THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE Taps Sam Claflin to Play Finnick Odair

Director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine) has signed on to helm the sequel to this spring's hit film The Hunger Games, which is based on the second in a series of books by Suzanne Collins that has 36 million copies in circulation in the US alone.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

Sam Claflin (, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Snow White and the Huntsman) has become the newest cast member to join the upcoming sequel and will play the part of Finnick Odair. Known for his charismatic and clever personality, Finnick was only fourteen years old when he became The hunger Games victor for District 4.

Claflin recently finished filming the new Hammer Horror film The Quiet Ones opposite Jarred Harris as well as Mary & Martha in South Africa opposite Hilary Swank.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is directed by Francis Lawrence and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Alan Richson, Maria Howell, Bruno Gunn, Stephanie Leigh Schlund, Lynn Cohen, Jena Malone, Willow Shields and Toby Jones with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. Lionsgate will release The Hunger Games: Catching Fire on November 22, 2013.