The release of the Sci-fi adventure film series The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I brings with it the news that it is expected to become the biggest film of this year. Although Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is still at the centre of all the action, the good-looking Gale Hawthrone (Liam Hemsworth) now has a bigger role, looks better and makes a definite impact on screen.

“Gale’s character in this film sees the biggest part of his job as being the one who gives Katniss the support and courage to become the Mockingjay. He’s now kind of her right-hand man,” says Liam Hemsworth while talking to Images on Sunday about his role in the film.

The film is a continuation from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire where at the end of the film, Gale had reached a tipping point. He had had enough of The Capitol’s abuse, so he had decided to stand up to it. He was ready to go to war to try to take down The Capitol.

The Hunger Games series is Liam’s third film in Hollywood; he made his debut with The Last Song. This Australian-born 24-year-old actor entered the world of entertainment with television series — the soap opera Neighbours and the children’s series Elephant Princes.

And yes, good looks are in his genes! He is the younger brother of Chris Hemsworth, known better for playing Thor. In fact, his co-star Jennifer was quoted in one of her recent interviews, saying, “I guess the thing that surprised me is that I would never expect to ever have a man this good-looking ever as my best friend!”

Hunky heartthrob Liam Hemsworth makes all the right moves in the latest series of The Hunger Games. Chris Hemsworth’s baby brother speaks to Images on Sunday about his character in the film

Liam has a considerable fan following. And he knows it; though he hesitates to talk about it. I asked him if he modifies his roles according to the wishes of his fans, to which he smilingly said, “No actor does that! Having a fan following is a great feeling but at the end of the day one has to be honest to the work and also respond honestly throughout the film.’’

He feels that the more time the team spends together on sets, the better the results. “Every day we want to be with other actors as much as possible and live in the moment,” he said, “Francis Lawrence is a great director for this film and he knows every character and story back to back. So we follow his instructions completely.”

Liam seems to be in awe of the film’s director. According to him, “Francis is the consummate director. He is great at all the big action stuff as well as working intimately with actors.

"He is one of the most well-prepared directors I’ve had the good fortune of working with. He knows the ins and outs of the story and everyone’s character. When you ask him a question, he knows the answer. He’s always willing to listen and collaborate with you on your input and ideas. And all that really helps a newcomer like me.”

In Mockingjay Part I, Gale has grown in stature. He becomes a driving force behind Katniss consenting to appear in the films for District 13. He knows that they have to spread the word that the Mockingjay is alive and that only she can bring people together to stand up to The Capitol.

At the same time, he notes that there is a distance between them. Gale and Katniss have known each other their whole lives and have a lot of love for each other, but the difference between them is that Gale now sees anyone who has anything to do with The Capitol as guilty. Katniss doesn’t have those blinders.

“What I enjoyed most is the interaction with my co-stars. You couldn’t ask for better people to work with. Jen (Jennifer) and Josh (Hutcherson who plays Peeta) are both amazingly talented and working with them is a blessing and so much fun. We’ve now all known each other for a few years and together we’ve experienced a lot of pivotal points in our lives,” said Liam while adding that he is already looking forward to filming the next part of the franchise.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 14th, 2014