November has arrived, which means the Games are only a few weeks away. Yes, the Games, the Hunger Games!
And if there’s one person who loves the franchise just as much—if not more—than the fans themselves, it’s McKenna Grace. Since being cast as Maysilee Donner, the actress has approached the film with the kind of love and reverence only a true fan could bring. And we have the receipts: she makes fan edits of the films and recently revealed that she read the entirety of Sunrise on the Reaping in a single sitting, the day before her audition— also the day the book was just released.
With the help of her stylist Molly Dickson, the two has been pulling archival treasures and stepping into custom creations. From the Capitol’s most extravagant personalities to the most heartbreaking details hidden in the books, no corner of Panem has been left untouched.
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The Wedding Dress
Remember Katniss’ wedding dress in Catching Fire? The one President Snow insisted she wear? Grace brought that moment back to life in Paris, wearing a Monique Lhuillier creation that echoes the unforgettable gown.
The Chariot Dress
For the Berlin premiere, Grace donned a custom Cong Tri gown—channelling Katniss at the Tribute Parade in Catching Fire. Indeed, A Girl on Fire moment.
The Arena
The 2nd Quarter Quell arena deserves its own fashion moment, and Grace certainly delivered in a breathtaking Almée Couture gown. One look at its artistic details, and you’d almost think she’d stepped straight into the arena herself.
An Ode to Lucy Gray
How could we ever leave out Lucy Gray Baird? The original District 12 victor, the girl who started it all, and arguably one of the most unforgettable dressers in the entire franchise.
In archival Gucci, Grace paid tribute to the character played by Rachel Zegler in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The colors, the theatricality, the unmistakable flair—Lucy Gray would certainly approve.
The Butterfly Dress
Effie Trinket’s butterfly dress is practically a character of its own. Who could forget that unforgettable moment during the reaping in Catching Fire?
For her London appearance, Grace wore archival Alexander McQueen, finishing the look with orange butterflies scattered through her hair. It’s a delightful callback to Elizabeth Banks’ iconic ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary, but there’s another reason book fans might be especially excited.
A Tribute to Little Rue
At the Today Show, Grace paid tribute to Rue, District 11’s youngest tribute, in a teal Betsey Johnson dress with the sweetest princess sleeves. A little tribute to one of the franchise’s most beloved characters? We’re already emotional.
Flickerman Extravaganza
Caesar Flickerman, this one’s for you! In another archival Gucci look, Grace channeled Panem’s favorite television host with all the sequins, shimmer, and color one could possibly ask for.
The Capitol’s Black Swan
For her New York City appearance, Grace took us back to the Presidential Mansion, referencing Katniss’ dress at the end of the Victory Tour in Catching Fire. It may not be an exact recreation, but the feathered sleeves of her archival Chloé dress, paired with a braided headband, make the reference unmistakable to fans.
Bug by Bug
“Ladybug, ladybug fly away home.”
If you’ve read Sunrise on the Reaping, you already understand why this little detail has us feeling a certain kind of way. Grace teasing the ladybugs on the press tour is the kind of Easter egg that makes fans feel seen. It’s also making us wonder just how much of the book’s most devastating details we’ll get to see on screen.
Golden Girl
Grace’s golden Sau Lee dress helped us unearth a scene from Catching Fire, where Effie points out Katniss’ golden Mockingjay pin and her own golden hair. “I’m going to get you two boys something gold,” she tells Haymitch and Peeta. And Grace followed suit with her golden dress.
As Floral as Lawrence
One of her most recent looks is a breathtaking Miss Sohee couture creation. With a nude corset gown adorned with pink cherry blossoms and crystallized peacocks, the ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary isn’t exactly a direct Hunger Games reference. Instead, it’s a nod to Jennifer Lawrence’s Givenchy gown at the 2026 Golden Globes—a beautiful reminder to give credit to the original Mockingjay.
Method dressing isn’t exactly new, but there’s something different about watching Grace do it. And it’s because she’s a fan celebrating the very world she’s loved since she was little. Every archival find, custom gown, and tiny Easter egg feels like a love letter to Panem. We already know she’ll do Maysilee Donner justice, but this press tour proves she’s just as invested in honoring the world that brought us all together.
Featured Image and Photos: IMDB, MOLLY DICKSON, GLEN “COCO” OROPEZA, THE HUNGER GAMES, MTV (via Instagram)
