The Hunger Games

Lionsgate has just revealed the first official poster for Catching Fire (not to be confused with the motion poster or victory tour propaganda). It's pretty cool, too: a vintage-looking Katniss ponders the meaning of life atop a bluff with her trusty bow and arrow in hand, along with a quote from the novel: "The sun persists in rising, so I make myself stand." I still wish we could get a peek at the new arena, but I'll take what I can get for now. How do you feel about the new one-sheet?

But wait — there's more exciting news on the Hunger Games front: Lionsgate has launched an official Instagram account for The Hunger Games, so be sure to check it out for all the latest updates on Catching Fire.

Check out a much bigger version of the poster when you read more

Those who were watching the MTV Movie Awards got a special sneak peek of Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson in Catching Fire — and we have it right here, too! The clip shows some gruesome scenes from the book (like Gale's whipping) and hints at the impending revolution — along with a steamy kiss between Gale and Katniss. We even get a look at Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, but unfortunately there's no look at the tropical arena just yet.

The second Hunger Games movie isn't coming out until Nov. 22, so thank goodness we're getting a look at Katniss, Peeta, and the whole crew to tide us over until then. Did you miss it? No worries — we've got the teaser after the jump.

Hunger Games fans, get excited! Catching Fire may not be coming out until November, but today we get to see an exciting new poster for the sequel. It features Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) in what looks like the Capitol's poster for their Hunger Games Victory Tour. Naturally, they look like the winners they are: cleaned-up, well-dressed, and close enough to each other that you'd believe they were in love. While I've been enjoying seeing Lawrence on the award-show circuit, this poster reminds me that what I really can't wait to see her in is this movie. Check out a larger version of the poster and let me know what you think after the jump.

On the heels of last week's news that Jena Malone has been cast as Johanna Malone in Catching Fire, Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has reportedly accepted a role as well. He'll play Plutarch Heavensbee, the new Gamemaker at the Capitol, in the second chapter of the Hunger Games trilogy.

Hoffman has most recently been on Broadway, playing the lead role in Death of a Salesman, so this will be quite the change from his recent work schedule. Having recently read the second book myself, Hoffman seems like an ideal fit for Seneca Crane's successor. What do you think, is he the type you were imagining while reading the series?

The Hunger Games may be the megahit of the season, but the sequel, Catching Fire, won't be working with the exact same recipe for success. Gary Ross has decided not to direct the follow-up to The Hunger Games, saying, "As a writer and a director, I simply don't have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule." It was rumored that Ross might be out last week, but now that it's official, I'm wondering who will take on the helming duty. Who would you want to see in the director's chair for Catching Fire?

The soundtrack for The Hunger Games comes out today, a few days ahead of the release of the film. The general feel of the soundtrack is very folky and country, which aligns with the tagline of the album: "Songs From District 12 and Beyond" (for those who have not read the book, Katniss Everdeen's home of District 12 is around the Appalachian Mountains). On the other hand, some songs get a little tougher to channel the ferocity of the fight-to-the-death theme. I've listened to the whole thing to tell you which tracks are worth the download, and you can get the full list of songs here.

1. "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars: This was one of the first songs released from the movie's soundtrack, and it remains one of my favorites. Swift's voice sounds more mature than usual, and accompanied by the soothing vocals of The Civil Wars's Joy Williams, the song plays out like an intensely emotional lullaby.
2. "Abraham's Daughter" by Arcade Fire: If "Safe & Sound" is the lullaby of this soundtrack, "Abraham's Daughter" is the battle anthem. Arcade Fire can certainly be mellow, but the band is anything but on this powerful track. It's easy to envision Katniss using this to psych herself up for the arena.
3. "Nothing to Remember" by Neko Case: Among this collection, this is unique in that it's actually kind of upbeat — sonically anyways. Handclaps and the backup vocals in the chorus elevate the song, even if Case's lyrics are bittersweet.

Check out two more songs after the jump.