(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – “Catching Fire,” the second installment of the popular “Hunger Games” series, opens today on over 4000 movie screens nationwide.

This film has an LRHS connection. Lucas Thompson, a 2010 graduate, is an extra in the picture.

“It was really awesome being part of such a huge project,” Thompson said. “All of the cast, crew and all my fellow scene partners had so much fun together and I think it shows on the screen.”

In this chapter, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) must adjust to the celebrity status she earned after winning “The Hunger Games” while facing the wrath of President Snow (Donald Sutherland), who is angry with Katniss for what he calls “cheating” the games.
Katniss is also struggling to find where she stands with her best friend, and potential love interest, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) who is unsure of whether to pursue a relationship with Katniss after witnessing the chemistry ignited between her and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). 

Katniss and Peeta are both placed in the Victor’s Tour, but become endangered by President Snow.

Also, District 12 Escort, Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and Hunger Games Commentator, Caesar (Stanley Tucci) must begin to take a more serious approach to their jobs as conflict arises in Panem. Another person who will be taking their career more seriously is Katniss’ beautician, Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), whose designs will begin to take on deeper meanings.

A new character to appear in the film will be Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), a previous victor of District 12 and accompanies Katniss and Peeta on tour.