Alan Ritchson & Maria Howell are Latest HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE Additions

Director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine) has signed on to helm the sequel to this spring's hit film The Hunger Games, which is based on the second in a series of books by Suzanne Collins that has 36 million copies in circulation in the US alone.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

Alan Richson (Smallville) and Maria Howell (The Vampire Diaries) are the latest additions to the upcoming film's cast. Richson will play Gloss, a former Career tribute from District 1, Gloss and his sister Cashmere (who is also competing in the Games) are enamored of the Capitol. Howell will play Seeder, a former victor from District 11, Seeder competes in the 75th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Quarter Quell.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is directed by Francis Lawrence and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. Lionsgate will release The Hunger Games: Catching Fire on November 22, 2013.