I'll Never Forgive The Hunger Games For Ignoring 1 Fascinating Character's Backstory (2024)

Suzanne Collins did a great job wrapping up her iconic The Hunger Games trilogy, yet there's one particular character that I wish had been given a bit more story. Although The Hunger Games is now recognized as a massive film franchise, it once started as a set of three books. In many ways, The Hunger Games jumpstarted the young adult dystopian trend that overwhelmed the 2010s. It certainly had a significant impact on me and my reading tastes. Ultimately, The Hunger Games is slated to become a modern 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 in The Hunger Games is unique and innately human, even villains like President Snow. I think this is part of the reason why The Hunger Games is so easily expanded into spinoffs like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping. Collins writes people who are dynamic and interesting. Personally, I love a number of The Hunger Games characters, 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.

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 in The 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.

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 Cinna that I don't have for any other The Hunger Games characters. Considering how vast The Hunger Games world 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 as The 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 in The 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.

The most important aspect of Cinna that is never quite explained is his relationship with the rebellion. Cinna is killed in Catching Fire after 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 life for Katniss and the rebellion. I wish Cinna's role in the rebellion had become clearer in Mockingjay.

I'm Surprised Suzanne Collins Never Digs Deeper Into Cinna's Character

Cinna Is Important, Yet Never Explored

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Ultimately, I don't quite understand why Cinna never gets a hint of backstory in The Hunger Games. Perhaps there isn't enough time in the story, or maybe Suzanne Collins has a specific reason to keep his character in the dark. To me, it simply seems strange. After reading The 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 in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

In the end, I have faith that Cinna's story may become important again one day. As Collins works on Sunrise on the Reaping, I am hopeful that more The Hunger Games stories are forthcoming. Plus, if they are as good as The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, then I think Collins should write as many as she can. Though The Hunger Games is 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.

Created by

Suzanne Collins

Cast

Jennifer Lawrence , Josh Hutcherson , Liam Hemsworth , Elizabeth Banks , Woody Harrelson , Stanley Tucci , Donald Sutherland , Lenny Kravitz , Willow Shields , Phillip Seymour Hoffman , Rachel Zegler , Tom Blyth , Viola Davis , Peter Dinklage , Hunter Schafer , Jason Schwartzman

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