Josh Hutcherson Talks Hunger Games Violence, Kissing Jennifer, and Catching Fire
Reuters published an interview with Josh Hutcherson today, where he discussed the increasing violence in the later Hunger Games books, winning an award for Best Kiss, and what he’s most looking forward to in ‘Catching Fire’.
Q: The “Hunger Games” books get progressively darker and more violent as Katniss’ revolution rises against President Snow’s oppressive regime. How do you think this will be dealt with in the upcoming films, which are rated PG-13?
A: “We didn’t shy away from the violence, but at the same time, we didn’t have to go graphic with it. So, I think it’ll be similar in the second movie as far as the action goes. As far as the overall story going to a darker place, I think sometimes in life, it can be very dark and grim and very real, and I feel that by writing the book that way, Suzanne made it feel real for me. That’s something young people are able to see … the story is about hope and rising up against something. Even though it’s dark at times, it still has this light being, Katniss, and her ability to try to start this big movement to fight.”
Q: Speaking of Katniss, you and Jennifer won the MTV Movie Award for best kiss in June. It had been dominated by the stars of vampire romance “Twilight” in recent years. Feel good to win?
A: “Jennifer and I are such good friends. One of the hardest parts for us is to pretend we’re in love on screen. It feels so cheesy at times because we’re in love with each other in real life as really good friends and just switching that dynamic over was like, ‘can we actually do this? We’re so goofy and silly together, can we actually pretend that we’re seriously lovers?’ It’s good to know that people say ‘yes, you can.’”
Q: What are you most excited to explore in “Catching Fire?”
A: “Katniss and Peeta’s relationship because Peeta loves Katniss and can’t help himself from loving Katniss. At the same time he feels like Katniss is just playing this game for everybody else and she doesn’t actually have any real feelings for Peeta. As an actor, it’s hard to play that, yet also really fun and challenging. I can’t wait to dive into that aspect.”
I’m quite looking forward to seeing how Katniss and Peeta’s relationship progresses in ‘Catching Fire’, too!
And I know there’s way more to their relationship than this, but here’s hoping the Beach Scene blows the Cave Scene out of the water!
You can read the rest of the article here.
I’m just sitting here squeeing like a fangirl!
I love it, and I love that we are getting a little insight into what they’re going to show us. I’m hoping, too, that the beach scene is just going to be killer! I’ve also wondered if we’re going to get the hug on the train as they’re on their way to the Capitol. I just get this feeling like maybe there will be this “moment” before they break apart (like, I want to kiss you, but I can’t do it, type of moment)! 
*sigh* I love Katniss and Peeta! Jen and Josh are AWESOME at playing in love! LOL More! More!!!
Why does he have to be so lovable? Anyway,I’m sooooooooooooooooooo happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait for more Peeta/Katniss love! I feel just like I was when The Hunger Games came out! But thats probably because the movie comes out on dvd tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is it bad to be”obsessed???
This just makes me even more excited to see the movie already. I can’t wait for the Beach Scene! November 22, 2013 has to come much earlier!
I love how he says they are in love as great friends. He’s pretty mature to be throwing that L word around with reckless abandon. (Or one may think immature??)
Beach scene – yes can’t wait. Just really excited to hear that they are going to deal with the complexity of their relationship and that he is ready for the challenge. Some of us were worried they wouldn’t address it.
i thought they lost the MTV best kiss award. it was the teen choice award they won, wasn’t it? maybe more research was needed, reuters… unless i’m getting those two mixed up, haha.
meanwhile, i love how he phrases things: “we’re in love with each other in real life as really good friends…”
see, josh, this is why you’re the perfect peeta. the kid has a way with words.
and LOL, erin, believe me, i’d be the first one on the “but there’s more to it than romance!” train, but even then i’m still sitting here thinking that beach scene better be epic, so help me god!
haha.
@Carla Yes, I was confused too. But i looked it up and they didn’t win the MTV award
But won Teen Choice 
Yeah, I saw that, too– the MTV Movie Award for best kiss. I’m like, “They won the Teen Choice Award for that, not the MTV award.” Just a goof-up, I guess.
What I really liked about Josh’s take on the K-P relationship in CF, is that he does seem to understand that Peeta’s feelings for Katniss in CF are more complex than they were before.
“Peeta loves Katniss and can’t help himself from loving Katniss. At the same time he feels like Katniss is just playing this game…”
While he doesn’t come out and say it, these comments made me think that Josh understands that in CF, while Peeta still loves Katniss, he is also quite hurt, angry, and resentful about being misled about Katniss’s feelings, and feels used. He isn’t just a lovesick puppy following Katniss around.
Now, THG itself didn’t really show Peeta as being angry at Katniss at the end, though I do think it conveyed that he realized her feelings weren’t as strong as his. But hopefully Josh will get an opportunity to really show us his inner conflict in CF. Especially because if he does, then that adds even more depth to what happens to Peeta, and the P-K relationship, in Mockingjay.
When Catching Fire comes, he and Jennifer really need to amp up the chemistry. Some people complained that there was not enough chemistry between them but personally, I think it was because the scenes involving their relationship were purposely cut out by Gary Ross. I have no doubt that they can pull off ‘being in love’ on screen since they are great actors after all. Personally, a huge part of Catching Fire for me will be seeing how Katniss actually begins to really fall in love with Peeta.
I’m actually glad that these two actors are just staying friends in real life. I don’t want stuff like the scandal in Twilight to happen in THG. Look at what happened to the franchise, everyone seems a little uncomfortable with the next movie after the real life scandal the actors had.
Um yes, I’m a need for them to get their facts straight about the awards, the Twihards will be out in full force correcting that mistake. Anyways, I mean do we expect anything less from our adorable Peeta? Josh is a boss and that’s not his first time admitting he’s in love with Jen in his Peetaesque way using the friendship aspect. Nothing immature about that at all baby.
@ satsuma
I agree. Actually one of the reasons why I really like Josh as Peeta is because he seems to understand the character’s vulnerability. To me, Peeta has always been vulnerable yet strong at the same time. It’s a trait that defines him and makes him unique across other literary works.
I also like it that in the movie, Peeta isn’t pushy with Katniss. He loves her but he doesn’t need to tell her to kiss him. He’s just there waiting and trying to understand her a bit more. He’s giving her the space the she needs but at the same time protecting her.
I’m glad that Josh seems to know exactly why I love the relationship between Katniss and Peeta.
@Rock- “Personally, a huge part of Catching Fire for me will be seeing how Katniss actually begins to really fall in love with Peeta.” YES. That was one of the (many) reasons why Catching Fire was my favorite book of the 3. I loved taking that journey with Katniss, and realizing along with her that she needed him and eventually, even though she refused to fully admit it in CF, that she loved him.
I can’t wait for the beach scene, to say the least.
I like what he said about him and Jen being such close friends and I’m glad for it, as I’m sure it will make it even easier for them to give great performances. However, I may now have to close my eyes during the kissing scenes.
so can’t wait!!!! love katniss and peeta!
AHHHH 294 days!!! Gonna be the first in line. And btw they won the teen choice award.