Mckenna Grace Recreates Finnick’s Sugar Cube Moment From ‘Catching Fire’ Ahead of ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’
McKenna Grace is fully embracing her place in the ‘Hunger Games’ universe. The actor plays District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’, which follows a young Haymitch Abernathy into the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteers for her sister.
As the film’s November 20 release approaches, Grace has been paying tribute to the franchise at almost every stop of the press tour. Her red carpet looks have repeatedly referenced Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss, turning the promotional run into a celebration of the series’ history.
Her latest homage moves from the red carpet to social media. As Film Updates shared, Grace recreated the sugar cube scene between Katniss and Finnick Odair from ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ in a new TikTok.
In the 33-second clip posted to her account, Grace poses with her hands on her hips in a red, orange, and black sequined halter dress. Her blonde curls and braided headband give the video a Capitol-ready finish.
Mckenna Grace recreates the sugarcube scene between Katniss and Finnick from ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ in new Tik Tok. https://t.co/yTPZAQRWam
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) November 4, 2026
The sugar cube exchange is one of the most memorable moments in ‘Catching Fire’, with Sam Claflin’s Finnick offering Katniss a sugar cube. The scene remains a favorite on social media, with official accounts like Peacock and Prime Video sharing it on TikTok.
Recreating it lets Grace connect her new role to one of the most quoted moments in the original films. It also shows how closely the prequel’s marketing is leaning on fans’ nostalgia for Katniss’ story.
mckenna grace girl on fire omfg this is insane https://t.co/F1pnZzgbST
— ash 🐞 (@ggukiefairy_) November 2, 2026
The dress in the clip appears to match the one Grace wore to the film’s Berlin premiere on November 2 at the Zoo Palast. She attended alongside co-stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak and Molly McCann.
Her custom gown by Cong Tri, styled by Molly Dickson, referenced the flames Lawrence wore as Katniss in ‘Catching Fire’. The bodice featured black, red and orange sequins with a keyhole halter neckline, and the colors brightened toward the hem as she fanned out the pleated skirt for photographers.
Mckenna Grace channels Katniss Everdeen’s iconic Girl on Fire look from THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE at the SUNRISE ON THE REAPING Berlin premiere. https://t.co/NCg09BUuBo
— PanemPropaganda (@panempropaganda) November 2, 2026
Berlin wasn’t the first stop where Grace dressed with the franchise in mind. In Paris on October 6, at a Panem costume exhibition at the Musée Rodin, she wore a vintage Monique Lhuillier gown inspired by Katniss’ wedding dress from her interview.
At a London fan screening on October 28, she chose an ALmée Couture gown that nodded to the arena. Grace has told People that she would text Dickson her style ideas as late as 3 a.m., describing them as her fangirl ramblings.
Watch the official trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping 👀 In theaters November 20. https://t.co/aD7nXWDJ3o
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) April 13, 2026
Grace’s character carries a strong link to Katniss. Maysilee is the original owner of the mockingjay pin, making her the first tribute to wear it years before it became a symbol of rebellion.
She is also best friends with Katniss’ mother and has a twin sister named Merrilee. In the second Quarter Quell, when 4 tributes are chosen from each district, she competes alongside Haymitch, Wyatt Callow and Louella McCoy. Zada stars as young Haymitch, with Peak as Lenore Dove Baird. Francis Lawrence, who directed every ‘Hunger Games’ film except the first, returns behind the camera.
With the premiere approaching, Grace’s playful TikTok adds a little more franchise nostalgia to the countdown. What did you think of McKenna Grace’s take on the ‘Catching Fire’ sugar cube scene? Share your thoughts in the comments.
What do you think of McKenna Grace recreating the iconic sugar cube scene from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?
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