Summary
Suzanne Collins did a great job wrapping up her iconicThe Hunger Gamestrilogy, yet there’s one particular character that I wish had been given a bit more story. AlthoughThe Hunger Gamesis now recognized as a massive film franchise, it once started as a set of three books. In many ways,The Hunger Gamesjumpstarted the young adult dystopian trend that overwhelmed the 2010s. It certainly had a significant impact on me and my reading tastes. Ultimately,The Hunger Gamesis slated to become amodern classic book, but I can’t say the series is completely perfect.
One of Suzanne Collins' biggest strengths is her characters.Every individual that appears inThe Hunger Gamesis unique and innately human, even villains like President Snow. I think this is part of the reason whyThe Hunger Gamesis so easily expanded into spinoffs likeThe Ballad of Songbirds and SnakesandSunrise on the Reaping.Collins writes people who are dynamic and interesting. Personally, I love a number ofThe Hunger Gamescharacters, but there is one that I think deserves an origin story way more than others. In fact, I can’t believe Collins didn’t write one already.
10 Hunger Games Characters Who Still Deserve Prequels After Haymitch’s
Some of the best characters from The Hunger Games, including Finnick, Johanna, and China, deserve their own prequels after Sunrise on the Reaping.
I Can’t Believe The Hunger Games Never Gives Cinna A Proper Backstory
Katniss Never Learns About Cinna’s Background
Despite all the in-depth character work that Suzanne Collins offers inThe Hunger Games,one character that is left in the shadows is Cinna. The fashion designer is one of Katniss' very first allies in the Capitol, yet readers never learn much about him beyond his present-day actions.We understand that Cinna isn’t like other citizens of the Capitol, but we never learn why. Then, before we can find out, Cinna is killed. Even his death is somewhat clouded, as Katniss sees him being dragged away and only later hears confirmation of his death.
Considering how vastThe Hunger Gamesworld is, I can’t believe that Cinna does not have a unique origin story that explains his current position.
I think Collins' ambiguity with Cinna is a major disappointment. Where other characters provide glimpses of their backgrounds and histories, Cinna gets absolutely nothing. I can’t say that it makes his character worse, because I still love Cinna regardless. However,I definitely have an intense curiosity about Cinnathat I don’t have for any otherThe Hunger Gamescharacters. Considering how vastThe Hunger Gamesworld is, I can’t believe that Cinna does not have a unique origin story that explains his current position. Sadly, his lack of backstory makes him more of a plot device than a character.
Cinna’s Actions Against The Capitol Warrant An Explanation In The Hunger Games
Cinna Deserves A Backstory
I can admit that not every character is able to have a backstory, especially in a series as sprawling asThe Hunger Games.However, I do believe that, out of all the characters,Cinna definitely deserves some context. Cinna clearly hasn’t been infected by the frivolity of the Capitol, but we deserve to know why. I can assume Cinna grew up inThe Hunger Games’Districts, but I want to know which one. I want to understand his journey from the Districts to the beloved Hunger Games designer. His position is rare, therefore it warrants some explanation.
A mockingjay is a fictional mutant bird that is a cross between a mockingbird and a jabberjay. InThe Hunger Games,they represent the rebellion.
The most important aspect of Cinna that is never quite explained is his relationship with the rebellion. Cinna is killed inCatching Fireafter designing a dress for Katniss that makes her look like a mockingjay, thus fueling her status as the face of the District 13 rebels. Cinna must have known he would face punishment for such a bold act, yet he does it anyway. Therefore,I want to understand why Cinna is so willing to sacrifice his lifefor Katniss and the rebellion. I wish Cinna’s role in the rebellion had become clearer inMockingjay.
I’m Surprised Suzanne Collins Never Digs Deeper Into Cinna’s Character
Cinna Is Important, Yet Never Explored
Ultimately, I don’t quite understand why Cinna never gets a hint of backstory inThe Hunger Games.Perhaps there isn’t enough time in the story, ormaybe Suzanne Collins has a specific reason to keep his character in the dark. To me, it simply seems strange. After readingThe Hunger Games,I know much more about Gale’s family situation than I do about more intriguing characters like Cinna. In fact, I feel like I know very little about characters from the Capitol, aside from Coriolanus Snow inThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
In the end, I have faith that Cinna’s story may become important again one day. As Collins works onSunrise on the Reaping,I am hopeful that moreThe Hunger Gamesstories are forthcoming. Plus, if they are as good asThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,then I think Collins should write as many as she can. ThoughThe Hunger Gamesis an amazing series, I can’t help but be greedy for even more of this world and its characters. My fingers are crossed that Cinna is up next.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a multi-movie franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The films are based on the young adult dystopian book series by author Suzanne Collins. The first film was released in 2012, followed by Catching Fire in 2013, Mockingjay Part 1 in 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. In 2023, the fifth film in the series was released, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
