Lawrence sows seeds of revolution in return to 'Hunger Games'

A RESONANT REVOLUTION

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"The Hunger Games" set the tone for the dark themes as children kill each other, but in "Catching Fire," larger issues of social discord come to the forefront, something that director Francis Lawrence said resonates with today's society.

"Suzanne Collins has written these stories that are really about something important. And somehow they've transcended and become a really commercial, pop cultural thing," said the director.

"Whether you look at the treatment of celebrities and the media now, or you're looking at civil war in Syria and what's going on with the government and rebels, it's a very topical subject."

While "The Hunger Games" was about Katniss' sole purpose to fight for her own survival armed with her bow and arrow, in "Catching Fire," she finds herself unknowingly become a fighter and beacon for a much bigger cause, something that doesn't escape the notice of Panem's dictatorial President Snow.

As Peeta and Katniss prepare once again to enter the Hunger Games, they find a growing network rally around them, from the residents of their coal-mining hometown of District 12 to costume designer Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), hired by the Capitol to dress them, making a statement through their outfits.

"(Cinna) is putting himself on the line completely there. It was really about him standing up for his beliefs and not worrying about the consequences," Kravitz said.

As war and revolution take over in "Catching Fire," veteran actor Donald Sutherland, who plays the ruthless and manipulative President Snow, hopes the film's message that society needs to change spreads, especially to its younger audience.

"I asked to be a part of (the film) because I believe that it could catalyze and energize a movement. That it could create a revolution," the actor said.

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