‘The Hunger Games’ Star Jennifer Lawrence Brings Back Katniss Everdeen’s Famous Salute on the Streets of New York
Jennifer Lawrence’s time as Katniss Everdeen made her one of the defining stars of her generation. The ‘Hunger Games’ heroine’s raised 3-finger salute became one of the franchise’s most recognizable symbols, and fans still associate the gesture with Lawrence.
The salute has been back in the spotlight this week. Ahead of the midterm elections, Lawrence posted an Instagram story with the caption “Midterms BB. Don’t forget who burns with us,” along with a link to voter resources and a photo of herself raising her hand in the Katniss salute.
Now fans have even more footage of the moment. As fan account Jennifer Lawrence Online shared, a video posted to Instagram by elderordonez1 shows Lawrence doing the famous salute while out in New York City.
In the clip, Lawrence walks along a sidewalk in a white graphic T-shirt, red pants, and a blue jacket. As she passes the camera, she raises 3 fingers, recreating Katniss’ gesture in a casual city setting.
Yahoo Entertainment reported that the sighting took place in the West Village on Tuesday, November 3. The outlet also noted that Lawrence wore a side braid similar to Katniss’ signature hairstyle.
Jennifer Lawrence doing the iconic three-finger salute from ‘The Hunger Games’ today in New York City. elderordonez1 | Instagram. https://t.co/GpyKHnCbTw
— Jennifer Lawrence Online (@jlawaccess) November 3, 2026
Lawrence’s caption also drew attention for its source. The phrase echoes a line from Katniss in ‘Mockingjay’, in which she warns that if the rebels burn, the Capitol will burn with them. That made the post feel like a tribute to longtime fans. Paired with the salute in the video, it brought back memories of the franchise’s most famous moments.
The timing also fits the franchise’s return. Lawrence recently confirmed on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that she will reprise Katniss in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’, calling the experience unbelievable and emotional.
Josh Hutcherson returns as Peeta Mellark, and Woody Harrelson is back as the older Haymitch Abernathy. Neither Lawrence nor Hutcherson appears in the trailer, and earlier reports suggested their roles could be small, possibly in a flash-forward.
The film focuses on a younger Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games. It’s set 24 years before the original film, during a Quarter Quell in which each district sends twice the usual number of tributes.
The cast also includes Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons and Glenn Close. Francis Lawrence directs the prequel, which opens in theaters on November 20.
New ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ broadcast just aired on CNN during U.S. Election Night coverage. 🎥: KevOutKevin https://t.co/CX57wLgOlt
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 4, 2026
Lawrence wasn’t the only ‘Hunger Games’ talking point on election night. An in-universe promo featuring Ralph Fiennes as President Snow aired during election night coverage on CNN and Fox News, adding to the film’s buzz.
Between Lawrence’s salute, Snow’s broadcast, and the cast’s busy press tour, the franchise has dominated social media. With the release just weeks away, interest in Panem shows no sign of slowing down.
Witness the beginning of the revolution. #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters & IMAX November 20. https://t.co/fKCrWXIk3T
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) September 16, 2026
Lawrence only joined Instagram in September, and she has quickly made the platform her own with jokes and playful posts. Her latest moment shows she’s still happy to embrace the role that made her famous. For fans who grew up with Katniss, seeing Lawrence raise the salute again is a fun reminder of the franchise’s lasting impact.
What did you think of Jennifer Lawrence bringing back Katniss Everdeen’s famous salute?
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