The World of Panem
Interpreting Society, Geography, and Characters of the Hunger Games
Category: Covey
The Goose and the Common: An Unexpected nod to (New) England in Sunrise on the Reaping
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Sunrise on the Reaping As early as page 5 in Sunrise, we learn that Collins seems to maintain some kind of fascination with geese. Haymitch’s “girl,” Lenore Dove, treats about a dozen of them (lots of “dozens” show up in… Continue Reading “The Goose and the Common: An Unexpected nod to (New) England in Sunrise on the Reaping”
A District 12 (and Mockingjay Pin) Family Tree: What We Learn from Sunrise on the Reaping
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD (and above) For Sunrise on the Reaping With the release of Sunrise in March 2025, those of us hoping to fill in some gaps to Katniss’ family tree were treated to incredible new information. At the same time, it is arguably… Continue Reading “A District 12 (and Mockingjay Pin) Family Tree: What We Learn from Sunrise on the Reaping”
Who is Lenore Dove’s Mother? Unlocking some Important “Grave” Clues in Sunrise
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD FOR Sunrise on the Reaping. For those of us hoping to learn more about the Covey, it is safe to say that we got much more than many of us expected in Collins’ latest Sunrise prequel. As Haymitch’s true love, we… Continue Reading “Who is Lenore Dove’s Mother? Unlocking some Important “Grave” Clues in Sunrise”
The Case for Maude Ivory as a Future Grandmother
(SPOILER ALERT for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) Perhaps one of the more light-hearted debates among fans has been whether we have indeed met one of Katniss’ ancestors within the prequel. After reading a variety of perspectives on this issue, I began to… Continue Reading “The Case for Maude Ivory as a Future Grandmother”
The Butter Enigma: Why Future Books May Be Coming
(NOTE: Spoiler Alert for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) (Feature Image: An old crank-type butter churn. Source: Creative Commons, the Mallala Museum.) There are admittedly some compelling arguments as to why Suzanne Collins’ Prequel may be her last in the series. Indicators include… Continue Reading “The Butter Enigma: Why Future Books May Be Coming”
Tam Amber’s “Teardrop” Mandolin
(NOTE: Spoiler Alert for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.) Some readers may be surprised to see a rather obscure string instrument show up in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—namely Tam Amber’s mandolin. As the narrator describes, he “proved something of a standout… Continue Reading “Tam Amber’s “Teardrop” Mandolin”
The Covey’s Mountain Music and the “High, Lonesome Sound”
(Note: Spoiler Alert for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) (Author’s Note: This is a draft excerpt from my future book focusing on the culture of District 12, still taking shape as of this writing.) One of the southern Appalachian region’s most distinctive cultural… Continue Reading “The Covey’s Mountain Music and the “High, Lonesome Sound””
Keep on the Sunny Side: A Brief History and Very Brief Appearance in “Ballad”
(Revised and Expanded April 8, 2025) One aspect of the Ballad prequel that astonished many of us is the incredible central role that music plays in the story. Of course, this is directly implied by the book’s title. Some of the numerous songs included… Continue Reading “Keep on the Sunny Side: A Brief History and Very Brief Appearance in “Ballad””
Clementine, Gold Mining and District 12
(NOTE: Spoiler Alert for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes). Probably one of the more recognizable songs we enjoy in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is one that Maude Ivory adores (and one that bugs Coriolanus to no end): “Oh My Darling, Clementine”.… Continue Reading “Clementine, Gold Mining and District 12”
Meet the Author
Tom Paradis
This site inspired by a first-year seminar on the Hunger Games at Butler University.
The World of Panem 