Lionsgate has officially announced the release date for “Hunger Games” sequel “Catching Fire” – before the first film has even finished production.

“Catching Fire” is the second book in Suzanne Collins’ wildly popular Hunger Games Trilogy, follows Katniss, Peeta and a host of previous Hunger Games victors as an unlikely twist of fate forces them back into the arena for the third Quater Quell – an anniversary Games held every 25 years that is often even more brutal than the usual annual event.

To be released on 22nd November 2013, it has not been announced who has signed on for the sequel, but it can be assumed that core cast Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks will reprise their roles for this and the possibility of a third and even fourth Hunger Games film in coming years.

“The Hunger Games” is set for release on the 23rd March 2012.