1. Were the bombs in the Arena really planted by the rebels or was it a false-flag? 

2. The barbaric conditions of the 10th Hunger Games are markedly different than the celebrity treatment given to the tributes by the 74th Games. Are these improvements attributable to Snow? 

3. Is Coriolanus a psychopath incapable of human emotions? Does he actually care about Lucy & Sejanus or is he only using them for his own advancement? 

4. Does Lucy die in the end? 

5. Is human nature essentially good and people are only corrupted by “the world” or is humanity essentially barbaric and requires strict laws to remain civilized?

         Throughout the original trilogy, Collins explores the theme: Power is inherently corrupting, and she continues with this theme in Ballad. The novel begins with Coriolanus taking every precaution to hide that his once powerful family is falling into destitution. Although his position among the elite is only an illusion, Snow proves he’s willing to anything to advance in the Capitol’s hierarchy. Nothing will stand in his way of becoming president.He is a truly unlikeable character. Every glimmer of humanity he exhibits is immediately followed with a show of his true narcissistic nature. It is when he is at rock-bottom, having been shipped off to District 12 as punishment for cheating in the Games, that he is his most human. His friendship with Sejanus is genuine. He has a real romantic connection with Lucy. But then he betrays his best friend to stay in the good graces of the Capitol. The instant he gets the opportunity to destroy the evidence of his crimes, he abandons his plans to run away with Lucy, throwing away their relationship. Back on track for his future presidency with his prestigious Game maker internship, Snow vows never to care for another person again. As he returns to a position of power, he fully rejects the last vestiges of his humanity.