The Ghost of Lucy Gray Baird Continues to Loom
Her presence or lack thereof has caused lasting effects throughout the Hunger Games universe and it’s no different in Sunrise on the Reaping. After becoming victor of the 10th Hunger Games—an event that remains shrouded in mystery 40 years later—in A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, she ultimately decided to run away into the woods from her mentor and lover, Coriolanus Snow, leaving her fate ambiguous.
President Snow’s obsession with Lucy Gray and the Covey, a nomadic group known for their music, finds its way into Sunrise on the Reaping. The ghost of Lucy Gray comes to life when the ruthless President notices the similarities between his first love and Lenore Dove, Haymitch’s girlfriend, as Lenore Dove is not only Covey, but she is also a Baird, a descendent of Lucy Gray Baird’s family. It’s evident President Snow remains unable to get over Lucy Gray Baird—and is reminded of her at every turn—during a private meeting with Haymitch he suggests Lenore Dove isn’t as in love with Haymitch as he thinks. Although, when he speaks, it’s clear it’s not Lenore Dove he’s referring to.
“She’s delightful to look at, swishes around in bright colors, and sings like a mockingjay,” Snow tells Haymitch. “You love her. And oh, how she seems to love you. Except sometimes you wonder, because her plans don’t include you at all.”
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