Lionsgate
While you might be eagerly awaiting the release of Catching Fire, it’s admittedly been some time since the first Hunger Games movie hit the big screen. Here’s a refresher in case you forgot some of the action from the first film:
Katniss
Our protagonist is Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, who takes her sister’s place as tribute in the Hunger Games. She’s really good at archery and side braids and really bad at dealing with emotions and cute boys.
The Districts
Every district sends two tributes into the Hunger Games, one boy and one girl. Some districts are more wealthy than others, but Katniss and Peeta come from the district of hard knocks, District 12.
Team Peeta vs. Team Gale
Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) is the other competitor from District 12, who has a wicked crush on Katniss. Gale (Liam Hemsworth) is Katniss’ longtime companion, best friend, and hunting buddy. He might also be looking for a little more than friendship from Katniss.
The Helpers
Katniss and Peeta aren’t entirely on their own in the games. They have drunken mentor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), bubbly and bedecked Effie (Elizabeth Banks), and personal stylist Cinna (Lenny Kravitz).
The Games
Every year two tributes between the ages of 12 and 18 are taken from each district to compete in a fight to the death, with only one survivor winning. The games take place in an arena controlled by the Capitol and are broadcast to the whole population, which watches with rapt attention.
The Ruse
With only Katniss and Peeta left standing, it was obvious one of them had to die in order for the games to be complete. So the two threatened to eat poison berries and kill themselves, forcing the Capitol to declare them both victors. To explain undermining the game, the two must pretend to be in love, which might not be hard as it seems since there are some real feelings developing.
President Snow
The evil ruler of the Capitol, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) certainly didn’t like it when Katniss and Peeta ruined the games.
Now you should be refreshed enough to jump into Catching Fire!
