Josh Hutcherson on 'Awkward' Marriage Proposals From "Hunger Games" Fans - East Idaho News
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Josh Hutcherson on ‘Awkward’ Marriage Proposals From “Hunger Games” Fans

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111913 JoshHutcherson?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1384904011404Murray Close/Lionsgate(LOS ANGELES) — You’d think the cast of The Hunger Games would be used to brushes with their frenzied fans by now, but not Josh Hutcherson.

The actor, who plays Peeta Mellark in the film’s hotly-anticipated sequel Catching Fire, said he’s flattered by the fans, but slightly disturbed by the rash of marriage proposals he’s received.

“I’ve had a couple of marriage proposals recently from people I’ve never met, which is flattering but a little nearsighted I feel in some respects,” Hutcherson told Robin Roberts Tuesday on Good Morning America.

“There’s a weird disconnect. When somebody recognizes you, they’ve seen interviews… they’ve read your bio, they know where you’re from, your family and all these things, and you don’t know the first thing about this person,” he explained. “It’s a weird thing where they feel like they know you and they don’t. It’s a little bit awkward sometimes, you’re like, ‘I don’t know how to react right now.'”

The movie’s rabid fan base is counting down to the second installment, which picks up when Peeta and Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, are paraded through the districts on a victory tour before they are forced to participate in the Quarter Quell for the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games.

“Peeta matures a lot between the first and second movie. Everything they went through the games together is really traumatizing and really forces him to grow up in a big way,” Hutcherson said about his character’s growth.

Playing Peeta has been a dream for Hutcherson, who said he identifies with his character more than any other.

“I had never seen a character that is more like who I am as a person,” he said Tuesday of Peeta. “I connect with him in a big way. He’s loyal to his beliefs and loyal to the people around him. And that’s someone I aspire to be like.”

He also had nothing but praise for his co-star Lawrence, who plays his unrequited love interest, Katniss.

“Even with all her success and talent and everything, she’s still the same person. She’s honest. There’s no filter, which is always exciting. You never know what is going to come next,” he said. “You’ve got to be on your toes.”

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opens Friday.

 

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