We have long awaited a new story from talented writer Suzanne Collins. Now, at long last, it seems our prayers have been answered.

As you have no doubt gathered from social media, there’s been a lot of buzz around The Hunger Games’ prequel, The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes. And we mean a lot of buzz. Not all of it, however, has been positive.

First, some context: Suzanne Collins’ new novel begins on the morning of the reaping of Panem’s 10th Hunger Games. This means that, yeah, it’s set a lifetime before Katniss Everdeen (portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the movie adaptations) volunteers as tribute.

Rather than introduce readers to a series of new characters, however. Collins has decided to make an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow the focus of her story. As in the same Corionlanus Snow who, over 60 years later, serves as Panem’s ruthless and tyrannical ruler. Who threatens the lives of Everdeen’s loved ones. Who tortures her friends for information. Who, indirectly or not, caused Cinna’s death. Who brainwashes Peeta and forces him into the role of assassin. Who uses the Capitol’s children as a human shield.

The same Snow who proves himself to be a cruel, sadistic, wrathful, violent, greedy, arrogant, power-hungry, wicked and purely and utterly evil man, obsessed with keeping the perfection of the established order and maintaining absolutely no respect or care for human life.

That Snow.

Hunger Games prequel: untangling the controversy over The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes