Sejanus Plinth was a Capitol citizen and a mentor of the male tribute of District 2, Marcus, in the 10th Hunger Games. He was also a close friend of Coriolanus Snow, the future president of Panem. Sejanus died in the Hunger Games arena after being executed by the Capitol for his involvement in a rebel plot. His death had a profound impact on the story and the characters, especially Snow and Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute of District 12.
Who is Sejanus Plinth?
Sejanus Plinth was born in District 2, an affluent, loyal munitions and armaments district. During the First Rebellion, his father, Strabo Plinth, made a fortune providing the Capitol with armaments. After the war, Strabo Plinth purchased his way into Capitol society and transferred his family. Sejanus, eight, felt different at the Capitol and alienated from his peers. His district and dialect got him bullied. His father’s money and combat involvement irked him. He bonded more with his mother, Mrs. Plinth, who missed District 2 and their house.
Sejanus attended Capitol’s top Academy. History and political science professor Agrippina Sickle counted him among her best students. He was her helper and helped her with errands. He was interested in the districts’ cultures and sympathized with their suffering. A fellow student and tutor of District 12’s female tribute Lucy Gray Baird, Coriolanus Snow was his friend. Snow, one of the few people who respected and treated Sejanus well, impressed Sejanus with his knowledge and charisma. Snow also befriended Sejanus to utilize his father’s power and money for his own benefit.
Sejanus’ involvement in the 10th Hunger Games
Sejanus was one of 24 mentors for the 10th Hunger Games, a horrific, televised competition where 24 district adolescents fought to the death in an arena. He mentored Marcus, District 2’s male tribute and old classmate and buddy. The Hunger Games appalled Sejanus and seemed harsh and unjust. He wanted Marcus to win, but he felt horrible about sending him to kill innocent children.
Sejanus demonstrated compassion, courage, ignorance, and recklessness throughout the Hunger Games. He tried to urge Marcus to join Lucy Gray to survive and resist the Capitol. He tried to save Marcus from a trap on the first night by sneaking into the arena in a Peacekeeper uniform. He anticipated Marcus to kill him to show the Capitol and viewers that the Hunger Games were wrong. Marcus requested him to assist him escape, not kill him. Sejanus consented, but the arena-controlling Gamemakers discovered them. Dr. Gaul, the head Gamemaker and a vicious scientist, tortured Sejanus in the Capitol. She wanted to teach and warn other mentors and tributes by using him. Since Snow was Sejanus’ friend, she intended to test his loyalty and obedience.
Snow convinced Dr. Gaul that Sejanus could be a Peacekeeper, saving him. He duped Sejanus by saying he entered the arena to spy on the rebels who planned to overthrow the Capitol. Sejanus agreed to lie to protect Snow and Lucy Gray, who were also suspected rebels. He also wanted to join the Peacekeepers and help areas peacefully.
Death of Sejanus Plinth
Snow and other mentors joined Sejanus in District 12 as Peacekeepers. His training included district order and Capitol law enforcement. He loathed his gun since his father’s guns had killed so many. He intended to become a doctor and helped District 12’s underprivileged and oppressed. Rebellious Lucy Gray and her band were among his neighborhood friends. He fell for Lucy Gray after learning about their culture and songs.
Rebel involvement brought Sejanus down. He obtained weaponry from a black market dealer and helped them flee District 12. He helped rebels attack a Capitol train, killing Peacekeepers and bystanders. Snow betrayed him, but he recorded his confession with a scientifically made jabberjay that could mimic human speech. Doctor Gaul, who was monitoring District 12, received the recording from Snow. Snow was commanded to execute Sejanus in the Hunger Games arena.
Snow and a shooting squad appeared before Sejanus in the arena. He was astonished and upset by Snow’s betrayal and inquired why. Snow told him he did it for his own survival and ambition, not Sejanus or the districts. He informed him he killed Lucy Gray, who wanted to flee with him. He claimed Lucy Gray was alive and would sing for Sejanus, who did not believe him. He sang “The Hanging Tree,” her rebel anthem. He died quickly as snow shot him in the head. To show the Capitol’s authority and the dangers of rebellion, his killing was aired nationwide.
Legacy of Sejanus Plinth
Sejanus’ death affected the tale and characters. Snow’s death ended his innocence and humanity and began his path to power and oppression. President Snow dominated Panem with an iron grip. He cruelized and elaborated the Hunger Games to oppress and scare the districts. He became obsessed with finding and killing Lucy Gray, who had escaped. He feared she would undermine his authority and reveal his secrets. He loathed her because she was the only one who loved Sejanus more than him.
Rebels and areas were inspired by Sejanus’ martyrdom and heroism. His song “The Hanging Tree” symbolized resistance and optimism. Many people sang it, including Katniss Everdeen, the trilogy’s protagonist and second rebellion commander. District 12 mentor and 50th Hunger Games winner Haymitch Abernathy told Katniss about Sejanus and his story. Haymitch reminded Katniss that Sejanus was one of the Capitol’s few good individuals for his courage and kindness.
Sejanus Plinth embodied both good and evil. He was brave and kind, wanting to improve the world. He committed mistakes and paid the price because he was ignorant and careless. He was a friend, opponent, lover, traitor, mentor, and rebel. He was complex and sad, leaving a Hunger Games legacy.
