Jennifer Lawrence confirms return as Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'

'It was emotional. Josh and I didn't walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other,' she said

Jennifer Lawrence has confirmed her return as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, revealing that reuniting with her original co-stars Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson was an emotional experience.

The Oscar-winning actor discussed her comeback during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she reflected on returning to the franchise that made her one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

“Oh my! Unbelievable. It was so crazy, because it was the same crew. It was the same camera guys, the same AD who I've worked with a million times too, because I love him,” Lawrence said.

She also spoke about seeing Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark, and Harrelson, who portrayed Haymitch Abernathy in the original films.

“Josh and Woody. It was emotional. Josh and I didn't walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was so beautiful,” she added.

Lawrence then shared a humorous anecdote about Harrelson’s visit to her hotel room, saying: “And Woody obviously came through the window of my hotel room, uninvited, because it wouldn't be the same if he listened to boundaries and used a door.”

The actor had previously teased her return earlier this year when she spoke about catching up with original Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence, who is also helming the upcoming prequel.

During an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Lawrence acknowledged online speculation about her involvement. When Horowitz asked whether he should watch the new film, she responded with an emphatic “yes”.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel and follows Haymitch Abernathy as he recalls his experience in the 50th Hunger Games, telling the story to Katniss and Peeta.

Joseph Zada plays the younger Haymitch in the prequel, which also stars Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman and Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle.

The film has been confirmed as the longest instalment in the Hunger Games franchise so far, with a runtime of 158 minutes.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be released in cinemas on November 20.