Amandla Stenberg Talks About Playing Rue In ‘The Hunger Games'

Earlier today we got to check out the newest and last movie poster for the upcoming big screen adaptation of The Hunger Games and right now we get a bit of more Hunger Games goodness to enjoy. Back in April of last year, we learned that newcomer Amandla Stenberg was cast as District 11 tribute Rue in The Hunger Games … and today we get to check out a cute interview with the young actress. Click below to read Amandla‘s take on playing one of the most important characters in one of this year's most anticipated films.

When did you first read The Hunger Games?
I think I first read the books at the end of sixth grade, two summers ago. I remember everyone in school was talking about them and how amazing they were, and talking about the characters.

Did you picture yourself as Rue?
When I first read the book, I really didn?t picture myself as Rue. Then I read it again, and I did picture myself as her. She?s very musical, and very small like me, and very quick.

How are you musical?
I like to sing. I play guitar, violin, and drums.

Did you read The Hunger Games in one night?
I think it took me about two nights to finish it. I couldn?t put it down, and my nose was in the book the whole time. It?s such a page turner, and Suzanne Collins?s writing is so vivid. Everyone was wondering what I was reading. After I finished it, my dad took it, and then my mom.

How many times have you read the series?
I?ve read the first book at least five times! I never get tired of it.

How did you find out about auditioning for the role, and how did you prepare for it?
I heard that they were making a movie, and I already loved Rue. I called my agent repeatedly, saying, ?Please, please, please get me an audition.? After my many, many phone calls, they got an audition for me. That was my golden opportunity. I prepared and prepared, and I went in and met with the casting director, Debra Zane, who helped me, before I met with Gary [director Gary Ross].

What did you do to get into character and make yourself feel like Rue?
For my audition, I went to Gary?s house. To get prepared, I dressed up like Rue. I wore khakis and a T-shirt, and my mom had rolled around my clothes in the dirt before. And we put twigs in my hair and leaves all over me, and stains were all over my clothes. And I had a little wreath of flowers in my pocket that I thought Rue might have. That was in my pocket as good luck, and also a special rock. Those were my little tokens I thought Rue would have.

What kind of physical training did you need to do? Did doing gymnastics in the past help?
I think my smallness helped. I?m quick and light on my feet.

How many days was Suzanne Collins on set? And did she give you any pointers on Rue?
She was there for two days in the middle of shooting. It was so amazing to meet her ? the creator of all this. We were doing a very traumatic scene, and I was kind of bawling my eyes out. I wasn?t quite sure if this was how Suzanne Collins imagined the scene. And so I talked to her, and she told me just that Rue was trying to be very strong for Katniss. She wanted Katniss to go on, so she tried to be very brave for Katniss. That was very helpful.

What other good books have you read recently?
I?m always reading a book! Right now I?m reading Cleopatra?s Moon. I cannot put it down. It?s about Cleopatra Selene, who was Cleopatra?s only daughter. It?s a very interesting tale about how she loses everything. As soon as I finish Cleopatra?s Moon, I?m going to get Legend by Marie Lu. I?ve heard a lot about it. I also read the Maze Runner series, another post-apocalyptic story. I?ve read the Mortal Instruments series, I was obsessed with those. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is one of my favorites. Even though it doesn?t have any monsters or crazy fantasy in it, it?s such a raw story, and I can really relate to the characters. I think it?s a beautiful story. And I read Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson for my summer project for school.

Have you seen the finished movie?
I haven?t. I?ve seen little snippets here and there, just going into the recording studio for extra sound. Hopefully there will be a screening before the premiere. I?m just another fan who can?t wait to see it. When we were on the set, you couldn?t really tell what the movie is going to look like. Editing and music is such a big part of it.

The rest of the interview can be read HERE. I have to say, altho this Publisher's Weekly interview reads extremely juvenile (presumably because it's meant for young readers), I think it's really cute to hear from Amandla herself. The Rue character in The Hunger Games is such an important character that she must be played by just the right person. Obviously, I don't know anything about Amandla Stenberg but she seems to have the character's look down and I suspect she will make a great Rue. I'm sure it was a great thrill for this young actress to nab such a big part in such a potentially important film. I can't wait to see her in action … even if I already know how things turn out for the character in the end. Man, I am dying to see this movie already! GAHHH!

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