The Hunger Games' Most Interesting Character Deserves His Own Prequel

The franchise is making its comeback with a fresh prequel focusing on the early life of a beloved character, titled “Dawn of the Reaping.” This captivating story revolves around a young Haymitch Abernathy, as he competes in the 50th Annual Hunger Games, two decades before the timeline of the initial series. Just a few weeks after its release, Suzanne Collins’s new book, “Dawn of the Reaping,” is already slated for a movie adaptation, set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026.

Following “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and “Sunrise on the Reaping”, fans are eagerly waiting for more installments in the series, although no official announcements have been made as of now. Suzanne Collins has introduced a rich tapestry of complex and captivating characters within the world of Panem, such as Finnick Odair, Johanna Mason, and many others, who could be the focus of her next exploration. However, the ideal candidate for the next “Hunger Games” prequel isn’t immediately apparent. Instead, Collins might surprise us all by creating her most enticing spinoff yet by focusing on an unanticipated character.

Plutarch Heavensbee Deserves His Own Hunger Games Prequel

Plutarch is the Most Interesting Character in the Hunger Games Books

An intriguing theme for a new Hunger Games prequel could revolve around the character of Plutarch Heavensbee. First appearing in Catching Fire as the Head Gamemaker, he later reveals his role as the architect of a vast conspiracy against the Capitol, culminating in the Second Rebellion. Known for his skill in deception and ability to cater to people’s desires, Plutarch manages to get close enough to President Snow to manipulate him – an accomplishment in itself. Upon reaching District 13 with Katniss and the other Victors, Plutarch employs his expertise in propaganda to spearhead a media campaign against the Capitol, rallying the remaining districts to the rebellion.

It’s not an overstatement to suggest that, had it not been for Plutarch Heavensbee, the Capitol would still stand tall, and Panem would continue to be as oppressive and dystopian as ever.

In the newest addition to the Hunger Games series titled “Sunrise on the Reaping”, we are taken 25 years before the meeting of Katniss Everdeen, focusing on the character Plutarch. For much of this narrative, readers are left guessing about Plutarch’s motives; however, it is eventually unveiled that he has long been determined to overthrow the Capitol. This revelation significantly alters Plutarch’s character arc, suggesting that his plan against Snow had been brewing for decades before the happenings of Catching Fire. Unlike some impulsive characters like Haymitch and Katniss, Plutarch demonstrates remarkable patience and endurance, waiting for the opportune moment to set his strategy in motion. While he often operates covertly, Plutarch’s tale is intriguing because he leads a dual life that causes Capitol citizens to perceive him one way while he secretly works towards dismantling their entire society from within. A character who consistently outsmarts others is precisely the kind of lead we might expect in an outstanding Hunger Games prequel.

What a Plutarch Prequel Would Look Like

A Plutarch Heavensbee Prequel Could Take Notes From Game of Thrones

Instead of continuing the series’ pattern of action and adventure, the prequel could delve into Plutarch Heavensbee’s story by adopting a political thriller style, much like ‘Game of Thrones’. Characters such as Varys or Littlefinger can serve as inspiration for Plutarch, portraying him as a mastermind who executes his plans in the Capitol. Similar to these characters from Westeros, Plutarch navigates a treacherous game, aware that any mistake could lead to his demise. The narrative would follow young Plutarch as he climbs the ranks of the Capitol elite, forming alliances and making friends, while simultaneously seeking ways to overthrow the oppressive regime that has held Panem under its thumb for too long. Ultimately, he would find himself in President Snow’s favor, his most formidable adversary yet, using every tactic at his disposal to orchestrate a second rebellion.

A Plutarch Heavensbee prequel story could provide an engaging alternative to the usual action-packed narratives of past books, offering valuable insights into the political intrigues happening within the Capitol prior to The Hunger Games. This would shed light on the complex web of power plays, revealing that President Snow had secret supporters like Plutarch in his rebellion, and uncovering other captivating enigmas about Capitol society. With so many compelling storylines that could emerge from a Plutarch prequel, Suzanne Collins might find it hard to resist this intriguing opportunity. Remarkably, recent events have made a Plutarch prequel more feasible than ever before.

The Hunger Games Just Cast Its Young Plutarch

A Talented Actor Will Follow Philip Seymour Hoffman

At sunrise on the set of “The Reaping,” it’s been revealed that Jesse Plemons, a well-known actor from hit TV shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Black Mirror,” will be taking on the role. Fans of “The Hunger Games” have admired him since his casting, noting how his past roles demonstrate the depth and complexity required to play a character as intricate as Philip Seymour Hoffman portrayed in the original films. With such a talented actor like Jesse Plemons stepping into this role, “The Hunger Games” might be one step closer to unfolding more of Plutarch Heavensbee’s story.

Jesse Plemons is an actor recognized widely but not yet associated with a breakout, iconic character. This flexibility offers a chance for him to reprise roles in upcoming sequels or prequels, particularly those that explore his character more fully. Given his exceptional performance as Plutarch in “Sunrise on the Reaping”, he seems ideally suited to portray Plutarch’s story before the events of [movie title]. If audiences find his portrayal captivating, a prequel focusing on his life could be another success for the series.

2025-05-04 04:41

The Hunger Games’ Most Interesting Character Deserves His Own Prequel