Wow – were the odds ever in Willow Shields’ favour! The 13-year-old actress was cast just over two years ago to play the coveted role of Primrose Everdeen, Katniss’ little sister, in the film adaptation of the epic book series, THE HUNGER GAMES. The book’s cult following of fans counted down the days until the first movie hit the theatres. Now, Willow’s back reprising her role in the second film, THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE, which is out today!
THE MAGAZINE caught up with Willow to talk about the new movie, what she really thinks of her character and working with Jennifer Lawrence.
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE is out now! Can you summarize the plot for us?
Katniss and Peeta are now in the Victor’s Village and they are living a good life until President Snow says that all the victors from the past Hunger Games are going to fight all together in the The Hunger Games once again. So, they are all back in the arena and you start to see the hint of rebellion because Katniss outsmarts the Capitol in this movie.
Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) hugs her little sister, Primrose (played by Willow Shields).
You play Primrose Everdeen. Tell us about her.
Prim is the younger sister to Katniss. In the first movie, she gets chosen to go into The Hunger Games but Katniss takes her place so Prim is safe. In CATCHING FIRE, she becomes this brave character who is there for Katniss and who is the only one who realizes the idea of hope in their world.
How has Primrose grown since the first movie?
I think she has grown up quite a bit and she is becoming a healer like her mom so in a lot of ways she’s grown a lot. I feel like she follows in her sister’s footsteps as well. She has a lot of the same characteristics as Katniss – being there for people, always wanting to help and just being a great person. She’s not as vulnerable as she was in the first movie.
Had you read the books before you got cast in the movie?
I was in the middle of reading the first book when I got the first audition for the movie. By the time I got the callback I had read all three books.
While you were reading the books, what did you think of Primrose’s character?
I loved her character! People ask me if I ever thought about playing her while reading it. I never once thought about that but I did love the character.
Willow Shields on the red carpet at THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE premiere in Los Angeles, CA.
What is your favourite scene in the movie?
I’m not going to spoil it, but my favourite scene is the last scene in the movie.
How was the big Los Angeles premiere?
The premiere was amazing! I had so much fun because the whole cast was there and I got to say hi to everyone. It was a blast and I’m so happy because my friends and my family got to see it with me.
Was it any different for you filming THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE compared to the first movie?
I feel like it was a little bit easier for me just because I was more comfortable on set at that point. I knew everyone and it was just easy to jump in and be comfortable in the environment and have fun with it.
What’s it like working with Jennifer Lawrence and the rest of the cast?
Jenn is amazing! She is literally like a sister to me. She’s so sweet and hilarious and so much fun on set. So are Josh and Liam! They are both incredibly sweet and they are all very talented. I think I got really lucky being able to just hang out with this incredible cast every day when I’m working.
(L-R) Liam Hemsworth, Willow Shields, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Jena Malone promoting THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE at Comic Con
If you were actually in The Hunger Games, do you think you would survive and what would you do to help yourself stay alive for as long as possible?
I honestly don’t think I would survive. I feel like I would survive for a little while but I wouldn’t win. I would probably just hide. I can’t climb trees and I feel like if I tried to use a weapon I would just accidentally hurt myself.
If you could swap roles and play any other character in THE HUNGER GAMES series, who would you be?
I think I would be Johanna Mason (played by Jena Malone) because she’s got this dark humour to her that is very different and interesting for THE HUNGER GAMES. I think it would be fun to play that odd one out part.
Tell THE MAGAZINE readers why they have to watch THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE.
It has a little bit of everything for everyone. I loved it and I’m a big fan of the books. It does stick very close to the books. It has romance, it has action, and it has really great characters and great acting. I think that anyone or everyone can go see it. You can go see it with any of your friends and I think you’re all going to love it.
Willow Shields on the red carpet at THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE premiere in London, UK.
What sparked your interest in acting?
My brother was the first one who said he wanted to act. Living in New Mexico, there were a lot of movies and TV shows filming so we decided to just start auditioning and say, “Okay, I’ll try it!” I ended up really liking it.
Besides THE HUNGER GAMES, what are some of your favourite books and authors?
My favourite author by far is John Green. I love any of his books. I really like THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak.
You have a great style. Where do you like to shop?
I really like Urban Outfitters, Brandy Melville and Free People.
You’re only 13, so what’s next for you?
I want to keep acting for sure and just see what comes along the way! I still have MOCKINGJAY PART 1 and 2 to film so after that I’ll possibly film another movie, whatever that may be.
Thank you, Willow! Catch THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE in theatres now.