USA Today Recaps the Premiere

If you missed the live screening of the premiere, like me, then read this article by USA Today.

"A grand entrance: Lawrence dazzled on the carpet in a stunning gold Prabal Gurung dress, Jimmy Choo shoes and Jacob & Co. black diamond earrings. But her onstage appearance was pure clumsy girl-next-door. As director Gary Ross introduced her, Lawrence seemingly couldn’t wait in the wings. She made a move for center stage, thought better of it when she saw that Ross was still talking, and then comically dived back behind the curtain. When Ross finally did call for her to come out, Lawrence tripped during the walk to center stage. “She’s good at comedy, too,” Ross laughed. As she walked off, Lawrence noticed Hutcherson was mocking her walk. She turned and, in front of the crowd of thousands, laughingly gave him a Hunger Gamesthree-finger salute . The crowd roared with delight.
Peeta fans unite: Based on the number of posters and the volume of screams, it’s clear that most fans are on Team Peeta (Hutcherson) over Team Gale (Hemsworth). Hutcherson has enjoyed the attention. “One of the fans had a poster that said, ‘I’m a Peeta-file,’ ” Hutcherson beams. “That was probably the best one.” He admits the fans can be a little too extreme sometimes. “I had one show up at my house in Kentucky,” he said. “That was kind of crazy.” Just to be sure of his own safety, Hutcherson had a large, menacing security guard (complete with official security guy earpiece) at his side the whole night. “It takes time to get used to it,” he said. “But this is something that has to be part of my life.”
Hungry for the beard: Wes Bentley might have the Beard of the Year playing Seneca Crane in Games. The lavish beard twists and turns in complicated directions — and it’s all his own hair. While sporting some stubble on Monday night, he didn’t think about rocking the look again. “That beard needs a special designer, I can’t do it myself,” he said. “I thought about doing a handlebar mustache. Or something. But nothing’s going to beat that look.” The fans might be clamoring for the beard, but Bentley is not going to give in at all. “The Hunger Games beard has its own personality. It even has its own Facebook page,” he says. “It’ll have its own career. And I’ll have my own career. We’ll keep it separate. But we had a good run.”
Not-so-lonely Liam: Even as he posed for pictures with girlfriend Cyrus on the carpet, Hemsworth insisted he had to “be picky” in choosing who he could bring to the coveted event. “I had to cut out a few people,” he said. “It was tough.” Nonetheless, Hemsworth had a private table with friends at the after-party. He canoodled with Cyrus on comfortable couches, that is, when he wasn’t interacting with the constant stream of fans who approached him for photographs and autographs. The publicity work would take him away from Cyrus for so long that she was forced into prolonged sessions glued to her smartphone.
Channeling Effie Trinket: Banks’ Effie Trinket character has the best lines and the best outfits in The Hunger Games. Naturally, Banks rose to the occasion at the premiere by wearing a neon orange Versace mini-gown. “I just wanted to be Effie-esque tonight,” she said. “I might be cold, but it’s all worth it. The fans deserve it.” Banks confided that she has signed on for another episode of 30 Rock to continue her story arc —Jack Donaghy‘s screen wife was last seen being held captive in North Korea. “I don’t know a thing about it, except they are going to resolve it,” she said. “Somehow, some way it will be done. I haven’t seen the script yet. But I’ll shoot it in April.”