Mckenna Grace has already been making headlines ahead of her return to Panem.
Earlier this week in Paris, the actress paid tribute to Jennifer Lawrence
by wearing the stunning wedding gown Lawrence's character, Katniss Everdeen, famously wore in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." She attended the "Elegance is Authority: The Story, Style, and Power of Panem" event, giving fans their latest glimpse into the world of "Sunrise on the Reaping."Grace is also stepping into another spotlight as Crocs' newest fall ambassador.
The 20-year-old actress, who will play Maysilee Donner in the highly anticipated "Hunger Games" prequel, has teamed up with the brand for its new Unfurgettable campaign.
During a conversation with USA TODAY Shopping, Grace opened up
about the cozy shoes she wears during long filming days, shared her must-have fall essentials and teased what fans can expect from her return to the world of Panem.
"I'm always trying to put my best foot forward," Grace told USA TODAY Shopping. "These Crocs are so comfortable and cozy. On days when you're tired, it feels like you're wearing slippers, but they still look really cool."
Beyond her favorite fall footwear, Grace discussed the legacy of the Mockingjay pin, what drew her to Maysilee Donner and why Hunger Games fans should be excited for "Sunrise on the Reaping."
The cozy fall shoes Mckenna Grace is wearing before her Hunger Games return
Whether she's filming or off the clock, Grace has been reaching for the Crocs Unfurgettable collection. The actress said the shoes offer the comfort of slippers while still looking put-together, making them an easy choice for long days on set. Designed for cooler weather, the collection combines Crocs' signature comfort with cozy, fall-ready styles.
Crocs Classic Unfurgettable Vegan Suede Clog
The Classic Unfurgettable Vegan Suede Clog combines a soft faux suede upper, cozy faux fur lining, a sink-in footbed, and versatile Croslite comfort for all-day style and coziness.
Buy now at Crocs
"I like to feel girly, I like to be classy, and so I like to put my little bows and pearls on them and personalize them, so it still can feel like you're dressing up although you're still being cozy," Grace added. When it comes to fall essentials, Grace embraces comfort across the board. Her seasonal favorites include thrifted grandpa sweaters, cozy patterned pajama pants, plush reading socks and, of course, her beloved Crocs.
But fall fashion isn't the only thing on Grace's mind. As excitement builds for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," the actress also opened up about her return to Panem, the significance of the Mockingjay pin and why fans have plenty to look forward to when the highly anticipated prequel arrives.
Fans who want to channel Grace's style can shop the Crocs Unfurgettable collection and personalize their pair with Jibbitz charms inspired by everything from favorite characters to everyday interests.
"Right now, I have these ridiculously purple crocs that I’m looking at that I wear to work every single day that have Scooby Doo Jibbitz all over them," Grace says.
The Classic Unfurgettable Clog is available in select colors and sizes, offering a cozy, fall-ready take on Crocs' signature comfort.
Shop the full collection
But cozy footwear is only part of what's keeping Grace busy this fall. With "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" on the horizon, the actress is also preparing to step back into the world of Panem as anticipation continues to build around the highly anticipated prequel.
Mckenna Grace reveals what fans should know about Maysilee Donner
Grace is stepping into Panem as Maysilee Donner and her twin sister, Merrilee Donner, in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," which arrives in theaters Friday, Nov. 20. Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's Hunger Games, the film centers on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
As anticipation builds for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," Grace says fans will quickly connect with Maysilee Donner's rebellious spirit.
"I think they'll really like Maysilee's fire," Grace said. "That's what people loved about characters like Johanna Mason and Finnick Odair. They had this rebellious energy."
Grace also highlighted Maysilee's connection to one of the most important symbols in the Hunger Games universe: the Mockingjay pin.
"The Mockingjay pin is hers originally," Grace explained. "It's really special that something owned so casually by this teenage girl ends up getting passed down to Katniss, and then ultimately ends up becoming this huge symbol of rebellion and a movement."
But it was the similarities between herself and Maysilee that Grace found especially interesting.
"So, I feel like Maysilee has a lot of anger but she's still very, she's like me, she likes to be feminine, she likes to be fashionable, she's likes to be put together no matter the circumstance. And so I think people will really like her quip, and her anger and fightingness but also the fact that she likes to be put together. She's like 'they won’t see me as an animal,' I'll force them to look at me as a human because I'm going to look my best while I do this."
Grace's perspective offers fans a fresh look at a character they may know from the books but have never seen on screen. And with "Sunrise on the Reaping" set to expand the franchise's lore even further, there's plenty to revisit before heading back to Panem.
If you want to start from the beginning, start with Suzanne Collins' original trilogy: "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay," then, read "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,"and "Sunrise on the Reaping."
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Dive back into Panem with Suzanne Collins' fifth Hunger Games novel, which tells Haymitch's story during the 50th Annual Hunger Games.
Get now at Target
If the movies are more your speed, Apple TV currently has all five films available to stream: "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," "Mockingjay – Part 1," "Mockingjay – Part 2" and "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes."
Rewatch the Hunger Games movies
Watch all five Hunger Games films through Apple TV, where the movies are available to rent or buy individually.
Stream now with Apple TV
Between "Hunger Games" and "Scooby-Doo," Mckenna Grace is busier than ever
Between "Sunrise on the Reaping," "Scooby-Doo: Origins" and her other upcoming projects, Grace has plenty keeping her busy, but acting isn't the only creative pursuit she has her eye on. She's also been working on music and says she hopes to eventually release an album.
"Lately I've just been focusing on putting things out for me and hoping that people like them," she says. "So I’m just trying to keep on releasing right now and hopefully work my way to releasing an album eventually. I have so many songs to put out there."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mckenna Grace wore Katniss' wedding dress before 'Hunger Games' debut
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