Mc. Kenna Grace tears up on the ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'

“It’s like one of the most absurd events I’ve ever been to. This is insane,” she said. “I’ve never experienced anything like this.

It’s making me really emotional looking up at that. There’s a poster up there of all of our faces.”The actress said she was increasingly realising just how unique the experience had been, admitting she did not know if she would ever be part of something quite like it again.

“I think I’m increasingly realising that I’ve never been a part of anything quite like this, and I don’t know if I ever will again and so this has been like the opportunity of a lifetime,” she said. Grace also spoke about the close bond she developed with her co-stars during filming, describing them as her family.

She lived alongside Zada and Iona Bell, who plays another tribute, during production. “Getting to be on this press tour with what’s like my family has been really fun. And getting to be on set every day, it just – it didn’t feel real,” she added.

Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name and takes place 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games story. The film centres on Haymitch as he is selected to compete in the second Quarter Quell, in which twice as many tributes are chosen from each district.

Maysilee is among the tributes who must navigate the deadly arena as Haymitch attempts to challenge the Capitol’s oppressive system. Grace also reflected on the film’s central message, saying its themes of perseverance and humanity had resonated with her.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, but if you truly are working towards something you believe in – it’s easy to say don’t give up, but change takes time,” she said. She added that the story emphasises the importance of holding on to one’s humanity even when faced with a system designed to strip it away.

The prequel is directed by Francis Lawrence and also stars Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle and Billy Porter as Magno Stift.

The original Hunger Games films starred Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, with the franchise becoming a global phenomenon following the release of its first instalment in 2012. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026.