The Hunger Games Catches Fire, Leaving Fans Positively Starving For More [Pictures]

It’s difficult to pinpoint where The Hunger Games got it so perfectly right. Could it be the inspired choice of Jennifer Lawrence to become the face of Katniss, or is it simply the sheer popularity of the books that preceded the films? Surely some of the credit has to go to Francis Lawrence for outdoing Gary Ross’s impressive initial effort.

Whatever the reason, it was easy to see just how far the franchise has come in London on Monday (Nov, 11) when the stars graced the red carpet for the film’s premiere. Since the first film, which was a commercial and critical success, Jennifer Lawrence has gone from talented youngster to global superstar. Her Oscar win for Silver Linings Playbook was unexpected, but the general consensus was that it was no more than she deserved.

What have the critics been saying about Catching Fire?

But while Lawrence is a pretty - and more importantly marketable – face for the franchise, there’s more to the continued success of the literary adaptation. And director Francis Lawrence is deserved of the plaudits that have flown his way of late.

Portraying a society in which teenagers fight to the death on TV, while making sure the film passes the ratings board without alienating the core demographic (young teenagers) is no mean feat, but he managed to balance the core of the book while pleasing those in charge of censorship.

Watch the Hunger Games: Catching Fire trailer

"We didn't have too many issues with the ratings board," Lawrence told the BBC. "We had to go back and we cut a couple frames, adjusted some volume, took a little bit of blood out, but it was very little that we had to do."

In America, the film was handed a PG-13 rating.

"We always aim in America for the PG-13," added the director, who also helmed Water for Elephants and I Am Legend. "You're always aware of those guidelines so whenever you get into a scene or sequence that could be tricky, you try and stay vigilant, you try and shoot some options, have an idea ahead of time so you don't get stuck."

With 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, Lawrence (Francis, as well as Jennifer) has outgunned his Games predecessor Ross, who managed to accumulate a (still impressive) 84%.

The happy couple

Catching Fire newcomer Sam Claflin was at the premiere with his wife, the British actress Laura Haddock. They playfully posed for photos while dutifully pausing to sign autographs.

Sunny delight?

Elizabeth Banks complimented her blonde features with a striking yellow dress, bringing a ray of golden sunshine to an otherwise dreary London evening. She'll certainly want to cover up those shoulders for any other winter film premieres.

Clean and simple

Josh Hutcherson decided to let Lawrence take the fashion headlines, opting for a simple suit & tie affair. “Thankfully the first movie was well-received and people were happy with it, and now they’re ready for the next one, people are ravenous for it. It’s a different energy this time,” he told the press.

Suit & Tie

Liam Hemsworth, too, elected to play the understated card with his slim fitting suit & tie. His brother Chris is currently enjoying the adulation that comes with starring in a Marvel movie. it must be pretty daunting to have Thor as your big bro!

Click for more pictures from the Hunger Games: Catching Fire premiere