Ashleigh Hill-Buxton
[images removed at the request of Lionsgate]
With shooting well underway for the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ smash-hit novel “The Hunger Games”, set photos of the main characters are slowly finding their way to the Internet despite heavy security surrounding the sets. Celebuzz recently posted a selection of photos taken during filming, including that of Josh Hutcherson with his newly-blonde hair, Elizabeth Banks in costume as the maniacally upbeat Effie Trinket, the District 12 Justice Building (where tributes are given an hour to say their final goodbyes to friends and family) and what is speculated to be the official Seal of Panem. These photos were taken during the filming of scenes that take place in Katniss’ and Peeta’s home of District 12 – including the Reaping scene, where Katniss volunteers to take her sister Primrose’s place in the deadly Hunger Games.
These images have been taken during filming throughout North Carolina, for scenes that take place in District 12 -Katniss’ home – includes the Reaping, where she volunteers to take her sister Primose’s place in the Hunger Games.
Rumours have been flying thick and fast about the omission of character Madge Undersee – the Mayor of District 12’s daughter and one of Katniss’ few friends – since it was reported that a draft of the film’s script was leaked last week. A photo of Willow Shields dressed as Primrose lend credibility to this rumour, as visible on Primrose’s shirt is a brooch that could quite possibility be the gold mockingjay pin for which Katniss became famous. Though in the book Madge gives Katniss the pin following the Reaping, in the leaked copy of the script the mockingjay pin was a family heirloom that Primrose wears to the Reaping but gives to Katniss before she leaves for the Games. With the filming of scenes set in District 12 complete and no actress having been announced to play Madge, it is likely that this is in fact a likely change to the film’s storyline.
Additional gossip about the script has suggested that Katniss’ ultimately leaves the mockingjay pin with fallen ally and District 11 tribute Rue during the Games and is gifted with a new copy of the pin upon her return to District 12. Further changes to the storyline as indicated by those with a copy of the leaked script include:
– Katniss’ long-time friend and hunting partner Gale sneaking into the Capitol to intervene on her behalf during the Games
– Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane wanting to kill Katniss during the Games due to some of her actions causing riots throughout Panem; ultimately, this is resolved by District 12 mentor Haymitch suggesting that Crane instead focus on Katniss and Peeta as ‘star-crossed lovers’
– Haymitch instructing Katniss to specifically address the hidden cameras and ask for any gifts she needs during the Games; this is a stark contrast to the book, where Haymitch imparts hidden messages or advice to Katniss via his choice in gifts
Though the leaked copy of the script is not the one currently being used for filming, it will be interesting to see over the coming months what truth there has been in these rumours and to what extent the novel has been altered to suit a film audience.
Suzanne Collins has also made a statement about the screenplay via the official Hunger Games Facebook page, highlighting her involvement in the drafting of the script and the immense respect shown by screenwriter Billy Ray and director Gary Ross towards her vision of what The Hunger Games should be:
“The piece will naturally continue to evolve throughout the filming, as the actors bring the characters to life, as the entire crew brings their significant talents to the piece, as the editors work with Gary to best realise his vision. The final draft will be on screen next March.”
