The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy, set 64 years before the events of the original series. The story follows a young Coriolanus Snow—who eventually becomes the villainous President Snow—during the 10th Hunger Games, at a time when his once-wealthy family is in decline following the fall of the Capitol.
Maybelle had the opportunity to contribute to the surface design for the film, working alongside Trish Summerville, a renowned costume designer known for her ability to seamlessly blend storytelling and fashion in visually compelling ways. As part of a talented team, she helped develop patterns that reflect the film’s complex themes of power, ambition, and the rise of Coriolanus Snow, while staying true to the established visual language of the original series.
Vintas Member: Maybelle Pineda
Client: Lionsgate
Role: Surface Designer
Category: Costume
Date: 2022-2023
Creative Approach
Throughout the project, Maybelle focused on supporting the narrative through surface design, ensuring that each design choice contributed meaningfully to the larger story. She collaborated closely with the team to develop patterns that visually embodied the film’s key themes, including power dynamics and the social structure of Panem. Every texture and design element was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, aiming to enhance the world-building and deepen the viewer’s connection to the story.
Peacemakers
One of Maybelle's contributions was designing the textures for the Peacemakers, the Capitol's enforcers of control. She worked to balance a futuristic, militaristic aesthetic with a gritty, dystopian feel. The design aimed to reflect the Peacemakers' power and cold authority, using buttons and textures as symbols of their oppressive presence within the Capitol.
Panem Surface Designs
Another key aspect of Maybelle's work involved designing the surface textures for the districts of Panem. Each district's design was meticulously crafted to reflect its unique environment, culture, and socio-political dynamics. The textures aimed to visually capture the struggles of the people in each district while also conveying the Capitol's oppressive influence. Through these designs, Maybelle sought to provide an immersive experience that further emphasized the harsh divisions within the world of The Hunger Games. Ultimately, her goal was to contribute to a visual language that not only supports the story but also immerses the audience in the rich, complex world of Panem. It was a privilege for her to be a part of this project and to help bring the world of The Hunger Games to life through surface design.
