Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: What is the role of Dean Highbottom in the creation of the Hunger Games?

In the prequel to the renowned Hunger Games series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, author Suzanne Collins takes readers back in time to explore the rise of President Coriolanus Snow and the creation of the Hunger Games. Throughout the novel, one character plays a significant role in shaping Snow's path and ultimately sets the wheels in motion for the dystopian regime we see in the original series - Dean Highbottom.Dean Highbottom is the principal of the Capitol Academy where Coriolanus Snow is a student. From the beginning, their relationship is strained as Highbottom is highly critical of Snow, constantly undermining him and questioning his abilities. Despite facing hardships brought on by the aftermath of the Civil War, Snow excels in his studies at the Academy, much to Highbottom's annoyance.When Snow is chosen to participate in the mentorship program for the upcoming 10th Annual Hunger Games, he sees this as an opportunity to restore his family's wealth and improve his social standing. However, his hopes are dashed when he discovers that he has been assigned to mentor the female tribute from District 12, the poorest district in Panem. This is where Highbottom's role becomes crucial.As Snow feels anxious about being paired with a tribute from such a disadvantaged district, it is revealed that Lucy Gray Baird, the tribute from District 12, is a member of a traveling music group forced into the district by the war. Lucy Gray quickly catches the attention of the Capitol citizens during the reaping ceremony, and Snow realizes that her talent and charisma could be their ticket to gaining popularity and support. It is this realization that sparks a plan between Snow and Lucy Gray, a plan that will set in motion the idea of Hunger Games sponsorships.Snow presents an essay to the Head Game Maker, Volumnia Gaul, which suggests the introduction of a betting and sponsorship program that would allow Capitol citizens to financially support their favorite tributes. Gaul initially suspects Snow to be the sole contributor to the essay and tests his loyalty by dropping it into a tank of genetically modified snakes. However, Snow outsmarts her by ensuring the snakes recognize his classmate's scent on the pages, thus exonerating himself. This pivotal moment leads to the creation of the Hunger Games sponsorships, a concept that becomes instrumental in the modern games, and it is all thanks to Snow's strategic thinking and Highbottom's constant challenges.As the story progresses, Snow and Lucy Gray continue to captivate the audience with their performances, overshadowing the initial buzz surrounding Lucy Gray's involvement in the games. However, unexpected bombs during the arena tour kill several tributes and mentors, altering the course of events. It is in the face of this chaos that Snow kills for the first time, defending himself and his ideals.Despite the obstacles they face, Lucy Gray emerges as the winner of the games. Snow, on the other hand, is confronted by Game Makers who present evidence of his assistance to Lucy Gray, resulting in his exile as a Peacekeeper in District 12. Snow's failure and subsequent placement in District 12 serve as a turning point in his life and his transformation into the villainous President Snow. Highbottom's constant criticism and disdain for Snow push him to make drastic choices to regain his honor and power.In the aftermath of the Hunger Games, Snow discovers a rebellion plot orchestrated by his friend Sejanus, who shares his discontent with the Capitol's regime. Snow secretly records evidence of the rebellion and sends it to Dr. Gaul, further solidifying his commitment to the Capitol. However, when the plot is exposed, Sejanus is arrested and executed. Snow's involvement in the events leading to Sejanus's demise remains hidden, as he is practically adopted by Sejanus's father, who remains unaware of Snow's part in his son's death.The novel's epilogue reveals an intriguing revelation about the creation of the Hunger Games. A young Dean Highbottom, fueled by resentment towards the Snow family, initially conceived the idea for the games as a simple and cruel school project with Snow's father, Crausses. However, Snow ultimately becomes the driving force behind the games, implementing his own ideas and strategies. The enmity between Highbottom and Snow reaches its climax when Snow, tired of Highbottom's mistreatment, poisons him, marking the beginning of Snow's signature method of dispatching his enemies.Dean Highbottom's role in the creation of the Hunger Games is crucial, albeit indirect. His constant challenges and belittlement of Snow push the young Coriolanus to prove himself and seek power and influence within the Capitol. The events set in motion by Dean Highbottom's antagonizing behavior towards Snow ultimately lead to the birth of a dystopian regime and the brutal games that define the series.As readers delve into The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and witness the transformation of Coriolanus Snow, they are left contemplating the power dynamics and the influence of individuals like Dean Highbottom in shaping society's trajectory. Collins skillfully weaves together a complex narrative that questions the morality of those in positions of authority and highlights how a combination of personal ambition and societal pressure can give rise to devastating consequences.