The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has Canadian premiere

Canadian fans of The Hunger Gamesgathered in Toronto to get a sneak peek of Catching Fire, the second installment of the post-apocalyptic teen series.

Actors Sam Claflin and Jena Malone, who portray past Hunger Games victors Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason (respectively) in the new film, walkedthe red carpet before Tuesday night's Canadian premiere.

Cast members have travelled to cities around the world including Berlin, Rome, Paris, Madrid, London and Los Angeles for premiere events in the past few weeks. The film officially opens in cinemas Friday.

"When you hear the crowds go nuts and they're so excited about the material and about the movie and about the cast, it's really energizing and exciting," said director Francis Lawrence.

"And it makes it all worthwhile."

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Based on Suzanne Collins' bestselling book trilogy, Catching Fire continues following reluctant teen heroine Katniss Everdeen as she defies the authoritarian regime of Panem, a post-apocalyptic America.

Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as protagonist Katniss, along with returning co-stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks. The high-profile supporting cast also includes Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci and Lenny Kravitz.