Haymitch and Effie’s romance? Hunger Games stars tease their flirty bond

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will explore the early relationship between Haymitch Abernathy and Effie Trinket, with stars Joseph Zada and Elle Fanning teasing a subtle chemistry between their characters.

Set years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, the upcoming Hunger Games prequel follows a young Haymitch during the Second Quarter Quell and explores key events that shape Panem’s future. Zada plays the younger version of the character originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson, while Fanning takes on Effie, famously played by Elizabeth Banks in the original films.

Fanning revealed that Effie is intrigued by Haymitch when they first meet. She described him as a “rascal” and “bad boy” who amuses her, explaining that the film includes small moments suggesting the beginning of their complicated bond.

“There are moments where they catch each other’s eye,” Fanning said, noting that Effie can become briefly flustered before quickly suppressing her feelings.

However, director Francis Lawrence stressed that Haymitch is not actively pursuing Effie in the prequel. His immediate priority is surviving the Games, while he remains committed to his girlfriend, Lenore Dove, played by Whitney Peak.

Zada said Haymitch develops a soft spot for Effie after discovering that she genuinely wants to help people, despite being raised to believe the Hunger Games are justified. Their relationship is expected to provide an emotional layer to the story while connecting the prequel to the original franchise.

Fans of the “Hayffie” pairing will recognise the significance of the new dynamic, particularly because Harrelson and Banks shared an improvised kiss at the end of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.

The Sunrise on the Reaping cast has also highlighted how their own fandom influenced their performances and approach to the highly anticipated prequel.