Why Jennifer Lawrence Was 'So Frustrated' by Katniss

— -- Jennifer Lawrence received high praise from one of her "Hunger Games" co-stars Wednesday night at the New York City premiere of the final film in the series, "Mockingjay -- Part 2."

Donald Sutherland, who plays President Snow, the antagonist to Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen, called her a "genius" on the red carpet.

"It's really simple. She's a delivery system for truth," Sutherland said.

Lawrence, 25, was stunned to hear the compliment.

"He's one of the most brilliant people I've ever met in my life, so the fact the he evens likes me, I don't know, what can you say about that?" she sputtered.

Lawrence also offered her thoughts on how her relationship with her character has changed over the years.

"I really grew into Katniss' intellect because at the beginning, when I was younger, I was so frustrated with her reluctance," she said. "I was like, I want her to be this hero, I want her to take this leadership, and it wasn't until I got older that I was like, no, that is a true warrior and a true hero who knows the consequences of war and knows the consequences of taking action and knows the sacrifices that come with change."

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 2" opens in theaters Friday.