‘The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ trailer makes child death matches retro

The official trailer has arrived for The Hunger Games prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, giving us a look at a new round of child death matches with retro theming.

Set 64 years before The Hunger Games, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes follows future Panem president and series antagonist Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth). Still only 18 years old, Snow is assigned to be a mentor during the 10th Hunger Games, tasked with guiding District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) in the arena.

The film also stars Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis, and Euphoria‘s Hunter Schafer.

Of course, Snow’s task won’t be as straightforward as simply helping to force a bunch of impoverished kids to fight to the death.

Songbirds & Snakes probably won’t have a completely happy ending though, considering the Hunger Games are still being held over half a century later. It is a ballad, after all.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes arrives in theatres Nov. 17.