"Sunrise on the Reaping" in The Hunger Games Casts Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy

Exclusive: Tribute from District 12 and Whitney Peak have signed on to play Haymitch Abernathy's lover, Lenore Dove Baird, and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, respectively, for Lionsgate's The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

As you may remember, Woody Harrelson portrayed Haymitch in the first installment of the Hunger Games series. With Zada and Peak's parts being among the most sought-after among young performers in recent memory, the casting rumors for the project have exploded in recent weeks.

With amazing heart, depth, and fire, Jo and Whitney continue the tradition of the Hunger Games franchise, which has always served as a springboard for exceptional young actors, said Erin Westerman, co-president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. These two were chosen after hundreds of talented actors from all over the world were tried out. They were chosen not just for their skill but also for the emotional authenticity they offered to these well-known parts. Fans have always loved Haymitch, and his backstory is among the most eagerly awaited in the series. The emotional history of Panem is intricately intertwined with his connection with Lenore Dove. The tale that shaped one of the series' most likable characters is something we can not wait for fans to experience.

"Deb Zane and Dylan Jury oversaw a thorough (and stressful!) search to find a young actor with the skill and imagination to depict young Haymitch, and added producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force." Jo prepared herself to the hilt and won our hearts. Then Whitney's portrayal of Lenore Dove left us speechless. It was one of those enchanted casting moments when you realize your quest has brought you home when we finally connected the two of them.

Sunrise on the Reaping, which begins on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games' reaping, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, is based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling dystopian young adult novel, which was released on March 18. It takes place in Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games. The narrative revolves around 16-year-old Haymitch, a resourceful and intelligent teenager from District 12, who is unpredictably selected for this year's games, which will have a terrible twist: 48 kids will be put into the arena to fight for their lives out of twice as many tributes.