The Hunger Games is a flat-out phenomenon. Lots of devotees have already seen it twice, and can’t get enough of the apocalyptic flick. If you’re one of them, come to Charlotte (a.k.a. the capital of Panem).
- Filmed in and around Charlotte, The Hunger Games set the city abuzz during filming, cordoning off key areas for production work. Among the memorable scenes and real world settings:
- The site where the tribute interview scene between Katniss Everdeen and Ceasar Flickerman took place. You’ll find it at the Knight Theater in Center City.
- The place where Catnips becomes “the girl on fire.” This pivotal scene was shot at the Charlotte Convention Center.
If you’re into celebrity trivia, you can:
- Chilax in NoDa, Charlotte’s historic arts district. It was the destination of choice for the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Woody Harrelson and Josh Hutcherson. There they unwound at local favorites such as Cabo Fish Taco, Amelie’s French Bakery and The Evening Muse.
- Trek the paths Woody “Haymitch” Harrelson did at the US National Whitewater Center’s Competition Channel. Harrelson was spotted a few times there during filming, taking on the bike trails and climbing wall.
- Lean to brave the elements the way the stars did. Take a Survival 101 course at the Whitewater Center, the better to empathize with the athletic actors in what may just be the biggest blockbuster film of the year.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Murray Close)
