Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are poised to step back into Panem, this time from the shadows of a new story. Lionsgate has confirmed that the original Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark will return for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ latest prequel novel.

Their roles remain tightly guarded, but long-time readers of the franchise will recognize their appearance, along with mentor Haymitch Abernathy, in the book’s epilogue, suggesting a brief flash-forward will reunite the icons with audiences.

Set 24 years before the events of the original trilogy, “Sunrise on the Reaping” chronicles the 50th Hunger Games, the brutal Quarter Quell that shaped the pair’s mentor from District 12. This time, the spotlight shifts to a teenage Haymitch, played by rising actor Joseph Zada, stepping into the role made famous by Woody Harrelson. The prequel traces Haymitch’s cunning, trauma, and defiance during the Capitol’s deadliest spectacle, a defining chapter fans have long speculated about but never seen on screen.

Slated for a 20 November release, the film marks another return for director Francis Lawrence, who has helmed the franchise since 2012’s “Catching Fire.” Veteran producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are once again steering the ship, continuing a saga that has grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide.

While the original films catapulted Lawrence and Hutcherson into global superstardom, both actors have kept busy. Lawrence recently secured her seventh Golden Globe nomination for the critically acclaimed “Die My Love,” further cementing her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most formidable performers. Hutcherson, meanwhile, is enjoying renewed momentum with the success of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” and the HBO series “I Love L.A.”

In an earlier interview with Variety, Hutcherson openly expressed excitement about possibly returning to the franchise. “It would not take any convincing at all. I’d be there in a heartbeat,” he said. When pressed about whether the film includes the highly anticipated coda scene, the actor responded cryptically: “Do dreams come true? Sometimes. Sometimes not. Sometimes, yeah.”

“Sunrise on the Reaping” boasts an all-star ensemble, including Elle Fanning as young Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee. Joining them are Kelvin Harrison Jr., Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, Mckenna Grace, Billy Porter, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, and more, rounding out one of Lionsgate’s most ambitious casts yet.