Why do you think The Hunger Games has struck a nerve with so many people?

“Because it’s a story that reminds us of the worst part of humanity. We’re living in a world obsessed with reality television and our shock factor is constantly desensitized. It takes more and more to surprise us and interest us, and we feed off of other people’s trauma.”

And then there is Katniss, who represents female empowerment.

“Absolutely, she is a symbol for revolt and hope and freedom. She is this young girl who is forced to do things that are unimaginable. She wants more for the world. She’s kind of a futuristic Joan of Arc.”

You’re only 21 but have been working non-stop since you were 16. What’s the one thing you’ve gotten better at when it comes to making movies?

“I think it gets so much easier to let things roll off your back. It’s such a business of hurry up and wait, and if you let it get to you it will drive you absolutely insane, like, ‘Why was I called in at four in the morning and I haven’t been used until one in the afternoon?’ And, ‘Why are we shooting this a million times when we have five other scenes to shoot?’ But you get to a point where you just say, ‘This is filmmaking. This is what you get paid for. Everybody is doing the best they can.’ It’s what you have to live with.”