JENNIFER Lawrence returns as our steely heroine for this science fiction sequel based on American writer Suzanne Collins’ otherworldly best-selling trilogy.

Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) is back in District 12, hunting alongside her beau, Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth).

But having to steal a kiss in secret is the last of the lovers’ worries. When Katniss returns to the Victors’ Village to continue her fake romance with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) for the cameras, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is waiting for her with a blood-chilling threat.

“I think we’ll make this whole situation a lot simpler by agreeing not to lie to each other,” growls Snow, who threatens Gale’s life if Katniss steps out of line.

Flanked by booze-sodden mentor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) and sartorially daring escort Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), Katniss and Peeta tour the districts, scenting rebellion in the air.

Meanwhile, Snow recruits new Games creator Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) to stage a special anniversary tournament known as the Quarter Quell, which will pit the darlings of District 12 against former winners in the ultimate duel of death.