The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will open November 22, and we’re here to help you sort out who’s who.
In Part 1 of this article, we’ll cover the main returning characters — the ones from The Hunger Games whom you either desperately rooted for or seriously loathed.
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence)
She’s the best young female protagonist we’ve had in some time, whether in books or in film. No surprise that “Katniss” was one of the most popular baby girl names in 2013. [Look for archery lessons to get a big upsurge come 2020.]
In The Hunger Games (2012) Katniss and her fellow District 12 tribute Peeta defiantly win the 74th Games in an unprecedented tie. By doing so they incur the wrath of President Snow, who now views Katniss as a threat to the power of the Capitol.
Catching Fire shows Katniss now living comfortably in the District 12 Victor’s Village. But that peacefulness is temporary. Snow wants revenge for her and Peeta’s victory, as well as to stamp out the rebellion that she has become the symbol of.
Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)
The 17-year old son of a District 12 baker, the strong, courageous Peeta did what he could to keep Katniss alive during The Hunger Games, but in the end it is she who saved him.
He is now her fiancé, as they try to show President Snow and the Capitol that it is their love for each other that prompted their defiant act in the arena. Snow isn’t fooled, and in Catching Fire the two tributes will once again be fighting for their lives … but this time, against other, older tributes who have also known the taste of victory.
Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth)
Katniss’ best friend and hunting partner, Gale is pained to see Katniss leave District 12 to compete in the Hunger Games. It’s just as difficult for him to watch Katniss and Peeta engage in a fictional romance in order to gain support from the television audience and sponsors.
Will Gale and Katniss reveal their feelings for each other in Catching Fire? How will the love triangle between these two and Peeta work itself out once Katniss and Peeta leave for the 75th Hunger Games?
Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson)
The only living Hunger Games victor from District 12, Haymitch is assigned to be a mentor to Katniss and Peeta.
His cynicism, self-imposed isolation and alcoholism are a result of the traumatic experiences of the Games — and their aftermath — on his life. Being the only living victor from his district means that since he won over 20 years ago, he’s trained and mentored all of District 12’s tributes, and none before Katniss and Peeta returned.
In Catching Fire Haymitch will again mentor the District 12 tributes.
Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks)
Effie is a Capitol citizen who has been assigned to be the District 12 tributes’ escort. She draws the names at the annual reaping and travels with them when they are brought to the Capitol.
Her upbeat and peppy persona does not mean much to the tributes, who know they leave their home likely never to return.
She accompanies Katniss and Peeta on their victory tour in Catching Fire and is again their escort to the Capitol for the 75th Hunger Games.
Cinna (Lenny Kravitz)
Cinna is Katniss and Peeta’s stylist throughout the 74th and 75th Hunger Games. Although he designs breathtaking, elaborate outfits for his tributes, he appears to be the most simple and unadored denizen in the Capitol.
His work ensures that Katniss’ appearance makes a strong impression on the audience — from her “girl on fire” dress to her transformative wedding dress.
What lies beneath Cinna’s quiet, thoughtful demeanor?
Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci)
The colorful, effervescent host of The Hunger Games will again be lighting up the stage in Catching Fire with his ever-peppy schtick and carefully worded questions.
It takes a certain set of skills, and a dash of indifference, to engage the competitors and their audience when the topic is about fighting one another to death.
Mrs. Everdeen (Paula Malcomson)
The mother of Katniss and Primrose, and wife of the deceased Mr. Everdeen, was but a shell of a person when we met her in The Hunger Games. Katniss never forgave her mother for failing to take care of her and her sister when their father died; Mrs. Everdeen’s severe depression left Katniss and Prim to fend for themselves at very young ages.
In Catching Fire she seems to have returned to the land of the living, and she uses her healer’s skills to care for the sick people of District 12.
Primrose Everdeen (Willow Shields)
Katniss’ animal-loving younger sister possesses her mother’s healing skills, and her goat Lady provides their hungry family with milk and cheese. In The Hunger Games it was her name that Effie pulled from the reaping bowl; Katniss bravely volunteered to take her place.
In Catching Fire we’ll see her a little older and even more helpful as a healer.
President Coriolanus Snow (Donald Sutherland)
The ruthless, evil president of Panem, Snow has had his eye on Katniss and Peeta ever since their bold actions — and resulting victory — in the 74th Hunger Games.
The title of “president” seems inaccurate as Snow has absolute, total power over all of Panem. You displease him in any way, minor or not, and he’ll have your tongue cut out … if you’re lucky. Usually you or your loved ones will simply be killed.
In Catching Fire Snow’s goal is to quash the rebellion, unwittingly led by Katniss, and to get rid of her and anyone else who dares defy the Capitol and what it stands for. White roses … ugh.
Check back for Part 2, when we give you the lowdown on all the new characters in Catching Fire.
More Catching Fire on Cinephiled:
Killer Tributes: Who’s Who In ‘Catching Fire’
Movie Review: ‘Catching Fire’
The Final ‘Catching Fire’ Trailer
8 ‘Catching Fire’ Movie Reviews You’ll Want to Read