What Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak hope audiences take away from ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

Although the story is set in the past, the stars of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” believe its message remains relevant today, particularly its theme of rebellion against an oppressive system.

Based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, the film focuses on young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada.

Woody Harrelson previously portrayed the character in the original films, which told the story of Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen, who becomes a revolutionary figure after joining the brutal titular games.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, lead stars Zada and Whitney Peak, who portrays Lenore Dove Baird, shared what they hope audiences would take away from Haymitch’s story.

“It takes a lot of time, but the change does happen. It’s not instant. The boulders didn’t start rolling down the hill. He’s still pushing it to the top. I think that is a really important thing to say right now, in a world of instant gratification in a lot of ways, and people just yearning for change so much, wanting it to happen so quickly. It takes a lot of time and commitment. It takes failing a lot,” Zada said.

“And also, you’re not always gonna be handed the opportunity. Sometimes you have to make one for yourself. And so whatever it is that you believe, you have to pursue that permanently, and not just wait for somebody,” Peak added.

The film also explores the story between Haymitch and his love, Lenore Dove Baird.

“Those relationships just change who you are forever. It’s obviously makes you a lot tougher sometimes. All we can do is keep all the best parts, carry them on in the world,’ Peak said.

The star-studded cast of “Sunrise on the Reaping” also includes Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, McKenne Grace, Ben Wang, Jesse Plemmons and Glenn Close.

The franchise of books-turned-to-films is set in a dystopian world where the ruling Capitol forces young people from the districts it rules over to compete in a televised fight to the death until one victor emerges.