Mckenna Grace Turns Berlin Into Panem, Channeling Katniss’ Fiery ‘Catching Fire’ Chariot Dress at the ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Premiere
Some stars do a press tour. Mckenna Grace has been running a full cosplay campaign. Every red carpet for ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping‘ has come with a hidden reference for fans to decode.
At this point, the outfits are a game of their own. Each new premiere raises the same question: which piece of Panem history is she wearing now?
The latest answer came at the Berlin premiere, where Grace wore a sparkling red-and-gold look referencing Katniss’ chariot dress from ‘Catching Fire.’ The glowing, ember-style gown is one of the most memorable costumes in the franchise, and her sequined take gave it a modern twist.
Mckenna Grace references Katniss’ chariot dress from ‘Catching Fire’ at the Berlin premiere of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ https://t.co/G5Zed8EDVG
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) November 2, 2026
In the original film, the chariot dress made Katniss look as though she were on fire, with sparks and flames licking up the fabric as she rode out before the Capitol crowd. Grace’s version swaps the cinematic effects for glittering sequins in shades of red, orange and gold.
MCKENNA GRACE, YOU’RE UNREAL. https://t.co/x0Gaoieg9y
— mckenna grace files ⋆.𐙚 ̊ (@mckennafiles) November 2, 2026
She paired it with a long, curled style and a braided gold headband. The details were enough to make the nod clear without being a direct copy.
The move fits the pattern. Grace has deliberately chosen looks that echo the franchise’s most recognizable costume moments.
Mckenna Grace stuns at the Berlin premiere of ‘THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING’
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) November 2, 2026
The Berlin outfit is only the latest entry. On Oct 6, Grace wore a white strapless Monique Lhuillier gown with a crystal structure floating up from the dress, modeled on Katniss Everdeen’s wedding dress from ‘Catching Fire.’
Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Joseph Zada and Francis Lawrence at #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping Berlin premiere. https://t.co/1GNrQ47R7s
— mckenna grace files ⋆.𐙚 ̊ (@mckennafiles) November 2, 2026
A week later, she posed in Sydney in a ballet-pink House of Gilles gown with a side braid that subtly referenced Katniss. She has also worn a red dress that appeared to be her take on Jennifer Lawrence’s famous red Oscars dress.
Other looks have included a blue dress with deep-cut references to Rue and a black feathered dress recreating the outfit Katniss wore to a televised interview at President Snow’s mansion. Grace even teased the latter in a TikTok video the day before.
Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Joseph Zada and Francis Lawrence at #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping Berlin premiere. https://t.co/atz1sI4xE7
— mckenna grace files ⋆.𐙚 ̊ (@mckennafiles) November 2, 2026
At the London premiere on Oct 28, she wore an Almée Couture gown that resembled a painting. It featured a blue and silver sky, purple mountains, green meadows and 3D flowers, echoing the arena shown on the film’s poster.
The dress was not custom-made. Her stylist, Molly Dickson, found it in the brand’s existing collection, which only made the match to the poster more impressive. Grace joked to Entertainment Tonight that she was missing only a cornucopia.
Mckenna Grace at at #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping Berlin premiere. https://t.co/7vkFialRwR
— mckenna grace files ⋆.𐙚 ̊ (@mckennafiles) November 2, 2026
Grace plays Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute and the original owner of the Mockingjay pin that Katniss later wears. That makes the Katniss references more than fan service, since the two characters are tied together in the story.
One outlet noted that dressing as Katniss weeks before release visually connects the characters before audiences see how the film does it. It is also good marketing for a franchise built on fashion.
The Hunger Games series has always used clothing as storytelling, from Capitol extravagance to the wedding-dress transformation. Grace’s wardrobe taps into that tradition.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ arrives in US theaters on Nov 20 from Lionsgate. It follows Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell.
Francis Lawrence returns to direct. The cast also includes Whitney Peak, Elle Fanning, Glenn Close, Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke and Ralph Fiennes.
Grace has said the mood boards for the film’s fashion drew on a 1960s and 1970s look, with Stevie Nicks as a reference. The film’s costumes are therefore a different style from the earlier movies, which makes her nods to the originals even more deliberate.
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
The 5 earlier films have grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide, which explains the heavy promotional push. Fans are also eager to see how the new story connects to the originals.
For now, Grace is keeping them entertained between premieres. Whatever she wears next, the odds are that it will carry another hidden reference.
Which Mckenna Grace red carpet look inspired by The Hunger Games is your favorite so far?
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