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During an interview with Refinery29 Australia, the actors discussed fans shipping them because of their characters, Maysilee Donner and Haymitch Abernathy, in the upcoming prequel.
“Yeah, it’s pretty weird,” Zada said with a smile. He also pointed out that both actors already have partners.
The 20-year-old actor described Grace as his “younger, younger sister”. However, his co-star quickly challenged the description.
“Younger? Definitely not,” Grace replied jokingly.
Grace, who is dating her Regretting You co-star Mason Thames, said she understands that fan shipping comes with joining a major entertainment franchise.
“Joe’s like family,” she explained.
The actress acknowledged that people online can support whichever character pairings they enjoy. However, she stressed that such interest should not interfere with anyone’s personal life.
The co-stars also discussed alternative pairings involving other members of the cast.
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Zada revealed that fans had shipped him with Ben Wang, who plays District 12 tribute Wyatt Callow. He added that he could understand why fans made the pairing.
Grace agreed and said Ben and Joe were her favourite pairing.
Zada then suggested pairing Grace with Laura Marcus, who plays District 1 tribute Silka Sharp.
Grace, however, had another pairing in mind. Referring to her character Maysilee and Whitney Peak’s character Lenore Dove, she said: “I like Maydove. I’m coming for your girl.”
Grace has also spoken about the experience of joining the Hunger Games franchise.
She previously sought advice from Josh Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark in the original film series. The two worked together on Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.
Grace said she asked Hutcherson about filming the franchise’s arena sequences.
“I spent a lot of time asking him, ‘Was your arena experience as intense as ours was?’ And he was like, ‘Oh yeah, yeah it was,’” she told E! News at the Coach Fall 2026 show in February.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the events of the original film series. It follows a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games.
Francis Lawrence directs the prequel. Its cast also includes Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Jesse Plemons and Maya Hawke.
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026.
