I’ve uploaded to our gallery some Promotional Images of Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark and updated the stills in HQ! Sadly, some of the Promotional Images are tagged, but hopefully we’ll have them untagged soon.

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Movies > The Hunger Games (2012) > Promotional Images
Movies > The Hunger Games (2012) > Production Stills

Hi, everyone! My name is Mayara and I’ll be taking over Josh Hutcherson News. I’m still getting the gallery updated with recent events, but as soon as it’s done, the news here will be posted normally.

Thank you for understanding!

In a weird way, when Josh Hutcherson thinks about his “Hunger Games” experience, “food was kind of central to the whole thing!”

During a recent stop in Chicago, the 19-year-old hastened to explain that “there is actually two sides to that whole food equation,” clearly amused by what he admitted is “a bit too professorial approach to talking about all this!”

His point? “What I mean is that there’s how my diet was key to getting me in shape, and the fact that Peeta [his character] is a baker.”

The kitchen stuff wasn’t so bad. “I actually do like to cook and do enjoy baking,” Hutcherson says. “I know that sounds a bit contrived, but it is true. I make these cake ball things, which I learned from my mom — kind of like cake popsicles — but more importantly, I know how to make a mean apple pie!”

But the bulking up? Not so fun. “I had to go through what really isn’t all that unusual when it comes to physical preparation when your physical appearance is key to delivering a convincing performance. After all, what you look like is just as important as your acting in a movie like this. So I had to spend a lot of time before the cameras started to roll preparing for that.”

Hutcherson laughed when he said, “You know. I used to like chicken. But after months and months of virtually having to eat little else, I really think I won’t be able to even look at a chicken breast for quite a while.”

Recalling the workouts — low reps with heavy weights — makes him groan.

“They had an ex-Navy SEAL assigned to me as my trainer. He was a great guy, but every time I saw him, I just knew he was going to try to kill me — in a good way! — every … single … time!

“That was something I’m very glad is over, though I know it’s going to be something I’ve got to face for the next several years, since I’m signed on for all three [‘Hunger Games’] films.”

But don’t think Hutcherson is complaining.

“Are you kidding? This is called ‘job security.’ That’s an actor’s dream!”

Source

The cast of “The Hunger Games” has attended their second red carpet in three days today in England. Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Banks were all on hand for the European premiere of their new movie at the O2 Arena in London. Josh showed up in a cute brown suit and sweater combo. Check out the arrival pics in the gallery.

Josh talked to PARADE magazine about how he landed the role of Peeta, working with co-star Jennifer Lawrence, and being on the brink of superstardom. Be sure to check out this weekend’s issue of PARADE in your local newspaper for more on The Hunger Games.

Did you connect to the character of Peeta?
“Peeta is all about staying true to yourself. He goes into the Games and does everything he can to maintain what he believes in and not become just another pawn. Growing up in the acting world, you have a lot of opportunities to change who you are and what you believe in based on how people treat you. I never wanted to do that. And that’s what Peeta’s driving toward through the series.”

Were you a fan of the books before you got the part?
“Yes, I read all three books in five days. It was crazy.”

How did you get the part?
“I auditioned for the first time with director Gary Ross, and Suzanne Collins. I just read a few scenes. A couple of weeks later, they called me back in; I had a chemistry read with Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), which was great. And then there was a painful two weeks of waiting to hear if I got the part or not. When I finally got the call, I was literally rendered speechless.”

What was the biggest challenge of playing Peeta?
“Gary Ross and I wanted to make sure that we did not let Peeta become too sappy, just because he’s admitting his love to Katniss. He takes a lot of strength from Katniss. And Katniss learns how to open up emotionally from Peeta.”

Did you do much physical training?
“I had to put on 15 pounds so I ate tons of protein and worked out, but there wasn’t that much training because I don’t do a whole lot of fighting. I get injured early on.”

How was working with Jennifer Lawrence?
“It was incredible. She’s so unbelievably talented, but, at the same time, extremely down-to-earth and caring about what everybody has to say. She gives it all every single day.”

You’ve seen the fame that surrounds the stars of Harry Potter and Twilight. Are you prepared for that level of stardom?
“It’s a mixed feeling. It’s something that every actor sort of dreams about, because, if you get to that point, that means you’re successful and you get to keep on doing what you do. But, at the same time, you do lose anonymity, and you start to kind of become more of this idea to people instead of a real person, which is challenging. But I’m excited about it. It’s a new adventure and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

With great power comes great responsibility, and Peter Parker isn’t the only guy who knows this: It’s a philosophy that on-the-rise actor Josh Hutcherson knows all too well, as the former “Amazing Spider-Man” contender steps into the coveted role of District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark in “The Hunger Games,” out in theaters on March 23.

As the baker’s son, Hutcherson plays one of the three key leads in Lionsgate’s surefire blockbuster based on author Suzanne Collins’ original novels, and one of the two young men vying for the affections of leading lady Katniss Everdeen. It’s been a surreal journey for Hutcherson to be sure — and though the actor is no stranger to surreal journeys, even he has to admit that the full-fledged “Hunger Games” fan experience has been nothing short of breathtaking.

“We’ve seen some insane signs [across fan tours],” Hutcherson told MTV News about his interactions with “Hunger Games” fans so far. ” ‘Is that a loaf of bread in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?’ Funny stuff along those lines. Very original. One just said, ‘I will do unspeakable things.’ I thought that was very interesting … and mildly terrifying!”

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ClevverTV’s Joslyn Davis caught up with Josh at the world premiere of ‘The Hunger Games’ to talk about how life has changed, what he’s excited for people to see and more. Check out the video!