Jennifer Lawrence and Donald Sutherland spoke recently about the inspiration they’ve gotten from Katniss Everdeen. The Hunger Games stars feel the proximity to her character has taught them much, and hope that young people have learned from her, too.

Playing the role of Katniss in all of the Hunger Games films–including the most recent, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 2—Jennifer Lawrence says she couldn’t help but be inspired by the character.

It was while attending the world premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 2 that Jennifer Lawrence and Donald Sutherland (President Snow) talked about what they’ve gotten from Katniss Everdeen.

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, and Natalie Dormer discuss Katniss's… http://t.co/n686YLT5O6

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“I don’t see how I couldn’t be inspired by this character, I mean I was so inspired by her when I read the books, it’s the reason I wanted to play her,” Jennifer Lawrence said.

Sutherland hopes Katniss inspires young people to become political activists.

“If it doesn’t work, we’re dead, all of us, if we don’t evoke climate change, if we don’t solve refugee problems, we don’t do any of that, we’re dead,” Sutherland said, adding that a film could be a trigger for change.

“I know that it can because Paths of Glory, Stanley Kubrick’s film, politicized me in 1956,” the Canadian actor said. “So this one is universal, it goes all over the world and young people love it.”

Jennifer Lawrence rose to the ranks of Hollywood A-listers due to her role as Katniss Everdeen. She hopes young people are inspired by her to rise in the ranks of their communities, cities, and states to stand up for what is right.

Have you ever viewed Katniss Everdeen as inspiration for political activism? Anything that inspires young people toward positive actions is a huge plus in today’s world. Too often kids emulate those who are rich or look perfect. It’s important to teach them that what people do with their lives far surpasses their material accomplishments.