'Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2': Everything You Need to Know About Past Films

Before you see "Mockingjay - Part 2," read a breakdown of the past movies.

ByABC News
November 20, 2015, 10:37 AM

— -- One of the most highly-anticipated movies of the year comes out today, as Katniss goes to battle one last time in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2."

In case you haven't seen the three previous films or just want to be able to jump into the franchise now to see what all the fuss is about, here's a breakdown of each movie. The summaries are short and sweet and should have you able to keep up when someone asks you are you team Gale or team Peeta.

[SPOILERS AHEAD]

"The Hunger Games" (2012)

Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, volunteers as tribute in place of her sister Primrose to go into the Hunger Games, a savage competition where tributes from each of the 12 Districts go in and no one leaves until one is left standing. Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, also enters the games from Katniss' district. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) of the Capitol runs the Games as a reminder of a past rebellion that lead to all-out war. Fans across the 12 Districts and the Capitol watch the Games as a sport, even while the children are killing each other. During the Games, Katniss and Peeta form a friendship and even portray a romance for the fans and supporters of the games to compel outsiders to help and root for them. In the end, they bravely take down all the other competitors, but decide not to kill the other. They threaten to both die, which forces the Capitol to let them both live.

PHOTO: Elden Henson, Josh Hutcherson, Wes Chatham, Sam Claflin, Natalie Dormer, Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Mahershala Ali star in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2."
Elden Henson, Josh Hutcherson, Wes Chatham, Sam Claflin, Natalie Dormer, Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Mahershala Ali star in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2."

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" (2013)

Games' winners Katniss and Peeta go on a Victor's Tour after their victory, only to find that residents are starting to believe their defiance might inspire change. President Snow is not happy with any uprisings, so he tells the world that the winners have to go back in as part of a Quarter Quell. The fake couple have already told Panem that they plan to marry and are expecting, but that does not stop the Capitol from continuing on with the games. While in the games, Katniss and Peeta start to develop real feelings for one another and later find out that there is a plan to get Katniss out, as she is the symbol of hope for the rebellion. She is eventually rescued, but Peeta is caught and taken back to the Capitol. Katniss freaks out when she finds out from her childhood friend Gale, played by Liam Hemsworth, that Peeta has been captured. Gale, whom Katniss previously had feelings for and still might love, tells her that her home is gone and that Snow bombed it and killed hundreds of innocents.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" (2014)

Katniss now resides in the once thought destroyed District 13, a secret place that has been rebuilding to one day fight the Capitol again and take over. Julianne Moore plays President Alma Coin of D13. Katniss is still hesitant and just wants Peeta back and to be okay, but after Snow continues to attack the weak and sick, she starts to come around and help her new District create propaganda videos to unite the other districts. It works, and a rebellion begins. But all the while, Katniss is worried about Peeta, who is being forced to speak out against a rebellion. Oddly enough, Gale volunteers, along with others, to rescue Peeta. The rescue is a success, even though Snow admits he knew they were coming. So, what is his play? Snow hijacked Peeta's mind to hate Katniss and let him go, in hopes Peeta would kill her and squash the rebellion. The movie ends with Katniss worried about her friend/love.

PHOTO: Donald Sutherland stars as President Snow in "The Hunger Games Mockingjay - Part 2."
Donald Sutherland stars as President Snow in "The Hunger Games Mockingjay - Part 2."

Other characters:

Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) - An alcoholic ex-Victor from D12. He helps Peeta and Katniss train and is comic relief at times.

Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) - Was thought to be working for the Capitol in the second movie, but was really a D13 spy, looking to help Katniss escape to save the rebellion.

Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin) - Another past Victor, also thought to be initially out for his own desires, until he helps Katniss and Peeta and is found to be part of the master plan.

Beetee (Jeffrey Wright) - Yet another Victor, who is a genius and helps the rebellion hack and hopefully attack the Capitol.