24 years before the reaping of our beloved Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the Second Quarter Quell loomed over District 12—particularly, a young Haymitch Abernathy. Sunrise on The Reaping tells the story of a time before Haymitch became a mentor, in which he had to survive the same tribute pipeline: the makeover, parades and eventually the grisly bloodbaths and battles in the arena. As his backstory unravels and The Hunger Games universe expands to unveil new characters, we are introduced to Maysilee Donner. She may seem like a new name, but the person portraying her certainly isn’t. Described in the novel as having golden locks and blue eyes, Mckenna Grace is stepping up to the mantle as a tribute.
And in an era of method dressing and referential beauty, Grace is pulling out all the stops. A custom, fiery number from Cong Tri evokes Katniss’ Mockingjay debut; sweet hair adornments pay homage to Rue; crown braids feel fittingly Covey. Even before officially meeting Maysilee, Grace’s beauty details are giving us sneak peeks of her character and a side of Panem never seen before. Ahead of the theatrical release on 19 November, take in the best beauty moments from the Sunrise on The Reaping press tour thus far.
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Snow princess
In a look that’s Capitol-worthy, Grace’s glowy complexion is wreathed in milkmaid braids and kiss curls to complement her vintage bridal gown. Icy highlights along the cheeks and brow bones further introduced a swan-like dimension to her look.
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In the meadow
For her stop in Madrid, Grace opted for a fresh-faced beat instead, complete with rosy blush and hints of pink in the tear ducts. Her signature blonde locks were left to cascade over her floral number.
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True blue
Channelling the sweet spirit of Rue, Grace donned a teal ensemble with matching butterfly clips in her hair. Iridescent eyeshadow across the lids perfectly accentuated the glossy finish of her mane.
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Catching fire
You can already hear the four-note whistle. The 2026 version of Katniss’s flame dress features ember hues and fiery depths, mirrored on the eyes as black cat-eye wings and gold inner corners by make-up artist Melissa Hernandez. Hairstylist Kat Thompson paired the look with tight ringlets crowned by a Victor-esque headpiece.
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Sponsor’s favourite
With her hair slicked back into a ponytail this time, Grace looks ready for an interview with Caesar Flickerman—save for a glint of mischief, materialised as glimmery eyes and side-swooped bangs.
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Covey daughter
It wouldn’t be The Hunger Games without a District 12 reference. In true Lucy Gray Baird fashion, Grace traded in her silky strands for crimped curls woven with flowers and butterflies. A touch of lavender sparkle softened her piercing gaze.
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Bugged out
Effie Trinket would be proud. Little ladybugs added pops of red to Grace’s golden tresses—and may, perhaps, be a sneaky clue of what’s to come.
