The Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence as a lead.
Katniss Everdeen is a fictional character and the protagonist of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins . She is portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the film adaptations The Hunger Games , The Hunger Games : Catching Fire , The Hunger Games : Mockingjay -- Part 1 , and The Hunger Games : Mockingjay -- Part 2 . The Hunger Games (film) . Katniss Everdeen ( Lawrence ) volunteers to take her younger sister 's place . The Hunger Games received positive reviews from critics , with praise for its themes and messages , as well as Jennifer Lawrence 's portrayal of Katniss , though there was criticism of the film 's use of shaky cam in the action sequences .