The sequel to “The Hunger Games” finally is coming to a theater near you. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is easily one of the most anticipated sequels set to release this year. Many students at Iowa State and all across the country are getting excited about it.

“My roommates and I have been geeking about going to see ‘Catching Fire’ for weeks,” said Morgan Fleener, senior in journalism and mass communication. “It’ll be exciting to compare the thrill and quality between the first and second movie.”

In the sequel, Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson) head home to District 12 after becoming the victors of the 74th annual Hunger Games. Once they arrive home, they embark on a “Victory Tour” in order to celebrate their success. However, upon speaking to the president during this victory tour, it appears that he is outraged that they had broken the final rules that allowed only one of them to win the 74th annual Hunger Games rather than both of them.

The 75th annual Hunger Games approaches, and little do Katniss and Peeta know, they will be a part of it. Every 25 years, the Quarter Quell takes place, in which there is an evil twist to the games, and for the 3rd Quarter Quell, the tributes will be reaped from previous victors of the Hunger Games. This will be no easy task to come out on top for Katniss and Peeta, going up against other vicious victors that will do whatever it takes to win.

“After reading the books and watching the first movie, I am excited to see if ‘Catching Fire’ meets my expectations.” said Erica Johnson, freshman in open-option. I hope that it is kept accurate as much as possible.”

At the Cinemark Movies 12 theater in Ames, there will be 11 different show-times on Thursday night, including a double premiere at 5:20 p.m. The double premiere will include a back-to-back presentation of both “The Hunger Games” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” For those double feature ticket-holders, discounted concessions will also be available.  

There will also be 14 other showtimes each day throughout the weekend. More details are available on the Cinemark.com website.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online at Cinemark.com. The buyer then has the choice of printing out your ticket at home, or picking up the ticket at the kiosk in the movie theater lobby. The confirmation number will need to be accessible to pick it up.

“Right now, my three roommates and I are very, very excited about the movie,” said Melissa Anstey, junior in agricultural studies. “I watched the first movie before I read the books, but I read all three books in roughly three days. We have had our tickets for nearly three weeks in anticipation for ‘Catching Fire.’”

Three showtimes on Thursday are already sold out.