma/guilt from the games…what if it’s his trauma from falling for the capitals lies…what if the games are over in the first part of the book and then Haymitch becomes a celebrity in the capital and betrays everyone and eventually realises the truth and THAT’S why he drinks now because he hates himself for what he became temporarily…
I've seen a lot of people speculate that the Capitol essentially censored his Hunger Games. Maybe part of the not falling in line that got his family killed, besides whatever happened in the Games themselves, was that he kept trying to share the truth the Capitol wanted to hide, and killing his family was them shutting him up. Would go with the propaganda theme imo
That paperback is a Barnes and Noble exclusive. The regular paperback is still green. Though I do wonder if they'll go for a color change for this new ones paperback release or just have them all be purple. The mockingjay is Katniss's pin, which was given to her by her friend Madge, who's aunt died in the 50th hunger games. So the mockingjay on Sunrise Over the Reaping is very likely Madge's aunt. We might even find out how Madge's aunt got the pin herself. I do think Haymitch's girlfriend was killed. Changing it to where she lives feels like it would undermine Haymitch's emotional narrative in the core trilogy. I also think it's heavily implied in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes that Katniss is a descendant of Lucy's sister.
When you were analyzing the cover art I thought you were going to mention the lines through the circle on the Catching Fire cover. The circle is segmented into 12 sections, like the clock arena in the book. It also symbolizes a ticking clock, like time running out for the Capitol. Didn't know if you knew this or forgot to mention. Liking the content, appreciate your videos!
maybe the "young friend who's nearly a sister to him" is a daughter/decendent of lucy gray/covey since it seems like collins is putting hints of lucy gray in all the books.
i speculate that if haymitch is the main character of sotr it's going to explore how going into the games without a mentor (since presumably he wouldnt have one since the only other victor is dead) and will likely continue beyond him winning the games and into his first mentorship. the songbird and snake being connected could represent how the district tributes are made into tools of the capitol's propoganda
im pretty sad that it looks like there will be less of a focus on the aftermath of this one, I was hoping it would be haymitchs perspective of mentoring or just having to deal with the capitols control and killing his family and stuff, with flashbacks or some other rhetorical device to show parts of the games we hadn’t already seen. but I believe that Suzanne Collins can still make it work, im so excited!!
I’m conflicted. At first I thought it might be about the game maker (purple cover, purple robes) I believed it could be Plutarch. Now I’m not sure, Haymitch is the obvious choice but, we have seen the perspective of a tribute before. Either way I already pre-order my book 😅
yeah I think the synopsis focuses too much on haymitch for it to be about anyone else!! but I could be wrong and I’d be excited for it to be plutarch!!
ww all know it will be good. My inly obsession is that when they make the movie, as a tribute to Donald Sutherland, they HAVE to use his son Kiefer Sutherland (ICYDK, an excellent actor that looks a LOT like his dad) as president Snow. It just so happens that not inly does he look a lit like his dad, Kiefer is the EXACT age that Snow (having been 18 during the 10th hunger games) would be during the 50th. The casting is so perfect it is practically predestined.
@@michellelamar8965 Yes! And this gives me an idea for a fan theory: Snow became president because he was the Ravinstill administration’s “designated survivor” for a major event (probably a banquet), and won’t you know it, the wine had gone bad.
I would LOVE if the royal / purple is hinting twords Haymitch falling in love with a capitol woman and she’s who gets killed. Someone who never would have been hurt by the games if it weren’t specifically for him. Maybe at the ball where the tributes and their mentors ‘celebrate’ before the games. Would also be a cute parallel to the Haymitch / Effie ship
LIKE AN "FIRST EFFIE" like maybe that's why he always treated effie in such strange way, he never actually disliked her and they ended up being together...maybe she reminded him of his first love
The way the snake and bird are connected almost make it look like a lyre. Theres always been an emphasis on the power of music in the books, so maybe there'll be a point where we see music used by both sides to manipulate the perspective around Haymitch's games.
I am quite worried about this prequal. but also sooooo exited to be proven totally wrong and seem like a fool for ever underestemate queen suzanne collins.
No, i guess i hoped it was a different main character to start (Mags, or beete or something) And i watched your video and really resonnated with some of those predictions (The video was great btw🌼) And i guess i feel like with everything that has been revealed about the book i sp different from what i thought she was gonna do and what i personally would have focused on and think is interesting. But i remeber distinctly being quite skeptical of the premise of ballad, but now that i have read i think it is genius (Because collins is a genius writer, duh). I just feel like if it had been like litrally any other author i would have been really worried for the quality. But this is suzann collins, she does not fuck around. (English is not my first langauge ) (And english spelling makes no sense…)
I would still love it if the book is from Plutarchs perspective but I am not confident anymore... but it would make sense because he is described as part of one of the "royal" families in the capitol (hence the purple) and the snake and the bird on the cover could be interpreted as him combining both worlds. He comes from the capitol, so the snake is part of him but later (maybe because of Haymitch) he also learns to understand the side of the rebellion and he kind of represents both sides in one person... But honestly I am excited either way, I just think with Plutarch, there is such a great opportunity to explore a new perspective! 🤷🏻♀️ But the synopsis is a little too much about Haymitch for my therory to be right... well we will see. Also sry if my English isn't the best, its not my first language...😅
Your English is lovely, you are doing great. I can't say I'm super interested in Haymitch's story bc ("BeCause") it feels like we already know the gist of what happens to him. But Suzanne Collins does have a way of building such memorable characters around the protagonist, so I'm hoping that will make it incredible as usual.
@@peacefulcreativity444i completely agree tbh, like we got a whole run-down of his games and i feel like collins won’t be able to adapt any new ideas she might’ve thought of since writing catching fire (which was like a whole decade ago i think)
Maybe since there is no mentor for district 12, he and the others are given a capital mentor, but the mentor is a rebel sympathizer and coaches Haymitch to break the games (thinking that if he’ll either succeed and begin the revolution or die with the plan still a secret) but costs Haymitch his family and love. the book could follow how Haymitch learns that he must fall in line and perpetuate the capital propaganda and plot the rebellion in secret, even when there’s supporters hiding everywhere. idk.
Having to make a spoiler alert for a trilogy that was out for over a decade and the main topic is about a book that you wouldn't be interested in if you haven't at least watched the movies shows how the internet has lost it.
Your bar for "lost it" is ridiculously low. I'm still finishing the prequel book, and the books are very distinct from the movies, so I was grateful to see a specific spoiler warning so I could know this video wouldn't touch on anything I haven't been exposed to yet. Also, new people discover old media all the time (I wasn't into this franchise in any medium yet until just a couple of months ago, and kids haven't even been born yet who will discover these stories in the future). The world doesn't revolve around your personal experiences and timeframes-of-exposure to things. Getting judgy about thoughtful and cautious spoiler practices has to be one of the pettiest ways to spend your giveadamns, ffs, find a real problem
@ItsAsparageese yeah, but it's not other people's responsibility to walk on eggshells not mentioning specific stuff in older movies, books, etc because you don't want to be told something. Try exercising some personal responsibility by avoiding videos that might include spoilers without the video creator having to spell it out to you and don't get mad with people if they accidentally tell you something because they assumed you've already watched/read something. First time I watched star wars original trilogy was over 20 years after it was out due to my age, I went in knowing about the whole "I am your father" thing because it was impossible not to by then partially because people were way less sensitive about spoilers back then and it didn't ruin the experience for me.
@@geonunes10 Obviously it's not their responsibility. Nobody's saying it's on that important a level. But it is a really helpful and effortless COURTESY. Your priorities suck and so does your attitude, I'm sincerely sorry about whatever negativity in your life motivates you to be this snotty about a total non-issue. Cheers
@bubblybobabubbles The point I'm making is, if it's a discussion about a piece of media it should be obvious that there will be details about said medium and the viewer should assume there will be spoilers by themselves and the content creator shouldn't need to break the flow of their video to spell it out. At the end of the day it's a position of people should take more personal responsibility on what videos they click on and think a little before doing so
Really love the idea of the record being wrong about the 50th games and the aftermath. It's something she's hinted at a lot and touched on with district 13 but never really explored deeply. I also think we'll get Haymitch's introduction to the rebellion. whether that's the founding or just him joining or maybe even him discovering and then rejecting will be fascinating to find out
Oh I didn’t even see that you’re so right!! I’ll have to brush up on my greek mythology before the book comes out so I don’t miss any symbolism with that!!
the thing is that we don't know exactly how haymitch's game went down... in the original trilogy, katniss only saw what aired on tv. and we know they cut out a lot of things on tv...
Ngl I'm really happy this book is form Haymitch perspective because he's one of my favorite characters and being completely honest, the most interesting moments to me happen inside the arena. Not the battle stuff but I like how the author writes about the desperation
You look sooo much like a girl that I used to work with who I sentimentally wanted to be BFFs with but didn't know how to ask to hang out more often and I changed jobs, so we lost touch lol It's so surreal I had to double check your name but she has a different name haha. If I ever see her again at that place or through mutual friends I'm definitely going to share your video with her. She's also a reader. I never noticed all the symbolism in the book covers. I noticed the birds but not the designs around them! That's amazing. I think what I'm most looking forward to is how Snow reacts and handles the entire situation, and also getting a view on HOW Haymitch managed to "win" against that many people, and what it does to him after it's over. The cover of Sunrise on the Reaping initially makes me feel like a depiction of how both Snow and Lucy Gray established the ongoing style of the Hunger Games, and because of that, it spread this dual mentality to the citizens of Panem, including the district people. It's a society that is at war with itself constantly, and whoever fights against either side, is practically fighting themselves, because they are both dependent on one another. It even reminds me of Yin and Yang because there is a little bit of snake in everyone, really. Kind of like what Dr. Gaul in the movie was saying about how when in the arena, a human instinct to survive comes out and even the most well-mannered and well-educated boy can become a killer who bashes another boy's head in to continue living.
WAIT that’s so funny I will tell you Meredith is my first name but my legal last name is different so if you knew a Meredith that looks like me with a different last name it probably is me… also I LOVE your thoughts here, someone else was mentioning the snake eating itself imagery, the oppressors and the oppressed in one being, it’s super interesting!!
OKAY, HEAR ME OUT-- what if Haymithch's girlfriend never died. What if she was hijacked like Peeta, except all of her memories of Haymitch are gone. Haymitch now has to watch the love of his life live on without him like nothing ever happened-- because to her (after being hijacked), Haymitch never existed, she never loved him, and they never shared their lives together. I think watching someone you love so deeply and initmately live without knowing you ever existed just might be cruler than execution. Haymitch has to live with this, and he drinks to forget because every time he remembers, it feels like he is dying over and over and over again. I don't think Suzanne Collins would leave something as lethal and useful as hijacking alone when it can be used for such a HUGE plot twist.
I would love to see how Haymitch tries to navigate himself through the life of a mentor and seeing his tributes die. Maybe that’s where the propaganda can be mentioned, he sees firsthand how the Capitol and the sponsors act like and how they truly think about the tributes and their districts.
After reading what the creator of the cover had to say about it, I'm so glad the songbird and snake symbolism is continuing. It connects SOTR to Ballad, and with the idea of the same source can be the cause for 2 opposite sides, I'm feeling like we'll see a lot more of Snow in this novel than we did in the og trilogy novels.
I wonder who is their mentor? Cuz by now this would be 40 years since Lucy won her games so there ARE 39 mentors in 11 other districts, so all the tributes are at least 1, but 12 doesn't. So who does the mentoring since it's probably seen as a low job position from the Capital. And after Haymitch wins, HE is the new (and only) mentor for district 12 for the next 24 years.
I'm pretty sure he is not gonna get a mentor...MAYBE Plutarch can be his mentor. MAYBE Suzanne will show us how they met, become friends, started trusting one another and planned the rebellion...Idk
To be honest, I feel like I prefered your theory better than it looks like it will be. Maybe it is just that what I imagine the book to be about is not what it will actually be, but who knows. Also, thank you for commenting it, as I am completely the most oblivious person ever and I definitely did not receive this info until now
Haha same I somehow completely missed the cover announcement 😅 but yeah honestly I do wish I was right, I wish we got a different perspective but I do still have faith that Suzanne Collins is going to make the most of it!!
okay I checked my copy and it doesn’t say it’s a special edition but that’s fascinating that there’s two covers?? mine also does have discussion points at the end so maybe it is a special one and it just doesn’t say?
I immediately saw the cover as a harp personally, I have no clue where a harp would fit into Haymitchs story or what the symbolism for one would be so it could definitely be unintentional, but the shape is just so specifically harp-like, they could’ve done this same design without having it come into that specific shape….. hmmmm…… bard Haymitch…………
Placing my bet now that the book ends with sun rising on the reaping day of Haymitch's first tribute. Opens with a reaping day to a rebellious Haymitch, closes with a reaping day of a completely broken and demorallised Haymitch.
i think we will get a lot of what happens before the games, but most importantly after. we'll see how haymitch was affected by his games, how he lost everything to win and now has had everything taken away from him by the capitol. he might be used to kind of make messages and act like he supports the capitol or something, but i think it would be really interesting to see how haymitch makes the decision to fight against the capitol and become a rebel
oh, and additionally- if i remember correctly, the synopsis on my copy of catching fire was largely centered on the victory tour and katniss trying to stamp out rebellion, while that didn't take up too much time in the actual book. so i'm not sure if the "before reaping" section will take up a huge majority (it'll probably be a larger part than his actual games/the preparations for them, anyway)
Could we see some of the games following his own? By the time of the 75th Games Haymitch had accepted that all his tributes would die. We could see more 12 tributes come and go over the years as Haymitch descends further into alcoholism and acceptance for the games. I doubt it would go that way but might be interesting nonetheless.
This isnt even quite a theroy or anything but I am p sure that at some point in this career corio made sure that Maude Ivory was picked for the hunger games and I think there might be confirmation of this in the book. Amazing video btw lovely x
@@meredithnovacocould be that she got reaped in a games in a previous year when she was younger and someone in the book talks about it, I think it’s unlikely though
Maude Ivory is Katniss' grandma imo. Neither she nor Katniss' dad were reaped. Maude Ivory was the only other person who heard Lucy Gray's song, about the hanging tree, so she was probably the one to teach Katniss' dad. Maude Ivory was way younger than everyone else so her age works for being Katniss' dad's mother.
@@CMThota honestly i think maude and katniss might be related through their father, especially since both katniss and maude can remember songs after just hearing it once or twice and the fact katniss knows covey songs. i feel like that's more likely of a family line than maysilee, but we'll see in the book!
or no one, i think the capitol is cruel enough to do that, send the kids in blindly with no help, which could be what Haymitch is saying that he "has been set up to fail"
Cover wise of the first prequel I think it just depends on where you live for which print you got. Where I got mine there was only the green print for both paper back and hard cover. I got a paper back because my other hunger games books are paper backs and mine is green
Maybe the title meaning is we gonna have a update on Haymitch story at every reaping as a mentor. I would like to see this end on Peeta and Katniss Reaping day.
I think I’m a little late for the debate but my guess is that the games maybe won’t be a huge part of the book because we know and it’s more about the before and after. like more depth about how the victors are treated, how the inside of there job looks like, how they suffer under it, haymitch understanding the propaganda behind it all, mostly because of what they did to him, maybe secretly doing stuff against it, etc. basically the inside we expected when we thought that haymitch might not be the mc. but he is after all a figure of the capitol after the games
My interpretation is that the snake and songbird is the two sides of Haymitch and that the spikes maybe symbolizes he has to pick one side. The color maybe refers to the fear and anxiety Haymitch is gonna feel throughout this book and the circle maybe hints at him breaking or setting something up in the capital that will slowly destroy it? Idk it’s my wish.
my thoughts on the book covers after watching this video: 1. You pointed out the two circles pinning the mockingjay as being representative of the Capitol, which made me think why 2 circles to represent one entity? But throughout the series we see it is not just the Capitol trying to manipulate Katniss and use her image for propaganda, but also the rebel forces and specifically District 13/President Coin. The second circle is also more prominent on the cover of Catching Fire than The Hunger Games, showing how the rebel forces make their presence known in the second book. Finally there is a 3rd ring around the mockingjay itself, which starts as a gold ring surrounded by disjointed gray lines, becomes a solid closed ring of a clockface directly connected to the “Capitol” and “rebel” circles, and then finally shatters breaking both connections on the cover of Mockingjay. If the mockingjay represents Katniss/the tribute themselves, then we could interpret the ring surrounding them as the “means of control” that is used by the Capitol (and at times the rebels) to manipulate the tributes (and victors). This could represent the things they care about that can be threatened such as loved ones, but it could also represent the Hunger Games and the arena itself, or the segregation and poor conditions of the Districts. 2. Going off of that interpretation for the original trilogy, we see that Songbirds and Snakes features one strong circle radiating outwards, and a mostly solid but fragile-looking gold circle formed by the tree branch enclosing a bird and a snake. The bird is positioned above the snake with its head above the branches but looks up and away, while the snake is also partially outside the circle and its eyes appear to be trained on the bird. I think this imagery represents the solidifying of the Capitol’s power (the radiating circles), the early stages of the Games (the fragile and barren tree branch that can’t fully contain the snake *or* the bird), and the relationship between Snow and Lucy Gray (the bird taking center stage and looking to the sky as if about to take flight, and the snake in the background carefully watching the bird). 3. Finally moving on to Sunrise on the Reaping, we have a single fragmented circle, the bottom 1/4 of which is eclipsed by the conjoined body of the snake and the bird. The spikes rising up behind the bird/snake hybrid suggest the image of a crown as well as rays of sunlight. Furthermore, the bird and the snake are not only connected as one being, but directly facing one another in apparent hostility. At first I thought that the disjointed circle on this cover might be the one representing the rebel forces, but I actually think it makes much more sense for it to be that third circle around the mockingjay which earlier I called the “means of control”. I think that the crown imagery is meant to represent the Victor’s crown, and that we will get to see how the Victors of the games are controlled and used by the Capitol, possibly even getting some snapshots of Haymitch trying and failing to mentor future tributes. In fact I think the title “Sunrise on the Reaping” might not refer to just Haymitch’s reaping, but to all the reapings which occurred after where he was now a mentor. And I do think that you were right about the snake and the bird representing two parts of Haymitch in conflict, the one that wants to fight back and the one that wants to take advantage of the benefits offered to a victor who “plays along”or “puts on a good show.”The snake could also possibly represent Snow again, but I think that’s unlikely as the conjoined body suggests that one of them attacking would mean injuring itself in the process, and I don’t see how Haymitch could hold that kind of power over Snow, unless there really is some massive secret that was covered up that Haymitch could potentially reveal. But in general I think that with the crown, the purple coloring, and the fact that the crown itself can be seen as actually making up a portion of the circle representing “control,” means we will get a lot of insight in this book as to how the role of victor/mentor is really just another piece of the games, and how the elevation of victors to royalty-like status serves to both keep them in line and alienate them from their fellow District citizens. And knowing what we know now about Snow’s connection to District 12, the fact that Haymitch’s loved ones were killed, and that the Games have progressed far enough for victors to be viewed as celebrities, I think we can assume that Snow was particularly upset that the winner came from District 12 in the most hyped up Games since the 25th. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Snow was so furious at Haymitch winning that he promised to rig the games so that District 12 would never win again, adding some meaning to Haymitch’s defeatism when he tells Katniss and Peeta that there is “nothing he can do to save them.” (by this point Snow would have already proved his ability to rig the games by killing off promising tributes from 12, and he’d believe Haymitch so drunk and docile that he’d have stopped putting so much effort into crushing any hope for District 12, leading to Katniss and Peeta slipping through the cracks). It’s even possible that Snow was *already* rigging the games against 12 during the 2nd Quarter Quell, but that Haymitch somehow outsmarted him. I also think this means we are likely to get a third prequel book related to the formation of the rebel group. I have seen many people suggesting Plutarch as a potential POV and I think he would be the perfect candidate if I’m right about this part! (I know this is all super over-analyzed, but as soon as you started talking about the book covers I couldn’t help it! Even if it turns out to be wrong it was fun to theorize about 😅)
okay adding on to an already insanely long comment cause i just cannnnt stop thinking about it lmao but a few more details on the new cover: the dual imagery of the sunrise/crown and the snake/bird goes crazy. its body forms part of the circle which encloses it, which means one half needs to be severed in order for the other to be free. but doing so would also break the sunrise/crown image. If Haymitch chooses to rebel, he can no longer wear the victors crown (reap the benefits of the Capitol). If he chooses to play the game, he’ll never see the sun rise (hope for a brighter future post-rebellion). Also the way the snake’s body fits much more smoothly into the circle/crown shape than the bird, and the way that the snake on the cover of Songbirds and Snakes was coiled around and almost blended in with the tree branches symbolizing the games/arena. I don’t think it’s an accident that the bird/snake figure is so lopsided. With the snake having previously represented Snow, and the biblical idea of a snake as the devil whispering lies to you, I think it’s meant that the bird is moreso the “real” Haymitch, which has had its body twisted and mutilated into a snake (i.e., falling under Snow’s direct influence/control) due to winning the games. sorry for rambling so much in these comments but good god i am just SO excited for this book thinking abt the possibilities
The bird/snake symbol on the new book looks kind of like a lyre, a musical instrument used in Ancient Greece. There might be an interesting or underlying musical aspect to this book
i think because the recording of the game that katniss watched in the second book was heavily edited and filtered by the capitol, we might get a lot of scenes in the arena that they didn’t include/televise to the public. they try to erase any proof of rebellion from their history, like they covered up what happened with district 13 etc. and at the beginning of the first book katniss seems to not know anything about a rebellion or anything so i guess they did a good job. so maybe we’ll get to see more about the lengths the capitol will go to in order to cover things up and not let a hint of the idea, that the capitol can be brought down, out to the public
I would like if the book went into some detail about Haymitch as a mentor, maybe provided some insight. I mean, I know there's only so much to say about seeing some unspeakable things done to the kids you mentor every year, but still, I wouldn't be surprised if this book describes how the tone was set for future reapings and games in some way.
I don’t have anything solid, but the sunrise on the reaping cover is kinda giving ouroboros, which might represent the cyclical nature of the games but instead of the snake eating itself, the snake and the bird are in conflict. For the spikes in the middle of the cover, I’m thinking because it’s a quarter quell it’s like a bigger deal/more fancy? Idk just rambling 😅
i was listening to this and my brain just randomly jumped to a theory that i just made up on the spot. i thought that maybe his gf escaped to 13 then my brain just randomly said that his gf could be coin im aware of allthe plot holes this would have but we still have the lucy grey is coin theory but who knows... WAIT WHAT IF HAYMITCHES GF WAS LUCY GREYS SISTER/COUSIN/WHATEVER MAUDE IVORY
I thought the circle could represent the break in the forcefield since in the games he realize the forcefield surronded the arena and it reflected objects. semi breeaking or interferring with the capitol before capitol destroyed the arena upon realizing
OKAY so I just finished my reread of mockingjay for preparation for the new book, and I had a crazy theory. WHAT IF, since the book ends with Katniss, Peeta and their kids in 12 (Haymitch came back with them remember?), we start with the children asking Haymitch about his time in the games, maybe because the girl learned about it in school, and the book is Haymitch telling them what happened 🤯🤯🤯 might be a little bit of a stretch, but I thought it would be an idea for the kids to ask their uncle haymitch about it.
Also with the snake and bird intertwining on the cover… what if Haymitch is Lucy Gray and Snow’s grandkid?? HAYMITCH HAS BLONDE HAIR AND BLONDE HAIR ISNT COMMON IN TWELVE REMEMBER
Waitt what if the royal purple is hinting at a captiol citizen’s perspective and the bird and the snake who are connecting ( the snake means the capitol citizen bc of the loyalty and the bird means haymitch bc of his hope and such) they understand eachother and slowly become friends then lovers. And the spikes mean hope is slowly rising between them . EEE I HOPE THIS BOOK IS HAYFFIE CODED !! ( was talking abt effie as the captiol citizen)
Not sure why, but I feel like the bird and the snake are supposed to represent Haymitch and Maysilee. And them essentially teaming together until the end.
such interesting takes!! what if the crown represents someone in power who doesn’t believe in the hunger games, a people’s princess if you will (the common theme to me in the series) and she is the only thing that stands between the two sides of haymitch? idk though ig we shall see 😂🤞🏽
yeah, there is also a possibility, that the book name alludes to ALL reapings, Haymitch went through, until the one, that became a sunrise to the revolution, there Katniss showed up and, it can show not only Haymitch being "the snake and the bird" at the same time, but "the snake transforming into bird"? since they are placed on a cover in that "order"?.. I see no problem in trying to question the known truth (we can see in this book, how officials manipulates the story into some narrative all the time) and even to getting something wrong, because it is not a serious predictions, but just having fun speculating and basically imagining a fanfiction in your head!
I prefer hardcover books over paperback any day. Because hardback lasts way longer than paperback do. I’m definitely gonna get the hardback book when this releases.
I’m into the theory that the Capitol got the wrong girl and Haymitch’s love interest lives-especially with how immediately sympathetic he was with Katniss when he tells he she’s never going to have to stop pretending with Peeta Another thought: i can’t imagine a world where Suzanne Collins doesn’t focus on the fact that good propaganda can influence any of us. No one is immune the propaganda. I think we may see a Haymitch who doesn’t think the games are a big deal, and that Maysilee radicalizes him. I think we may get an anti-social-justice-warrior Haymitch lol
What if Haymich is Lucy Grey's and Cornelius Snows descendant? This would explain the bird and snake being combined. The crown makes me think of the Victor's Crown given to the ahunger agates winner. What if the 50th year is the year the propaganda starts in the game. Snow would be in power, maybe not the president yet, but maybe a Gamemaker. Haymich might not actually know his connection to Snow but if he learns it or figures it out his drinking would be further explained.
half of this video feels like mansplaining and the other feels like hearing about an author who profits off waking up a generation of activists by feeding us a piece of bread except its the same bread she gave us last time but she wants us to think its not and does absolutely nothing but serve to bring in money... disappointing
I get a sad feeling the epilogue will be Haymitch getting his first tributes & perhaps taking his first drink.
omg why am i crying 😢
Hear me out. Everything we know about Haymitch's hunger games is from the video archive Katniss and Peta watched. What if the version they watched is a doctored version - and Haymitch did far more in his games than just discover a force field.
We never here anything that happened in the games itself from Haymitch - only that his family and girlfriend were killed by the Capitol. We know the Capitol is more than willing to edit the games to look a certain way.
They completely scrubbed Lucy Grey's games from the public as soon as it was over. Katniss even says in Catching Fire that they archived versions of the games are edited to feature the victors more and tell an "entertaining" story. And that they are the versions that are replayed constantly between live games.
I always thought it seemed a bit extreme for them to murder his entire family just because he discovered the force field. Katniss does far worse, and they leave her family alone. I don't really think it's enough to say that Katniss's family was safe because the people of the Capitol were in love with her.
I also reread the trilogy recently, and found it really interesting how Haymitch and Katniss's mother talk to each other when the Peacekeepers crack down in Catching Fire and Gale is whipped. They seem to have a moment where they see each other, having not really ever interacted - and Katniss's mum says "it's starting again". Plus you have Madge coming to the house with her mother's morphlin for Gale - something that is hard to come by and expensive in District 12. Katniss seems to be surprised and confused why she would do that. But the adults seem to understand what it means.
There's just so much going on with that generation. They're all so connected, but so quiet and beaten down. It wouldn't surprise me if they were holding some serious secrets. Having no choice but to let the Capitol spew their propaganda.
Also Susanne Collins wouldn't be writing about Haymitch's games if there wasn't something juicey there!
YOUR MIND OMG I DIDNT EVEN CONSIDER HALF OF THIS
This also goes with what Suzanne said she wanted the theme to be: how the few rule the many with misinformation and propaganda.
I think Maysilee will be the "most stuck up girl in the town". Will make their bonding all the more meaningful and dramatic lolol
ooh yeah he gets to know her better and she’s not that bad and then he loses her!! tragic but I love it
agreed bc maysilee donner is madge’s mum’s twin sister and on the day of the 50th reaping we know that both katniss’s mother and madge’s mum were clinging to maysilee once her name gets pulled and if madge’s mum ends up marrying the mayor of 12 then they’re probably pretty rich (in district 12 standers) so one would assume that they lived in the merchant part of 12 (like katniss’s mum) there fore making her the “most stuck up girl in the town”
I can’t really see Suzanne Collins not writing about a district 12 winner but I could be proven wrong
Okay maybe this is just me, but I also interpreted the bird and snake connection on the cover as being reminiscent of the bracelet he had in the second hunger games book 🤷♀️
ooh maybe we’ll see where he got it from?? 👀
ooo what a good catch!
Would be neat if he used to have a bracelet like what's on the cover, only to lose it in the games, and that's why Effie specifically got him a bangle later on to replace it.
The first thing I thought I saw on the cover was some kind of harp wit the crownspikes as strings. But I have no clue, how that would tie in and I love the bracelet idea
omg I was waiting for your reaction to this lol hihi
I've got a couple thoughts:
1. Collins is gonna do a trilogy of prequels all with the snake and bird motif, and after haymitch we're gonna get finnick -- and all of the prequels are going to be tainted with Lucy Gray's imprint on the games. Like we'll see her songs or how performative the games get.
2. We're gonna see Katniss's parents and get more insight into them -- we might even get to see mellark and hawthorne ancestors too?? (lol it would be funny if haymitch's girlfriend was peeta's aunt or smth)
3. I don't think we'll see Lucy Gray return, but on the off chance that we do, we're gonna see how she parallells to Snow, like how the snake and the mockingjay are connected to eachother on the cover
4. A detail that I haven't seen anyone talk about is how the gamemakers make the games leading up to the quarter quell more basic and less interesting to draw attention to their quarter quell arena. I wonder if we'll see Haymitch talk about that and compare it to the 49th games
Oooh I learned from my disrespect of Finnick in the mockingjay video that people love him a lot!! So it would be so cool to get a book from his perspective!
I also love the idea of his girlfriend being the ancestor of someone we already know!!
It’s gonna be SO fun I cannot believe we have to wait until March!!
I think if Lucy Gray or even her songs return we will see the origins of Avoxes.
@devinjohnson5582 WAIT THATS REALLY SMART!! IF SNOW CAME UP WITH THE AVOXES AS PUNISHMENT FOR SINGING LUCY GRAY’S SONGS, THAT WOULD BE THE COOLEST DETAIL!! What if that’s what happens to Haymitch’s girlfriend 👀
That avox thing...dang that would explain it perfectly, such a horror move from snow. It really would make sense @@CuriusGorg
@@devinjohnson5582Snow mentions avoxes already being around in song birds and snakes when he talks about them cleaning up trash. This would have been such a good theory though !!
1000% this is going to show how the underground rebellion begins. Girl! Did you forget what happens in the next Quarter Quell?
Also, on the first cover, the bird is standing over the snake, while on the second cover, they're facing each other like they're about to fight. And if you look closely, you can see the snake's tail is becoming the bird.
To me, it looks like an ouroboros, a snake eating its own tail, which is symbolic of self-destruction and rebirth.
Meaning, Snow is going to start facing the consequences of his cruelty toward Haymitch and personally cause the rebellion to begin.
yeah maybe this is where haymitch and plutarch meet and they start plotting the rebellion?? that’s a GREAT point on the snake eating its tail, I didn’t catch that!!
Tigress. She in all the books she's been in is a good person. We know she works with the rebellion, but she's also part of snows personal family unit. Part of him betraying him
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but as far as I remember, we never hear what actually happened in the arena from Hamitch, the guy who was there. Peeta and Katniss saw the recording of what was aired in Panem, meaning they only saw the curated storyline. We saw the "Starcrossed Lovers of District 12" version of his story. And the question of real or not real and the control of propaganda are what plague Suzanne Collins of late.
yes exactly!!! I think she’s gonna play with this a lot!
Yes! That's what I was thinking. You never hear anything about Haymitch's games from Haymitch himself - the only living person who was there. I always thought it was a bit extreme for the Capitol to murder his entire family just because he discovered the force field. And even stranger that they would then edit and distribute a version of the games that shows him journeying out to the edges of the arena and accidentally using the force field to win. There's got to be more to the story.
suzanne collins absolutely has her finger on the PULSE!!! a book about propaganda is so needed for young people. not sure if i believe collins would taint haymitch that way but meredith's theory about him possibly benefiting from compliance with the capitol would be a CRAZY thing to put out right now. personally i would be seated and attentive.
I thought the spikes were the sun rays, like the SUNRISE
Ooh wait good point I totally missed that!!
the birth of the rebellion maybe??
Correct, I’m pretty sure I saw something about that in the original synopsis!
@@SimmyGreen_My headcannon has always been that Haymitch was supposed to be the first iteration of the Mockingjay, but whatever they did to him broke him too much to be useful. He eventually got to play his part with Katniss and Peeta.
What if Haymitch’s drinking is not a result of trauma/guilt from the games…what if it’s his trauma from falling for the capitals lies…what if the games are over in the first part of the book and then Haymitch becomes a celebrity in the capital and betrays everyone and eventually realises the truth and THAT’S why he drinks now because he hates himself for what he became temporarily…
ooh this is a really cool theory!!! maybe it’s more guilt on stuff he’s done!
I've seen a lot of people speculate that the Capitol essentially censored his Hunger Games. Maybe part of the not falling in line that got his family killed, besides whatever happened in the Games themselves, was that he kept trying to share the truth the Capitol wanted to hide, and killing his family was them shutting him up. Would go with the propaganda theme imo
That paperback is a Barnes and Noble exclusive. The regular paperback is still green. Though I do wonder if they'll go for a color change for this new ones paperback release or just have them all be purple.
The mockingjay is Katniss's pin, which was given to her by her friend Madge, who's aunt died in the 50th hunger games. So the mockingjay on Sunrise Over the Reaping is very likely Madge's aunt. We might even find out how Madge's aunt got the pin herself.
I do think Haymitch's girlfriend was killed. Changing it to where she lives feels like it would undermine Haymitch's emotional narrative in the core trilogy.
I also think it's heavily implied in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes that Katniss is a descendant of Lucy's sister.
When you were analyzing the cover art I thought you were going to mention the lines through the circle on the Catching Fire cover. The circle is segmented into 12 sections, like the clock arena in the book. It also symbolizes a ticking clock, like time running out for the Capitol. Didn't know if you knew this or forgot to mention. Liking the content, appreciate your videos!
maybe the "young friend who's nearly a sister to him" is a daughter/decendent of lucy gray/covey since it seems like collins is putting hints of lucy gray in all the books.
ooh such a fun idea!! I would love an update on lucy!!
i speculate that if haymitch is the main character of sotr it's going to explore how going into the games without a mentor (since presumably he wouldnt have one since the only other victor is dead) and will likely continue beyond him winning the games and into his first mentorship. the songbird and snake being connected could represent how the district tributes are made into tools of the capitol's propoganda
im pretty sad that it looks like there will be less of a focus on the aftermath of this one, I was hoping it would be haymitchs perspective of mentoring or just having to deal with the capitols control and killing his family and stuff, with flashbacks or some other rhetorical device to show parts of the games we hadn’t already seen. but I believe that Suzanne Collins can still make it work, im so excited!!
I mean I could be wrong!! that all would be super cool so maybe she will still include it!! we shall see!
I’m conflicted. At first I thought it might be about the game maker (purple cover, purple robes) I believed it could be Plutarch. Now I’m not sure, Haymitch is the obvious choice but, we have seen the perspective of a tribute before. Either way I already pre-order my book 😅
yeah I think the synopsis focuses too much on haymitch for it to be about anyone else!! but I could be wrong and I’d be excited for it to be plutarch!!
ww all know it will be good.
My inly obsession is that when they make the movie, as a tribute to Donald Sutherland, they HAVE to use his son Kiefer Sutherland (ICYDK, an excellent actor that looks a LOT like his dad) as president Snow. It just so happens that not inly does he look a lit like his dad, Kiefer is the EXACT age that Snow (having been 18 during the 10th hunger games) would be during the 50th. The casting is so perfect it is practically predestined.
@@michellelamar8965 Yes! And this gives me an idea for a fan theory: Snow became president because he was the Ravinstill administration’s “designated survivor” for a major event (probably a banquet), and won’t you know it, the wine had gone bad.
🤞 Keifer would be amazing! Definitely what I’m hoping for
I would LOVE if the royal / purple is hinting twords Haymitch falling in love with a capitol woman and she’s who gets killed. Someone who never would have been hurt by the games if it weren’t specifically for him. Maybe at the ball where the tributes and their mentors ‘celebrate’ before the games. Would also be a cute parallel to the Haymitch / Effie ship
LIKE AN "FIRST EFFIE" like maybe that's why he always treated effie in such strange way, he never actually disliked her and they ended up being together...maybe she reminded him of his first love
The way the snake and bird are connected almost make it look like a lyre. Theres always been an emphasis on the power of music in the books, so maybe there'll be a point where we see music used by both sides to manipulate the perspective around Haymitch's games.
I am quite worried about this prequal. but also sooooo exited to be proven totally wrong and seem like a fool for ever underestemate queen suzanne collins.
what’s worrying you?? think it might not be good?
No, i guess i hoped it was a different main character to start (Mags, or beete or something) And i watched your video and really resonnated with some of those predictions (The video was great btw🌼) And i guess i feel like with everything that has been revealed about the book i sp different from what i thought she was gonna do and what i personally would have focused on and think is interesting. But i remeber distinctly being quite skeptical of the premise of ballad, but now that i have read i think it is genius (Because collins is a genius writer, duh). I just feel like if it had been like litrally any other author i would have been really worried for the quality. But this is suzann collins, she does not fuck around.
(English is not my first langauge )
(And english spelling makes no sense…)
Unrelated but I LOVE your couch. it's just so pretty and it goes with the art so well
thank you!!! ❤️
I would still love it if the book is from Plutarchs perspective but I am not confident anymore... but it would make sense because he is described as part of one of the "royal" families in the capitol (hence the purple) and the snake and the bird on the cover could be interpreted as him combining both worlds. He comes from the capitol, so the snake is part of him but later (maybe because of Haymitch) he also learns to understand the side of the rebellion and he kind of represents both sides in one person...
But honestly I am excited either way, I just think with Plutarch, there is such a great opportunity to explore a new perspective! 🤷🏻♀️
But the synopsis is a little too much about Haymitch for my therory to be right... well we will see.
Also sry if my English isn't the best, its not my first language...😅
Your English is lovely, you are doing great.
I can't say I'm super interested in Haymitch's story bc ("BeCause") it feels like we already know the gist of what happens to him. But Suzanne Collins does have a way of building such memorable characters around the protagonist, so I'm hoping that will make it incredible as usual.
yeah I would loveeee plutarch but I agree the synopsis is so haymitch focused it’s probably not likely :( but maybe!!
@@peacefulcreativity444i completely agree tbh, like we got a whole run-down of his games and i feel like collins won’t be able to adapt any new ideas she might’ve thought of since writing catching fire (which was like a whole decade ago i think)
Maybe since there is no mentor for district 12, he and the others are given a capital mentor, but the mentor is a rebel sympathizer and coaches Haymitch to break the games (thinking that if he’ll either succeed and begin the revolution or die with the plan still a secret) but costs Haymitch his family and love. the book could follow how Haymitch learns that he must fall in line and perpetuate the capital propaganda and plot the rebellion in secret, even when there’s supporters hiding everywhere. idk.
Having to make a spoiler alert for a trilogy that was out for over a decade and the main topic is about a book that you wouldn't be interested in if you haven't at least watched the movies shows how the internet has lost it.
Your bar for "lost it" is ridiculously low. I'm still finishing the prequel book, and the books are very distinct from the movies, so I was grateful to see a specific spoiler warning so I could know this video wouldn't touch on anything I haven't been exposed to yet. Also, new people discover old media all the time (I wasn't into this franchise in any medium yet until just a couple of months ago, and kids haven't even been born yet who will discover these stories in the future). The world doesn't revolve around your personal experiences and timeframes-of-exposure to things. Getting judgy about thoughtful and cautious spoiler practices has to be one of the pettiest ways to spend your giveadamns, ffs, find a real problem
@ItsAsparageese yeah, but it's not other people's responsibility to walk on eggshells not mentioning specific stuff in older movies, books, etc because you don't want to be told something. Try exercising some personal responsibility by avoiding videos that might include spoilers without the video creator having to spell it out to you and don't get mad with people if they accidentally tell you something because they assumed you've already watched/read something.
First time I watched star wars original trilogy was over 20 years after it was out due to my age, I went in knowing about the whole "I am your father" thing because it was impossible not to by then partially because people were way less sensitive about spoilers back then and it didn't ruin the experience for me.
@@geonunes10 Obviously it's not their responsibility. Nobody's saying it's on that important a level. But it is a really helpful and effortless COURTESY. Your priorities suck and so does your attitude, I'm sincerely sorry about whatever negativity in your life motivates you to be this snotty about a total non-issue. Cheers
@@geonunes10 Dude, its some text in a corner. Its called being thoughtful, just in case. Why is some text such a big deal to you lol ???
@bubblybobabubbles The point I'm making is, if it's a discussion about a piece of media it should be obvious that there will be details about said medium and the viewer should assume there will be spoilers by themselves and the content creator shouldn't need to break the flow of their video to spell it out.
At the end of the day it's a position of people should take more personal responsibility on what videos they click on and think a little before doing so
Really love the idea of the record being wrong about the 50th games and the aftermath. It's something she's hinted at a lot and touched on with district 13 but never really explored deeply. I also think we'll get Haymitch's introduction to the rebellion. whether that's the founding or just him joining or maybe even him discovering and then rejecting will be fascinating to find out
I don’t think it’s meant to, but the cover kinda looks like a lyre as well
Oh I didn’t even see that you’re so right!! I’ll have to brush up on my greek mythology before the book comes out so I don’t miss any symbolism with that!!
Maybe it’s a reference to Orpheus and Eurydice? Because Haymitch and Maysilee part ways and he goes back for her and she’s dead?
@@futuristicgirl14 oooomg why did you just cook like that 🔥
the thing is that we don't know exactly how haymitch's game went down... in the original trilogy, katniss only saw what aired on tv. and we know they cut out a lot of things on tv...
Ngl I'm really happy this book is form Haymitch perspective because he's one of my favorite characters and being completely honest, the most interesting moments to me happen inside the arena. Not the battle stuff but I like how the author writes about the desperation
You look sooo much like a girl that I used to work with who I sentimentally wanted to be BFFs with but didn't know how to ask to hang out more often and I changed jobs, so we lost touch lol
It's so surreal I had to double check your name but she has a different name haha. If I ever see her again at that place or through mutual friends I'm definitely going to share your video with her. She's also a reader.
I never noticed all the symbolism in the book covers. I noticed the birds but not the designs around them! That's amazing. I think what I'm most looking forward to is how Snow reacts and handles the entire situation, and also getting a view on HOW Haymitch managed to "win" against that many people, and what it does to him after it's over.
The cover of Sunrise on the Reaping initially makes me feel like a depiction of how both Snow and Lucy Gray established the ongoing style of the Hunger Games, and because of that, it spread this dual mentality to the citizens of Panem, including the district people. It's a society that is at war with itself constantly, and whoever fights against either side, is practically fighting themselves, because they are both dependent on one another. It even reminds me of Yin and Yang because there is a little bit of snake in everyone, really. Kind of like what Dr. Gaul in the movie was saying about how when in the arena, a human instinct to survive comes out and even the most well-mannered and well-educated boy can become a killer who bashes another boy's head in to continue living.
WAIT that’s so funny I will tell you Meredith is my first name but my legal last name is different so if you knew a Meredith that looks like me with a different last name it probably is me…
also I LOVE your thoughts here, someone else was mentioning the snake eating itself imagery, the oppressors and the oppressed in one being, it’s super interesting!!
i am SOOOOO pumped for this book omg and it comes out a few days before my bday so it's like a little bday present lol
aww that’ll be so fun!!
OKAY, HEAR ME OUT-- what if Haymithch's girlfriend never died. What if she was hijacked like Peeta, except all of her memories of Haymitch are gone. Haymitch now has to watch the love of his life live on without him like nothing ever happened-- because to her (after being hijacked), Haymitch never existed, she never loved him, and they never shared their lives together. I think watching someone you love so deeply and initmately live without knowing you ever existed just might be cruler than execution. Haymitch has to live with this, and he drinks to forget because every time he remembers, it feels like he is dying over and over and over again.
I don't think Suzanne Collins would leave something as lethal and useful as hijacking alone when it can be used for such a HUGE plot twist.
WOAHHHHH that would be so cool and tragic 😭😭😭 I hope in my heart that you’re wrong for haymitchs sake but I think you’re onto something here!!
I would love to see how Haymitch tries to navigate himself through the life of a mentor and seeing his tributes die. Maybe that’s where the propaganda can be mentioned, he sees firsthand how the Capitol and the sponsors act like and how they truly think about the tributes and their districts.
yeah that’s a good thought, maybe we get some of his time as a mentor??
After reading what the creator of the cover had to say about it, I'm so glad the songbird and snake symbolism is continuing. It connects SOTR to Ballad, and with the idea of the same source can be the cause for 2 opposite sides, I'm feeling like we'll see a lot more of Snow in this novel than we did in the og trilogy novels.
I wonder who is their mentor? Cuz by now this would be 40 years since Lucy won her games so there ARE 39 mentors in 11 other districts, so all the tributes are at least 1, but 12 doesn't. So who does the mentoring since it's probably seen as a low job position from the Capital. And after Haymitch wins, HE is the new (and only) mentor for district 12 for the next 24 years.
I'm pretty sure he is not gonna get a mentor...MAYBE Plutarch can be his mentor. MAYBE Suzanne will show us how they met, become friends, started trusting one another and planned the rebellion...Idk
To be honest, I feel like I prefered your theory better than it looks like it will be. Maybe it is just that what I imagine the book to be about is not what it will actually be, but who knows.
Also, thank you for commenting it, as I am completely the most oblivious person ever and I definitely did not receive this info until now
Haha same I somehow completely missed the cover announcement 😅 but yeah honestly I do wish I was right, I wish we got a different perspective but I do still have faith that Suzanne Collins is going to make the most of it!!
@meredithnovaco completely agree. She has proven that we can trust her writing and storytelling!
Not that it matters, but my paperback of Songbirds and Snakes was also green! I wonder if the dark purple was a special edition.
Oh maybe?? Wait let me check my copy lmao maybe I got a special one??
okay I checked my copy and it doesn’t say it’s a special edition but that’s fascinating that there’s two covers?? mine also does have discussion points at the end so maybe it is a special one and it just doesn’t say?
@@meredithnovacoit’s apparently a Barnes and Nobel exclusive
I’m convinced its going to be a split perspective between haymitch and a career
I immediately saw the cover as a harp personally, I have no clue where a harp would fit into Haymitchs story or what the symbolism for one would be so it could definitely be unintentional, but the shape is just so specifically harp-like, they could’ve done this same design without having it come into that specific shape….. hmmmm…… bard Haymitch…………
Maybe we'll get more Lucy Gray lore in this book, or at least a cameo
Placing my bet now that the book ends with sun rising on the reaping day of Haymitch's first tribute. Opens with a reaping day to a rebellious Haymitch, closes with a reaping day of a completely broken and demorallised Haymitch.
i think we will get a lot of what happens before the games, but most importantly after. we'll see how haymitch was affected by his games, how he lost everything to win and now has had everything taken away from him by the capitol. he might be used to kind of make messages and act like he supports the capitol or something, but i think it would be really interesting to see how haymitch makes the decision to fight against the capitol and become a rebel
oh, and additionally- if i remember correctly, the synopsis on my copy of catching fire was largely centered on the victory tour and katniss trying to stamp out rebellion, while that didn't take up too much time in the actual book. so i'm not sure if the "before reaping" section will take up a huge majority (it'll probably be a larger part than his actual games/the preparations for them, anyway)
Could we see some of the games following his own? By the time of the 75th Games Haymitch had accepted that all his tributes would die. We could see more 12 tributes come and go over the years as Haymitch descends further into alcoholism and acceptance for the games.
I doubt it would go that way but might be interesting nonetheless.
Omg so excited to read this! I feel like the royal purple theme on the front could be related to Maisilee being from the higher class in 12
This isnt even quite a theroy or anything but I am p sure that at some point in this career corio made sure that Maude Ivory was picked for the hunger games and I think there might be confirmation of this in the book. Amazing video btw lovely x
Thank you!! I think Maude ivory would be too old at this point bc it’s been 40 years since songbirds and snakes but maybe it’s her kids?
@@meredithnovaco Could Maude and Maysilee be related? Or is that too much of a stretch
@@meredithnovacocould be that she got reaped in a games in a previous year when she was younger and someone in the book talks about it, I think it’s unlikely though
Maude Ivory is Katniss' grandma imo. Neither she nor Katniss' dad were reaped. Maude Ivory was the only other person who heard Lucy Gray's song, about the hanging tree, so she was probably the one to teach Katniss' dad. Maude Ivory was way younger than everyone else so her age works for being Katniss' dad's mother.
@@CMThota honestly i think maude and katniss might be related through their father, especially since both katniss and maude can remember songs after just hearing it once or twice and the fact katniss knows covey songs. i feel like that's more likely of a family line than maysilee, but we'll see in the book!
Something I’ve never considered before: who mentored Haymitch and Maysilee?
oh good point, maybe they just assigned someone at random?
or no one, i think the capitol is cruel enough to do that, send the kids in blindly with no help, which could be what Haymitch is saying that he "has been set up to fail"
Cover wise of the first prequel I think it just depends on where you live for which print you got. Where I got mine there was only the green print for both paper back and hard cover. I got a paper back because my other hunger games books are paper backs and mine is green
Anyone remember “Plutarch’s underground” from mockingjay ??? I have a sneaking suspicion we’re gonna learn more about that in this next book
Maybe the title meaning is we gonna have a update on Haymitch story at every reaping as a mentor. I would like to see this end on Peeta and Katniss Reaping day.
OHHHH THIS IS SUCH A COOL IDEA I hope!!!!
It’s my birthday today 🎉 this is great upload timing 🤩🥳🥰
Happy Birthday!!🎉
HAPPY BIRTHDAYYY!!! Hope you have an amazing day!! ❤️❤️
I think I’m a little late for the debate but my guess is that the games maybe won’t be a huge part of the book because we know and it’s more about the before and after. like more depth about how the victors are treated, how the inside of there job looks like, how they suffer under it, haymitch understanding the propaganda behind it all, mostly because of what they did to him, maybe secretly doing stuff against it, etc. basically the inside we expected when we thought that haymitch might not be the mc. but he is after all a figure of the capitol after the games
My interpretation is that the snake and songbird is the two sides of Haymitch and that the spikes maybe symbolizes he has to pick one side. The color maybe refers to the fear and anxiety Haymitch is gonna feel throughout this book and the circle maybe hints at him breaking or setting something up in the capital that will slowly destroy it? Idk it’s my wish.
my thoughts on the book covers after watching this video:
1. You pointed out the two circles pinning the mockingjay as being representative of the Capitol, which made me think why 2 circles to represent one entity? But throughout the series we see it is not just the Capitol trying to manipulate Katniss and use her image for propaganda, but also the rebel forces and specifically District 13/President Coin. The second circle is also more prominent on the cover of Catching Fire than The Hunger Games, showing how the rebel forces make their presence known in the second book. Finally there is a 3rd ring around the mockingjay itself, which starts as a gold ring surrounded by disjointed gray lines, becomes a solid closed ring of a clockface directly connected to the “Capitol” and “rebel” circles, and then finally shatters breaking both connections on the cover of Mockingjay.
If the mockingjay represents Katniss/the tribute themselves, then we could interpret the ring surrounding them as the “means of control” that is used by the Capitol (and at times the rebels) to manipulate the tributes (and victors). This could represent the things they care about that can be threatened such as loved ones, but it could also represent the Hunger Games and the arena itself, or the segregation and poor conditions of the Districts.
2. Going off of that interpretation for the original trilogy, we see that Songbirds and Snakes features one strong circle radiating outwards, and a mostly solid but fragile-looking gold circle formed by the tree branch enclosing a bird and a snake. The bird is positioned above the snake with its head above the branches but looks up and away, while the snake is also partially outside the circle and its eyes appear to be trained on the bird. I think this imagery represents the solidifying of the Capitol’s power (the radiating circles), the early stages of the Games (the fragile and barren tree branch that can’t fully contain the snake *or* the bird), and the relationship between Snow and Lucy Gray (the bird taking center stage and looking to the sky as if about to take flight, and the snake in the background carefully watching the bird).
3. Finally moving on to Sunrise on the Reaping, we have a single fragmented circle, the bottom 1/4 of which is eclipsed by the conjoined body of the snake and the bird. The spikes rising up behind the bird/snake hybrid suggest the image of a crown as well as rays of sunlight. Furthermore, the bird and the snake are not only connected as one being, but directly facing one another in apparent hostility.
At first I thought that the disjointed circle on this cover might be the one representing the rebel forces, but I actually think it makes much more sense for it to be that third circle around the mockingjay which earlier I called the “means of control”. I think that the crown imagery is meant to represent the Victor’s crown, and that we will get to see how the Victors of the games are controlled and used by the Capitol, possibly even getting some snapshots of Haymitch trying and failing to mentor future tributes. In fact I think the title “Sunrise on the Reaping” might not refer to just Haymitch’s reaping, but to all the reapings which occurred after where he was now a mentor. And I do think that you were right about the snake and the bird representing two parts of Haymitch in conflict, the one that wants to fight back and the one that wants to take advantage of the benefits offered to a victor who “plays along”or “puts on a good show.”The snake could also possibly represent Snow again, but I think that’s unlikely as the conjoined body suggests that one of them attacking would mean injuring itself in the process, and I don’t see how Haymitch could hold that kind of power over Snow, unless there really is some massive secret that was covered up that Haymitch could potentially reveal.
But in general I think that with the crown, the purple coloring, and the fact that the crown itself can be seen as actually making up a portion of the circle representing “control,” means we will get a lot of insight in this book as to how the role of victor/mentor is really just another piece of the games, and how the elevation of victors to royalty-like status serves to both keep them in line and alienate them from their fellow District citizens. And knowing what we know now about Snow’s connection to District 12, the fact that Haymitch’s loved ones were killed, and that the Games have progressed far enough for victors to be viewed as celebrities, I think we can assume that Snow was particularly upset that the winner came from District 12 in the most hyped up Games since the 25th. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Snow was so furious at Haymitch winning that he promised to rig the games so that District 12 would never win again, adding some meaning to Haymitch’s defeatism when he tells Katniss and Peeta that there is “nothing he can do to save them.” (by this point Snow would have already proved his ability to rig the games by killing off promising tributes from 12, and he’d believe Haymitch so drunk and docile that he’d have stopped putting so much effort into crushing any hope for District 12, leading to Katniss and Peeta slipping through the cracks). It’s even possible that Snow was *already* rigging the games against 12 during the 2nd Quarter Quell, but that Haymitch somehow outsmarted him.
I also think this means we are likely to get a third prequel book related to the formation of the rebel group. I have seen many people suggesting Plutarch as a potential POV and I think he would be the perfect candidate if I’m right about this part!
(I know this is all super over-analyzed, but as soon as you started talking about the book covers I couldn’t help it! Even if it turns out to be wrong it was fun to theorize about 😅)
okay adding on to an already insanely long comment cause i just cannnnt stop thinking about it lmao but a few more details on the new cover:
the dual imagery of the sunrise/crown and the snake/bird goes crazy. its body forms part of the circle which encloses it, which means one half needs to be severed in order for the other to be free. but doing so would also break the sunrise/crown image. If Haymitch chooses to rebel, he can no longer wear the victors crown (reap the benefits of the Capitol). If he chooses to play the game, he’ll never see the sun rise (hope for a brighter future post-rebellion).
Also the way the snake’s body fits much more smoothly into the circle/crown shape than the bird, and the way that the snake on the cover of Songbirds and Snakes was coiled around and almost blended in with the tree branches symbolizing the games/arena. I don’t think it’s an accident that the bird/snake figure is so lopsided. With the snake having previously represented Snow, and the biblical idea of a snake as the devil whispering lies to you, I think it’s meant that the bird is moreso the “real” Haymitch, which has had its body twisted and mutilated into a snake (i.e., falling under Snow’s direct influence/control) due to winning the games.
sorry for rambling so much in these comments but good god i am just SO excited for this book thinking abt the possibilities
The bird/snake symbol on the new book looks kind of like a lyre, a musical instrument used in Ancient Greece. There might be an interesting or underlying musical aspect to this book
i think because the recording of the game that katniss watched in the second book was heavily edited and filtered by the capitol, we might get a lot of scenes in the arena that they didn’t include/televise to the public. they try to erase any proof of rebellion from their history, like they covered up what happened with district 13 etc. and at the beginning of the first book katniss seems to not know anything about a rebellion or anything so i guess they did a good job. so maybe we’ll get to see more about the lengths the capitol will go to in order to cover things up and not let a hint of the idea, that the capitol can be brought down, out to the public
I would like if the book went into some detail about Haymitch as a mentor, maybe provided some insight. I mean, I know there's only so much to say about seeing some unspeakable things done to the kids you mentor every year, but still, I wouldn't be surprised if this book describes how the tone was set for future reapings and games in some way.
What’s weird is my paper back is green?
i just watched a fifteen minute video about a book cover for something im never gonna read lol
I don’t have anything solid, but the sunrise on the reaping cover is kinda giving ouroboros, which might represent the cyclical nature of the games but instead of the snake eating itself, the snake and the bird are in conflict. For the spikes in the middle of the cover, I’m thinking because it’s a quarter quell it’s like a bigger deal/more fancy? Idk just rambling 😅
i was listening to this and my brain just randomly jumped to a theory that i just made up on the spot. i thought that maybe his gf escaped to 13 then my brain just randomly said that his gf could be coin
im aware of allthe plot holes this would have but we still have the lucy grey is coin theory but who knows...
WAIT WHAT IF HAYMITCHES GF WAS LUCY GREYS SISTER/COUSIN/WHATEVER MAUDE IVORY
I liked your analysis about the book covers. 😊
I thought the circle could represent the break in the forcefield since in the games he realize the forcefield surronded the arena and it reflected objects. semi breeaking or interferring with the capitol before capitol destroyed the arena upon realizing
Crown? Rays from the sun...Sunrise on the Reaping.
OKAY so I just finished my reread of mockingjay for preparation for the new book, and I had a crazy theory. WHAT IF, since the book ends with Katniss, Peeta and their kids in 12 (Haymitch came back with them remember?), we start with the children asking Haymitch about his time in the games, maybe because the girl learned about it in school, and the book is Haymitch telling them what happened 🤯🤯🤯 might be a little bit of a stretch, but I thought it would be an idea for the kids to ask their uncle haymitch about it.
Also with the snake and bird intertwining on the cover… what if Haymitch is Lucy Gray and Snow’s grandkid?? HAYMITCH HAS BLONDE HAIR AND BLONDE HAIR ISNT COMMON IN TWELVE REMEMBER
WOOOO YEAHHHH THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HEARING THAT IT IS ABOUT HAYMITCH WOOOO YAY
I haven’t been this excited for a book release since Harry Potter
Waitt what if the royal purple is hinting at a captiol citizen’s perspective and the bird and the snake who are connecting ( the snake means the capitol citizen bc of the loyalty and the bird means haymitch bc of his hope and such) they understand eachother and slowly become friends then lovers. And the spikes mean hope is slowly rising between them . EEE I HOPE THIS BOOK IS HAYFFIE CODED !! ( was talking abt effie as the captiol citizen)
My paperback version of tbosas was green like the hardcover
My paperback version of TBOSAS is green.
I love you for living under a rock and I TOTALLY AGREED WITH YOU AND BELIEVED THE SAME AND AAAAAAAH WHY
Love the deep dive!!!
Not sure why, but I feel like the bird and the snake are supposed to represent Haymitch and Maysilee. And them essentially teaming together until the end.
such interesting takes!! what if the crown represents someone in power who doesn’t believe in the hunger games, a people’s princess if you will (the common theme to me in the series) and she is the only thing that stands between the two sides of haymitch? idk though ig we shall see 😂🤞🏽
Purple is the gamemakers color , could be about propaganda and how much rebels and capitol are similar , and so maybe have a Plutarch point of view
I’m so excited about this book it’s not even funny, I love these books and movies so much
I pre ordered my copy an im taking the day off to read it
yeah, there is also a possibility, that the book name alludes to ALL reapings, Haymitch went through, until the one, that became a sunrise to the revolution, there Katniss showed up
and, it can show not only Haymitch being "the snake and the bird" at the same time, but "the snake transforming into bird"? since they are placed on a cover in that "order"?..
I see no problem in trying to question the known truth (we can see in this book, how officials manipulates the story into some narrative all the time) and even to getting something wrong, because it is not a serious predictions, but just having fun speculating and basically imagining a fanfiction in your head!
GOD DAMN IT I’m just as wrong as you girl 😂❤😅
it’s okay at least we’re wrong together 😭
I do think the crown may be meant to be sunbeams, a la the title "Sunrise on the Reaping"
I prefer hardcover books over paperback any day. Because hardback lasts way longer than paperback do. I’m definitely gonna get the hardback book when this releases.
7:00 I thought the bird would be about Haymitch and the Snake would be about Snow
My paperback is green.
Conspiracy theory, sure I'm wrong. Hamach is Lucy Gray and Snow's son. Or one of the other tributes.
Soooo excited 🎉
can’t wait to read it
I think the supposed cover was better
ooh was there a leaked cover? I missed that too lmao!!
@@meredithnovaco white one with the wing ⬜🐦
Hm, my TBoSaS paperback is green actually
I think the bird and the snake are supposed to represent the duality of human nature.
The ukelele 😂
My paperback is green yours might be a special edition or first edition
I’m into the theory that the Capitol got the wrong girl and Haymitch’s love interest lives-especially with how immediately sympathetic he was with Katniss when he tells he she’s never going to have to stop pretending with Peeta
Another thought: i can’t imagine a world where Suzanne Collins doesn’t focus on the fact that good propaganda can influence any of us. No one is immune the propaganda. I think we may see a Haymitch who doesn’t think the games are a big deal, and that Maysilee radicalizes him. I think we may get an anti-social-justice-warrior Haymitch lol
HAHA THE UKELELE
What if Snow and the songbird had a child?
I’m very happy you were wrong. Your theory made me not wanna read the book lol.
What if Haymich is Lucy Grey's and Cornelius Snows descendant? This would explain the bird and snake being combined. The crown makes me think of the Victor's Crown given to the ahunger agates winner. What if the 50th year is the year the propaganda starts in the game. Snow would be in power, maybe not the president yet, but maybe a Gamemaker. Haymich might not actually know his connection to Snow but if he learns it or figures it out his drinking would be further explained.
❤❤
i think the cover is pretty ugly, but it's got good symbolism.
I am so sorry to anyone who likes this cover and to the artist who made it, but imo it is soooooo ugly, this is my first time seeing it and I hate it.
half of this video feels like mansplaining and the other feels like hearing about an author who profits off waking up a generation of activists by feeding us a piece of bread except its the same bread she gave us last time but she wants us to think its not and does absolutely nothing but serve to bring in money... disappointing