The Hunger Gamesoften seems synonymous with the specific generation of viewers who were teens during the 2010s, asdystopian and teen storiesskyrocketed in popularity. Both the films and the books they were based on contributed towards both cultural andliteral revolutions. The Games themselves wouldn’t exist without the oppressive force of the Capitol and the people who drive its nightmarish ideals.
Many of them are introduced to us in the quartet ofHunger Gamesmovies that adapt the first three books, while others came in during the storyline of the noveland upcoming film,The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. These are the 12 most impactful characters from the Capitol, ranked.
12Claudius Templesmith
Often found next to Caesar Flickerman on Panem’s national television programming, Claudius is best known as an announcer during the progression of the 74th Hunger Games. As the Games proceed, his disembodied voice booms across that arena and chills the tributes to their cores, reminding them of the horrific rules and confusing them with convoluted guidance that often changes.
11Sejanus Plinth
InThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sejanus Plinth becomes outwardly opposed to the ruthless reality of the Games and their recent airing of the 10th Games airing across Panem’s televisions. Hailing from District 2 originally, he became a mentor in the Capitol during that primitive year and was revolutionized by witnessing the blatant mistreatment of the tributes. Sejanus offers some hope toSongbirds and Snakesviewers with his boldness to question the Capitol officials by screaming that they are monsters.
10Tigris Snow
As a stylist in the Capitol with a lifelong love for textiles, Tigris Snow grew up on the inside. Spending her younger years withher cousin, Coriolanus Snow,allowed the two to maintain a close relationship that turned sour as the future President’s power grew. An older version of Tigris, covered in stripe tattoos that allude to her first name, is the one that audiences meet first inMockingjay - Part 2,and Hunter Schafer illuminates the character’s young adulthood and embodies her kindness inThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Related:How The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Trailer Brings Fans Back to Panem
Cressida’s propaganda filmmaking skills take her from a cog in the Capitol’s world to one of the Mockingjay’s most important allies. She first appears inMockingjay - Part 1, where she abandons her charmed life to assist Katniss and the rebels. Her offbeat and brave approach to life in Panem afterCatching Fireare even exemplified by her half-shaved hairdo. Her power is found in the way she helps others, whether that’s through her presence in District 13 or her camera work.
Cinna serves as Katniss’s risk-inclined stylist when she first undergoes preparations for the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Their friendship deepens throughout her survival of her first time in an Arena, as they build trust with one another more quickly than many other Capitol citizens might have with a tribute. Cinna’s contributions to the revolution can be traced back to his communicative and symbolic approach to fashion, creating Katniss’s Mockingjay imagery.
7Effie Trinket
Effie’s character development throughout the first threeHunger Gamesmovies grows visibly noticeable; it takes her from a Capitol escort to District 12 who reaped Primrose Everdeen to a political refugee seeking safety deep down in the tunnels of District 13. The story first portrays her as a “a piece in their Games” (as Peeta would say) as she continues the vicious cycle of the Reaping ceremony, but the progression of the Second Rebellion thankfully relieves her of this role.
6Plutarch Heavensbee
Plutarch Heavensbee serves on the inside of the Capitol as the 3rd Quarter Quell’s Head Gamemaker. On their side, he’s strategic but remembers to keep the bigger picture in mind. This aspect of his work and personality is especially true when the audience learns at the end of Catching Fire that he’s been secretly helping Katniss and her allies all along in defense of the Mockingjay’s continued mission.
5Dr. Volumnia Gaul
Dr. Volumnia Gaul’s vision of her dastardly goals as Head Gamemaker brings fresh fear to the 10th Hunger Games. To torment the tributes and stretch the limits of Capitol technology and biology, the mutations she creates kick things up a notch in the Arena, leading to the more commonplace created creatures that viewers recognize within the original trilogy. In this role, Viola Davis brings to life a calculated and powerful woman whose very presence makes so many feel so uneasy.
Related:How The Hunger Games is Reviving Other Dystopian Franchises
4Seneca Crane
Besides his swirly and creative black facial hair that fits the Capitol aesthetic, Seneca Crane is best known for being the Head Gamemaker of the 74th Games. His own personal rebellion by ensuring two victors expedites the trilogy’s Second Rebellion, after the Capitol forces him into dying by suicide. The effigy of him that Katniss creates from available supplies during her pre-Games skill evaluation inCatching Fireproves his continued impact on Panem, especially after his controversial death.
3Dean Casca Highbottom
Dean Casca Highbottom,played by Peter Dinklage, is first introduced to moviegoers inThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakesas the Dean of the Capitol’s Academy. It’s revealed that an inebriated brainstorming session of his under the guise of school work (and the influence of alcohol) led to his becoming “the creator of the Hunger Games themselves,” as Dr. Gaul introduces him. Coriolanus Snow proves to be a challenging student and eventually an incoming threat to Highbottom’s very life.
