Filming has begun for the highly anticipated next "Hunger Games" movie, "Catching Fire."

Lionsgate announced Tuesday that principal photography will start the same day, and will be shooting in existing locations in and near Atlanta, Georgia. The film will subsequently be shot on location in the beaches and jungles of Hawaii before wrapping in late December, 2012. 

According to the press release, Lionsgate's President of Production Eric Feig, who is overseeing the production on behalf of the studio, said, "We are so excited to be embarking on this adventure with Francis Lawrence, who has already exhibited immense creative vision and resourcefulness in casting the film and planning its look and feel.  The stakes are raised in every way in this second story, and we are thrilled to get the production underway in these perfect locations, with our excellent returning cast and some world class actors in new roles."

"Lionsgate has been a longtime partner of Georgia's entertainment industry being the first production company to take advantage of our film tax incentives in 2005. The fact that they are continuing to bring productions including this high profile franchise to Georgia reaffirms their commitment to our talented crew, diverse locations and accessibility," said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey.

Lionsgate also announced a global set visit sweepstakes.  "THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE- Win a Trip to Set" will run September 10^th through October 12^th 2012, offering twelve lucky fans a chance to visit the set of the film and interact the with cast and crew.  To enter, fans based in the participating territories (the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Scandinavia, Russia, Israel, and  Japan) will upload a :30 second video of  their top question for the film's cast. Additionally, "virtual" citizens of Panem will be able to enter by playing The Hunger Games Adventures - one of the top adventure games on Facebook and coming soon to iPad.  Full rules and regulations are posted on the contest Facebook tab, and at www.catchingfiresweeps.com.    

Lionsgate and the filmmakers of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" announced Friday that actor Jeffrey Wright has been cast as Beetee from District 3, nicknamed "Volts" because of his electronics expertise.

"Snow White and the Huntsman" star Sam Claflin was recently announced to play Finnick Odair from District 4.

Also recently announced was E. Roger Mitchell to play Chaff from District 11, Maria Howell to play the role of Seeder from District 11, Lynn Cohen to play Mags from District 4, Stephanie Leigh Schlund to play the role of Cashmere from District 1, Alan Ritchson to play the role of Cashmere's brother, Gloss, Amanda Plummer to play the role of Wiress from District 3, "Sucker Punch" actress Jena Malone to play Johanna Mason, a female victor from District 7, and Philip Seymour Hoffman to play Plutarch Heavensbee.

These actors will join Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Lenny Kravitz (Cinna), and Woody Harrelson (Haymitch).

"Catching Fire" is described:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.   Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts.  Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

"Catching Fire" is set to release in theaters Nov. 22, 2013.