Mckenna Grace is stepping back into Panem, but before "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" hits theaters, the actress is embracing a different role: Crocs' newest fall ambassador.
The 20-year-old actress, who will play Maysilee Donner in the highly anticipated "Hunger Games" prequel, partnered with Crocs for the brand's new Unfurgettable campaign launching Tuesday, Sept. 1. 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
Grace has been wearing the Crocs Unfurgettable collection both on and off set, calling the shoes a comfortable alternative to slippers that still feels stylish enough for work. The collection is designed to bring Crocs' signature comfort into cooler-weather styles, making it a natural fit for fall.
"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 cozy footwear isn't the only thing on Grace's mind this fall. The actress also opened up about her highly anticipated return to Panem, what the Mockingjay pin means to her character and why fans should be excited about "Sunrise on the Reaping."
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.
Get now at Crocs
Fans looking to recreate Grace's look can shop the Crocs Unfurgettable collection and customize their pair with Jibbitz charms inspired by their favorite hobbies, characters and seasonal styles.
"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 currently available through Crocs in select colors and sizes, making it an easy addition to any fall wardrobe.
Shop the full collection
But the Crocs are just one part of what has Grace's attention this fall. With "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" on the horizon, she's also preparing to return to one of the biggest franchises of her career.
Mckenna Grace reveals what fans should know about Maysilee Donner
Grace will soon step into Panem as Maysilee Donner (and her twin sister Merrilee Donner) in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," which is set to arrive in theaters Friday, Nov. 20. The film takes place 24 years before the events of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's Hunger Games, during 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 pointed to the character's connection to one of the franchise's most iconic symbols: 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."
With Grace's take on Maysilee offering a new perspective on the character and the story, there's plenty to look forward to when the film arrives. For anyone who needs a refresher before the movie, there are two easy ways to catch up: read the books and rewatch the films.
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."
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Mckenna Grace stepped into her debut 'Hunger Games' role
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
