Even a sense of hope requires a (corrupt) political system of checks and balances.

President Snow (Donald Sutherland) discusses the darker side of public relations with Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) in this new clip from "The Hunger Games," which premiered as an IGN exclusive.

Snow reveals how he keeps the citizens of Panem in line with his thoughts on the power of hope over fear -- and how each feeling needs to be strictly controlled in order for him to stay on top. Crane, like a good minion, scowls and nods. 

Fans will notice that this scene doesn't appear in the book, though it does a nice job in getting across President Snow's cynical philosophy and twisted agenda. It's also nice to get a longer and closer look at Sutherland's performance -- he's just as intimidating and creepy as we were hoping.

Check out the clip below and prepare for "The Hunger Games" to commence on March 23.