In 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes', the death of Sejanus Plinth marks a crucial moment in Coriolanus Snow's transformation into the iconic villain of 'The Hunger Games' franchise. Plinth's death serves as a turning point for Snow, who uses the kindness of Plinth's family after being responsible for his demise. This betrayal and loss propel Snow on a path towards evil, setting him on the trajectory to becoming the notorious President of the Capitol [e5521c61].
The prequel movie delves into Snow's early life and experiences, shedding light on how they shaped his character and led him to his position of power. Plinth's death is portrayed as the evilest act committed by Snow in the prequel, and according to producer Nina Jacobson, it is a crucial event that defines Snow's transformation. Jacobson argues that without Plinth's death, Snow would not have become the character audiences know and love to hate [e5521c61].
Sejanus Plinth is initially portrayed as a foil to Snow's later villainy. He rejects status and prestige in order to better the lives of the districts, displaying hints of humanity that make it difficult not to root for him. Plinth's death raises questions about its necessity, but Jacobson asserts that it is an essential element in Snow's character development [e5521c61].