Somehow, it’s been 14 years since Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute in the first Hunger Games movie. It worked out well for everyone not playing one of the many characters sacrificed along the way, as the first four films based on Suzanne Collins’ book series became box-office hits and sparked a boom for dystopian YA stories.
And the hunger lingered. Five years after The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 hit theaters, Collins penned a prequel novel that was then adapted into The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. A second prequel novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, arrived last year, and that movie is coming to theaters November 20.
If Sunrise on the Reaping, which focuses on historic Hunger Games winner Haymitch Abernathy—a fan favorite played by Woody Harrelson in the original films, with Joseph Zada taking on the younger version of the character in the new movie—has gotten you feeling nostalgic for Lawrence’s arrow-zinging and fiery-dress-wearing survival era, you’re in luck. Fathom Entertainment is bringing back all five Hunger Games movies, including The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, for a special theatrical engagement in September.
Here’s the schedule for the screenings and each film’s synopsis:
The Hunger Games – Thursday, September 3
“Based on the best-selling books by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is the first film in the franchise. Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its 12 districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete to the death in the Hunger Games. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers in her younger sister’s place and must rely upon her sharp instincts when she is pitted against highly trained tributes who have prepared their entire lives for this competition. If she is ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.”
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Friday, September 4
“Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) in this thrilling sequel to The Hunger Games. Winning means that they have to turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a Victor’s Tour of the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games—a competition that could change Panem forever.”
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 – Saturday, September 5
“Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is rescued by the rebels and brought to District 13 after she shatters the Hunger Games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Katniss spreads her wings and becomes the Mockingjay, the symbolic leader of the rebellion. But President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has his own plans for her—and her loved ones.”
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2 – Sunday, September 6
“With the nation of Panem in a full-scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends—including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson)—Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow (Sutherland), who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.”
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes – Monday, September 7
“In this prequel to The Hunger Games, a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) is the last hope for the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. Snow reluctantly takes an assignment to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates Panem’s audience, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow races against time to survive and reveals if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake.”
Tickets and theater information for screenings near you can be found here.
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