How Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Could Appear in "The Hunger Games" Prequel

The Hunger Games expanded universe is about to feel even more familiar. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, the actors who first brought Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark to life, are confirmed to return for the upcoming prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. While the book is set 24 years before the events of the original trilogy—long before Katniss and Peeta were born—non-book readers might be left wondering how these fan-favorite characters will fit into the story. (Spoilers ahead!)

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jennifer and Josh are reprising their roles in what is expected to be a brief but poignant flash-forward sequence. The prequel focuses on Katniss and Peeta's mentor, Haymitch Abernathy (originally played by Woody Harrelson), during his experience in the 50th Hunger Games at age 16, now portrayed by Joseph Zada. While Katniss and Peeta weren’t born yet, they appear in the book’s epilogue as a poignant coda to the story.

In Suzanne Collins’ epilogue in Sunrise on the Reaping, Haymitch reflects on his late girlfriend, Lenore Dove, and the life he’s built since the war and the events of Mockingjay. It’s here that Katniss and Peeta enter the story: they are seen working on a post-war memorial book, preserving the memories of fallen tributes, Haymitch’s family, and the lives intertwined with Panem’s violent past. Haymitch notes that at first he “didn’t want to let them in,” but eventually he shares the stories he’s been holding, realizing the walls of a person’s heart “are not impregnable, not if they have ever known love.” The scene includes Katniss bringing Haymitch goose eggs, while Peeta builds an incubator for him, echoing the care of Lenore.

The prequel’s ensemble cast also features Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, and Elle Fanning as a younger Effie Trinket. Other notable names include Glenn Close, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Whitney Peak. Meanwhile, Francis Lawrence is returning to the director's chair, with Billy Ray adapting the screenplay.

Not too long ago, Josh Hutcherson told Variety in an interview that he would “be there in a heartbeat” to reunite with Jennifer, Woody, and the rest of the team—a thought that fans are clearly echoing.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026.