The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 (2014)

Played by: Natalie Dormer

Why She's Important: No stranger to playing complicated, powerful, and gorgeous women, Dormer joins the cast as Cressida, a Capitol deserter who goes from flashy television producer to shooting propaganda to further the revolutionary cause. Once Katniss agrees to become the "Mockingjay," the heavily tattooed Cressida and her camera crew (Messalla, Castor, and Pollux) are assigned to produce "propos" inciting the other Districts to join in the rebellion.

Played by: Mahershala Ali

Why He's Important: President Coin's imposing second in command assumes the role of Katniss' bodyguard once she agrees to act as the rebellion's spokesperson. He's devoted to the cause and stays close to Katniss – to protect her and make sure she's loyal to her mission. Katniss grows to trust him, and he often backs up her beliefs about acting humanely even during war.

Played by: Evan Ross

Why He's Important: Ross's character is Cressida's chief assistant and a member of her film crew along with the brothers Castor and Pollux. A former Capitol resident, Messalla boasts multiple piercings and follows Cressida's orders to film Katniss's Mockingjay missions.

Played by: Wes Chatham

Why They're Important: Castor (Chatham, pictured) and his brother Pollux (Henson) are part of Cressida's production crew. The burly brothers have survived Capitol cruelty (in the book, Pollux is an Avox, a former Capitol prisoner who was sentenced to having his tongue cut out), so they are happy to get their revenge by helping Cressida create propaganda films that rally the other Districts to take up arms against the Capitol.

Played by: Elden Henson

Why They're Important: Castor (Chatham) and his brother Pollux (Henson, pictured) are part of Cressida's production crew. The burly brothers have survived Capitol cruelty (in the book, Pollux is an Avox, a former Capitol prisoner who was sentenced to having his tongue cut out), so they are happy to get their revenge by helping Cressida create propaganda films that rally the other Districts to take up arms against the Capitol.

Played by: Patina Miller

Why She's Important: One of the military leaders of the revolution, Paylor (far left) is in charge of the rebel forces in District 8, where she first meets Katniss. Known for being a young and respected commander who also looks too young for her rank. She and Katniss fight alongside each other when the Capitol attacks the Districts.

Played by: Julianne Moore

Why She's Important: Alma Coin is the single most important new character in the series. The President of District 12 and the official commander-in-chief of the rebellion, she is an enigmatic and at times Machiavellian ruler who will stop at nothing to depose President Snow. She needs Katniss' help and isn't above manipulation or deceit if it helps the greater good.

Played by: Jennifer Lawrence

Why She's Important: Katniss is understandably a mess at the beginning of "Mockingjay." She deals with the grief of leaving Peeta behind and the bombing of District 12, confusion about District 13's rebellion against the Capitol, and anger at Haymitch, Plutarch and their Tribute allies for deceiving her throughout the Quarter Quell. Will Katniss become the "Mockingjay" President Coin wants or find her own way to symbolize the spirit of the rebellion?

Played by: Liam Hemsworth

Why He's Important: Katniss's tall, dark, and handsome best friend (and potential love interest) finally gets to show his revolutionary spirit in "Mockingjay." He's Katniss's steadfast adviser, and he quickly becomes an invaluable contributor to the war against the Capitol, working with Beetee on weapons design and going on missions for the rebellion.

Played by: Josh Hutcherson

Why He's Important: Although at first it's unclear (particularly to grief-stricken Katniss) what happened to Peeta after the Arena explosion, anyone who has seen the trailers knows he survived. Peeta is in the Capitol, where President Snow tortures and uses him as a way to punish Katniss and to appeal to the Districts not to join District 13's insurgence.

Played by: Woody Harrelson

Why He's Important: The last time we saw Haymitch, Katniss was attacking him for lying to her and for not saving Peeta. In "Mockingjay," Haymitch has to re-earn Katniss' trust as he attempts to atone for what happened to Peeta and to help advise District 13's leadership about Katniss's role in the revolution.

Played by: Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Why He's Important: As we learn in "Catching Fire," the former Head Gamemaker was really a covert revolutionary who helped orchestrate the destruction of the Hunger Games. In "Mockingjay," Plutarch is part of President Coin's inner circle, a leader of the rebel forces, and a believer in Katniss' ability to inspire the masses.