The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping star Whitney Peak reveals that she talked to franchise alum, Rachel Zegler, after being cast. The upcoming movie, an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel, began announcing cast members, including Joseph Zada and Mckenna Grace, as early as April. Directed by Francis Lawrence — who worked on all but one Hunger Games entry — the 2026 film will depict a young Haymitch Abernathy and his experience competing in the devastating annual event.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Peak noted that joining Sunrise on the Reaping was a “warm welcome” and that she was feeling grateful. Peak also revealed that she is “trying not to get too overwhelmed” about the upcoming production and that The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes star, Rachel Zegler, communicated with her and shared encouragement. She added that going into the audition, she was unsure about the outcome, but being cast was “very pivotal” for her own morale. Read Peak’s comments below:

Everything happened really quickly, but it is very much led by a lot of incredible women, and I do feel very lucky to be a part of it. I think I’ve been trying to not get too overwhelmed, not think about it too much until it’s happening, until we’re in it. […]

Rachel reached out and gave me some love, and I know that was really huge. It was just really incredible. The support that came through was really lovely. I was terrified, to be completely honest. […]

I was like, “Oh, well, I don’t know if I even stand chance of getting this or doing this — if I’m the right person for a job.” I just kept selling myself short and already wrote myself off before I gave myself a chance. So getting the part and being let into this world and given the opportunity has just been very pivotal to me and my development and my self-confidence and my self-worth and my relationship with myself. It’s like, you know what, yeah, we do belong here. We can keep going. And there is space for us everywhere.

What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping

Peak Has Support From Zegler

Joining The Hunger Games, a wide commercial success and applicable commentary, can be momentous for actors. Sunrise on the Reaping has already drummed up excitement for Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Maya Hawke, and other cast members, similar to The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes when Zegler was revealed to be playing Lucy Gray Baird. The franchise alum previously shared an enthusiastic message about Peak playing another Baird, Lenore Dove, when her casting was announced, taking to social media to express her support.

In the Sunrise on the Reaping novel, Lenore Dove Baird is a District 12 occupant and Haymitch’s girlfriend. When Haymitch is selected as a tribute for the 50th Hunger Games and events begin unfolding, Lenore Dove eventually meets a tragic end. However, there is more to her character, as Sunrise on the Reaping implies that Lenore Dove and Lucy Gray Baird are related. Whether Maude Ivory is Lenore Dove’s mother or some other scenario, it makes that earlier comment by Zegler and the fact that she and Peak have talked all the more satisfying.

Our Take On Whitney Peak & Rachel Zegler’s Conversation

Having Support From The Hunger Games Alum Can Be Huge

As Peak prepares to become part of the Hunger Games franchise, having this support from an alum who played such a major character in the prequel movie can be significant. With production starting soon, it won’t be long before more information about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and how it adapts Lenore Dove begins coming out. Looking ahead, it will be fun to see how the next installment comes together and what other franchise actors offer encouragement to the exciting new cast.

Source: THR