It feels like we’ve waited forever for the second installment of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, but November 22 is almost here. Here's how you can prepare for the big day when Katniss Everdeen sets everything on fire once more.
By Tara Bennett
Read (or re-read) Catching Fire
Millions have read the second part of Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games trilogy and many cite it as their favorite. The characters are deeper, Katniss more of an active participant in the growing rebellion movement she sparked, and we get a brand-new, even more diabolical Arena. Now is the time to speed-read it for the first time, or go back and revisit your favorite chapters.
Pick Up a Katniss Bow
Did you learn archery like we suggested before The Hunger Games? If not, you’re not too late. You can pick up a The Hunger Games inspired bow from Lancaster Archery or go with a NECA prop replica from ebay to get the authentic skills needed for Everdeen accuracy.
Watch The Hunger Games
Don’t tell us you haven’t seen the original movie yet. It made more than $400 million domestically so you may be the only one. The rest of us will be re- and rewatching Gary Ross’ adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ first book. Yes, we’ll cry again at the Reaping, Rue and other scenes. Don’t judge us! Don't have the movie? Win it in our giveaway.
Gear Up
Cafe Press has you covered with everything Hunger Games themed, from T-shirts to charm necklaces to shower curtains (!).
Watch the Catching Fire Trailers
Fandango has an exclusive behind the scenes feature on the IMAX aspect of Catching Fire, as well as all of the official trailers. Obsess over the new production design, how your favorite scenes are coming to life, and how wicked the new Arena looks.
Catch Up on the Global Fan Day
November 6 was dubbed the Catching Fire Global Fan day with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Francis Lawrence doing a marathon day of social media Q&As about the upcoming sequel. watch their Google Hangout, Tumblr Q&A and Facebook interviews.
Play The Hunger Games Adventures
The Hunger Games Adventure is a free, constantly growing chapter-based game that allows your original District 12 character to interact with Katniss, Peeta, Gale and all of the characters from the world of Panem. The game timeline is into the Catching Fire narrative now. You can play alone or gain valuable items from friends that also play.
Capitol Couture
Lionsgate has expanded their Capitol Couture marketing campaign to reflect the excesses of the Capitol, while slyly highlighting the costume, makeup and production design used in the films. Actual fashion designers and bloggers have contributed stories and features about the characters and their individual looks. Great pictures of the cast to ooh and ahh over.
Eat District-Inspired Chocolate
Gourmet chocolatier Vosges Haut-Chocolat & Wild Ophelia dreamed up this exclusive line of bars and truffles, from District 10's (livestock) Beef Jerky & Smoked Mesquite Milk Chocolate Bar to Effie's candied, perfumed bar.
Collect the Literature
Aside from the novels, there will also be another movie companion and US Weekly and People are releasing collector’s issue magazines featuring film photography, behind the scenes interviews and more. If you don’t want to be spoiled, wait until you see the movie. If you can’t wait, look for them now at retailers and book stores.
The Hunger Games Explorer Tick Tock Clock
Count down the last few days to the premiere at the official Hunger Games Explorer site that has been revealing new events and contests leading up to the premiere every few days.
Enter the Fandom World on Tumblr
If all you’ve done is read the book then you are a casual Hunger Games fan. But there is a whole other level of hard-core fan and they hang out on Tumblr. Follow #The Hunger Games or #Catching Fire tags and you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in a magical world of original fan art, fan fiction, shipper wars and Jennifer Lawrence gifs.
Find Crafty Catching Fire Memorabilia
Looking for a replica of Katniss’ knit cowl or yarn dolls of every character in different outfits? Etsy has an entire Catching Fire section that features clothes, jewelry, phone cases and more. If it's too difficult to wade through all 1,500 items, we've collected some of the best stuff in our own Hunger Games Gift Guide.
Add to Your Mockingjay Pin Collection
You have your original pin just like Katniss gave Prim in the original film. For the sequel there’s a slightly modified design to collect and wear to the premiere with pride.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Hot Topic is here to tempt you with official merchandise and clothing inspired by Catching Fire. Pick up T-shirts, posters, jewelry, mugs, bookmarks and more to show your Panem pride.
Get the Soundtracks
Again there will be two official soundtracks: the score by James Newton Howard and a soundtrack with original songs all inspired by the film by artists like Coldplay, the Lumineers, Sia and more. New songs have been available for weeks and can be heard now on Soundcloud or Spotify.
Look Like a Cover Girl
CoverGirl created 12 outrageous Capitol-inspired District looks featuring exclusive makeup collections, products and tutorials for you to reproduce at home.
Plan a Hunger Games-Inspired Feast
Fans have created real recipes around each Panem district's theme. There’s also a mother lode of incredible desserts featuring mockingjays and The Hunger Games artwork you can bake up for a party before you see the sequel. Check out FictionalFood.net and Pinterest for inspiration.
Give Food to Those Who Need It
Help actually collect or donate food for the IgniteTheFight world hunger initiative supported by Lionsgate in conjunction with the films. Log on to the website to explore and share facts about world hunger issues.
Cosplay at Your Screening
If you are seeing Catching Fire at midnight or sometime on the 22nd, attend the screening in style. Cosplay as Katniss, Effie, drunk Haymitch or your favorite Tribute--just have fun and embrace your inner character and celebrate with your fellow fans.
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