To celebrate the return of Katniss and release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, bake up a batch of one of Mellark Bakery’s specialties.

Peeta, who was first known as “The Boy with the Bread,” would bring Katniss these beloved hearty snacks baked at his family’s District 12 shop. These little pillows of savory goodness are topped off with dark “coal” colored poppy seeds arranged in the shape of a specific numerical reference, a nod to District 12 and its mining industry. The rebellion begins with cheese buns!

Mellark Bakery Cheese Buns

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

pinch of kosher salt

¾ cups (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, diced

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 egg

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

poppy seeds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prep baking sheets with silpats or parchment.

Place flour, baking powder and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Turn on to low, and carefully add the diced butter until the mixture is crumbly, like small peas.

Add the buttermilk and egg to the flour mixture until just moistened.

Fold in the cheese.

Spread out the dough out onto a floured surface, patting it out to about 1/2″ thick. Using a biscuit cutter, cut out circles and place on the prepped baking sheets.

Print out a circle template of the number 12 and place over the dough. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top to form the number. Remove template.

Bake for 14 minutes, depending on your oven. Serve warm.

**Mellark Bakery Dish Towel available from Studio Vim on etsy

Jenn Fujikawa has been writing and food blogging in Los Angeles for more than 10 years. More of her geeky baking creations and award-winning recipes can be found on her blog JustJenn

Buy tickets to The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 and you'll be entered for a chance to win a 2015 Mazda3!