Fans packed Seattle’s University Village for a chance to meet the stars of The Hunger Games who will play Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth made young fans erupt into a frenzy like tributes arriving in the Capitol. This was the finale of a mall tour to promote the upcoming adaptation of the first book in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
The first 100 fans won the golden ticket. Some families had been waiting more than 24 hours for this opportunity. These most devoted fans came to be face to face with the stars of the book they love and went home with an autographed poster in an exclusive session inside the Microsoft Store. Some girls were overcome and walked away trembling and sobbing uncontrollably into the arms of their smiling parents.
You could feel the anticipation and excitement as hundreds waited outside for the live Q & A session to begin. Sudden waves of screams and panic erupted with the possibility that the stars could arrive at any moment. When the actors did exit the Microsoft Store and move onto the stage the adoring fans absolutely lost control. Screams were deafening. Declarations of love for Josh or Liam pierced through the madness.
Local girls asked Josh to be their prom date. Jennifer was asked the preference of which co-star is hotter. We learned Jennifer did her own shooting movie. The actress learned archery to display the skills of Katniss in the arena.
In an earlier interview session I asked the leads did they imagine the insanity of the tour, the passion of the fans and rock star treatment they’re being showered with now. Josh Hutcherson reacted to the screaming and sighing but “just wants to make a great movie and hope they like it.”
The majority of elated fans were on Team Gale or Team Peeta. I asked Jennifer Lawrence about the relationship between Katniss and Cinna, the stylist who becomes her mentor. While filming X-Men: First Class Lawrence (who played Raven/Mystique) became friends with co-star Zoe Kravitz (who played Angel) and developed a friendship with her dad, rock star Lenny Kravitz. She says that helped their on-screen rapport.
Woody Harrelson plays Haymitch Abernathy. The Hunger Games champion of District 12 must train Katniss and Peeta. I asked the young cast about the charismatic actor and his performance. Liam Hemsworth shared that Haymitch was his favorite character.
The screams and shouts of love echoed even as the stars waved goodbye. The young leads thrilled the audience and made teen dreams come true. The Hunger Games opens March 23rd.
