Lionsgate's hot 'Hunger Games' preems in L.A.

LOS ANGELES -- “The Hunger Games” preem at L.A. Live on Monday brought a feeling of deja vu to producer Nina Jacobson .

“This level of excitement and anticipation take me back to the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ premieres when I was at Disney,” she said. “I barely believe it. And it’s astonishing that we’re here three years after we started.”

Josh Hutcherson was in energetic form during the Lionsgate pre-screening festivities — eliciting a big laugh moments before the screening started by stepping on the train of Jennifer Lawrence ’s gold lame dress as the stars were walking off the stage.

Hutcherson’s been a part of film’s mall tour for a week and was headed out to Berlin, Paris and London to tubthump. “I’m flying to Europe at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Right now, it’s a little bit of a blur.”

Director Gary Ross , flashing his usual grin, offered effusive thanks to the cast and Lawrence — “I thank God for her every day” — and to series author Suzanne Collins .

“She’s out there hiding in her favorite position of anonymity,” he added. 

--Dave McNary

See additional photos below:

Thesps Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence pose in front of fans giving the "Hunger Games" three-finger salute at Monday's premiere. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

"Hunger Games" star Jennifer Lawrence greets fans outside Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

Stanley Tucci and Woody Harrelson pose on the red carpet. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

Sylvester Stallone and Liam Hemsworth outside the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

"Hunger Games" director/co-writer Gary Ross is flanked by thesps Jennifer Lawrence and Elizabeth banks. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

Lionsgate's Jon Feltheimer, Josh Hutcherson and producer Nina Jacobson. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

Elizabeth Banks poses for pictures with fans outside the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Lionsgate's Michael Burns with "The Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)