Summary

• Lucy Gray's fate in "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" is left ambiguous.
• Lucy Gray's survival could allow her to return to District 12 or even be related to Katniss Everdeen.
• It is speculated that Lucy Gray may have run to District 13, become President Coin, or died in her altercation with Snow.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes reignited interest in the series with an ambiguous ending for Lucy Gray Baird, one of the film's central protagonists. The Hunger Games series of books by Suzanne Collins was adapted to film starting in 2012, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, and exploring the dystopian future world of Panem. The central premise of the novels revolves around the concept of the Hunger Games, for which it is named, where dozens of children are forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capitol, and to their lower status.

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is a prequel story released in 2020, which depicts the early life of the future antagonist, Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth). The story was then adapted to film in 2023, and the movie follows the book's trajectory with Snow connecting with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) before the couple falls apart and go their separate ways. Both the book and the film leave Lucy Gray Baird's fate ambiguous when Snow and Baird grow suspicious of each other, and Snow fires a gun into the woods.

6 Return To District 12

Lucy Gray Avoids Snow

One theory about what happened to Lucy Gray is that she survived, either unharmed or with a gunshot wound. When Snow returned to District 12, he was immediately transported back to the capitol, and despite Lucy Gray winning the 10th annual Hunger Games, the event was much less of a spectacle at that time, so it could reasonably be assumed that she was able to avoid attention. Lucy Gray was skilled at evading capture, so assuming she was able to lie low for a short period, possibly even in the cabin, she could potentially return to District 12.

However, as Snow comes into power, it is likely that he would have continued searching for Lucy Gray and District 12 would likely have been the first place he looked. Given his influence, it is less likely she could have stayed hidden there for so long.

5 Related To Katniss Everdeen

Katniss' Paternal Grandmother Or Great-Grandmother

Watching The Hunger Games prequel, it is not hard to see similarities between Lucy Gray and Katniss Everdeen. In fact, Lucy Gray is even shown to do the mock bow that Katniss gives to the judges of the games, highlighting their shared rebellious nature. Lucy Gray was a young woman during the events of the 10th Annual Hunger Games, at just 16 years old. Katniss was also 16 years old when she took part in the 74th Annual Hunger Games, 64 years later.

Depending on when and if Lucy Gray eventually had children, she may be the grandmother, or great-grandmother to Katniss Everdeen. In the books, Katniss' father is described as having dark hair and olive skin, just as Lucy Gray did. Katniss' father also had a beautiful singing voice, and taught his daughter the song, "The Hanging Tree," which Lucy Gray wrote. If Lucy Gray did return to District 12 and live out a life, it is reasonable to assume she raised her children with the same love of music, rebellious spirit, and energy, just as Katniss' father raised her.

However, if Lucy Gray was too recognizable after winning the Hunger Games and Snow continued to have guards assigned to notify him if she ever appeared, it's reasonable to assume she could have ended up elsewhere. While it would strengthen the connection between the characters, making them literal relatives instead of just two people who share the same fighting spirit seems unnecessary.

4 District 13

Lucy Gray Runs To The Forbidden District

Lucy Gray traveled around the Districts of Panem as a performer with her adoptive family. Lucy could have heard rumors about the existence of District 13, despite its supposed destruction, and chose to run there for refuge after being attacked by President Snow. Lucy Gray could have been welcomed in by the rebel forces that continued to live in District 13 and became an active part of the rebellion. Considering her song, "The Hanging Tree" was regarded by others as a rebellion song, her music could have served as a rallying cry to those living underground in the deserted District.

This feels like a likely plan for Lucy Gray as she would understand that she could not have a life in Panem's known districts as long as Snow was around. It would also fit her personality, as District 13 seems to symbolize freedom from Snow's rule by maintaining the spirit of the rebellion.

3 Became President Coin

Consumed By Snow's Betrayal

While Lucy Gray appeared to be full of life, laughter, and love in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the betrayal by Snow could have pushed her over the edge into becoming resentful and hardened. Those living in the Districts already suffered with having much less than their peers in the Capitol. With Snow going so far as to attempt to murder Lucy Gray and his former friends, Lucy Gray could have changed from her happy and outgoing personality to become the Capitol's most fierce opponent, President Alma Coin.

This theory may be more difficult to swallow considering the stark contrast between Lucy Gray and President Alma Coin, but dedicated fans have put in the work to flesh out why and how this could be possible. It would be sad to see a beautiful and spirited young woman like Lucy Gray grow up to be so consumed by rage and hatred that she eventually becomes the very thing she despises. However, this twist on the character, which ultimately led to her own demise by Katniss Everdeen's true arrow, would be a poetic end to her and Snow's story.

2 The Mother Of Alma Coin

Raising The Future Leader Of The Rebellion

A slightly less far-fetched theory revolves around Lucy Gray finding love in District 13, and giving birth to the woman who would later lead the rebellion against the Capitol and President Snow. With 65 years ing between the events of the prequel story and the conclusion of the original trilogy, there is ample time for Lucy to have children who could reasonably be the same age as Alma Coin during the final book.

While Alma is a very different character from her potential mother, it would explain the intensity behind her bitter rivalry with President Snow and the Capitol if she was raised by Lucy Gray. Lucy Gray may have been upbeat in her approach to hardship, but her daughter could have easily grown to despise the man who forced them underground and into hiding.

Knowing the trials her mother went through could have fueled Coin's desire to create a new version of the games with the Capitol's children as the tributes to serve them a taste of their own medicine. This hatred could have been further fueled if Lucy Gray eventually died of injuries related to her time in the games, or a gunshot wound from Snow which caused health complications later in life.

1 Lucy Didn't Survive Coriolanus Snow

But Her Spirit And Song Lived On

The final theory suggests that Lucy Gray didn't survive the altercation with Coriolanus Snow. Snow fired a spray of bullets, and a grunt from Lucy Gray was heard, which could indicate her being fatally wounded. If this is the truth, the imagery of the Mockingjays singing her song and flying into the air resonates even more, as Lucy Gray's memory survives in the songs she left behind, and the corrupted mind of her former lover. Lucy Gray may not be alive, but her spirit and music live on in the hearts of rebels as The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

Of course, this is a theory that fans would likely not want to believe as it makes for a tragic end for the likable character. However, it is actually a bittersweet ending because it shows that Lucy Gray can beat Snow even in death. While he might have killed her in this moment, Lucy Gray was a sign that Snow's power would not last and there was something ignited in the people that would eventually lead to his demise.

Why Lucy Gray's Fate Is Left Ambiguous

While there are some fun rumors that emerge from Lucy Gray's unknown fate, some fans question why The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes didn't simply give a concrete answer to what happened to her. The simple answer is that this prequel was not Lucy Gray's story in the end. Clearly, she is an interesting character and Rachel Zegler's performance elevates the character even more. However, this is the original story of Coriolanus Snow and having the fate of Lucy Gray remain unknown is more important for his story than her own.

The idea that she could still be out there, threatening his kingdom gives new context to Snow's fear of Katniss Everdeen.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes plants seeds for Snow's rise to power, but his relationship with Lucy Gray is a wound that adds complexity to the character. Snow is seen in the Hunger Games movies as the stoic and menacing leader who is always in control. However, in showing the anger and fear Snow has at the end of the prequel, it becomes clear that Lucy Gray is a lingering threat he never got over. The idea that she could still be out there, threatening his kingdom, gives new context to Snow's fear of Katniss Everdeen.