Rachel Zegler Has A Sweet Message To Hunger Games Prequel's Major Casting Thanks To Their Characters' Connection

By Fariba Rezwan

Published Apr 25, 2025

Followed

Thread 2

Custom image by Fariba Rezwan

With casting announcements being made for several key castings for Sunrise on the Reaping have been announced, including Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove.

Recently, on her Instagram Stories (via Cinemablend), Zegler shared her reaction to the latest casting news. In a simple sentence, she stated: "i know she's gonna do the Baird name proud." This is followed by a heart emoji and a tag on Peak's Instagram. In addition, the former Hunger Games star recently commented on Jesse Plemons' casting as Plutarch Heavensbee, calling it "GOATED CASTING."

Why Zegler Particularly Commented On Peak's Casting As Lenore Dove

The new Hunger Games book confirms that Zegler's Lucy Gray and Peak's Lenore Dove are related through the Baird family. However, the exact circumstances of their bloodline are unclear, with Lenore Dove primarily being raised by her two adoptive uncles. There is a circulating theory that Lenore Dove is possibly the daughter of Maude Ivory, who was a cousin to Lucy Gray. Despite the mystery, both characters have a clear connection, especially with Lenore Dove, who follows Covey's similar tradition. Lenore Dove would even add scraps of Lucy Gray's dress to her clothing as a way to honor her memory.

Nevertheless, the response to the casting has been very positive, and readers are excited to see how Peak depicts the rebellious District 12 citizen.

Like her possible blood relative, Lenore Dove is a key player in the Hunger Games prequel movie. She is Haymitch's girlfriend and has consistently rebelled against the Capitol, leading to even a few arrests. On the other hand, Lucy Gray's fate following Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes remains a mystery in the new prequel, although she is mentioned several times throughout the book. It's unlikely that Zegler will reprise her role, but it's possible that old footage from the 10th Hunger Games could be featured in the prequel movie.

Our Take On Zegler's Message

I Love This !

Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) singing and playing guitar onstage The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

I love Zegler's for Peak, and that should only hype fans leading up to the movie's release in 2026. When Peak was announced as Lenore Dove, not only did I love the casting choice, but I also noticed the resemblance between her and Zegler. That couldn't be a pure coincidence, considering their characters are related, and I couldn't help but believe this was done on purpose.

lucy-gray-from-The-Hunger-Games--The-Ballad-of-Songbirds-&-Snakes-and-book-cover-of-Sunrise-On-The-Reaping

What THAT Lucy Gray Reference In Sunrise On The Reaping Means For Her Hunger Games Fate

Sunrise on the Reaping included a meaningful reference to Lucy Gray Baird that carefully adds to the mystery and tragedy of her Hunger Games fate.

Posts

Nevertheless, the response to the casting has been very positive, and readers are excited to see how Peak depicts the rebellious District 12 citizen. I can't wait to see her dynamic with Zada in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and I have great faith that she will indeed make the Baird name proud.

Source: Rachel Zegler/Instagram (via Cinemablend)