The odds are truly in Jennifer Lawrence’s favor as she leads a sequel in the film series that skyrocketed the charming 23-year-old Oscar winner into A-list fame. But unlike another franchise that will not be named (no, not Harry Potter), dystopian futures are something worth getting fired up about, rather than just sparkling amid a fangless story.

Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as Katniss Everdeen, and Josh Hutcherson returns as Peeta Mellark, in “The Hunger Games; Catching Fire”. (photo by Murray Close, courtesy of Lionsgate)

Now “the girl on fire,” Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) faces a life of unwanted celebrity. Surviving the 74th annual Hunger Games only brought with it PTSD and romantic indecision. Who’s the guy for her? Hunky woodsman Gale (Liam Hemsworth) or kindhearted Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), also a fellow survivor of the Capital’s yearly reality show. And despite seeming indifference, our reluctant heroine naturally inspires the people of Panem, who see her as the Mockingjay — a symbol of resistance.

While unrest flickers throughout the districts, Katniss finds herself in the role once monopolized by District 12 victor and mentor, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson): she must be paraded around the districts and declare her love for a government she hates. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) attempts to extinguish any hints of revolution by confronting our bow-wielding star, explaining the potential consequences of non-compliance. The threat works. Alas, Katniss finds herself in a Shakespearian dilemma: greatness is thrust upon her, and the future might never be the same again.

As far as teen fiction goes, “The Hunger Games” series sets a much higher bar than the usual dose of love triangles and hundred-year-old men courting teenagers. Katniss is a great role model for young girls. Even more compelling, these novels/film adaptations tap into a truly disturbing element of American life: our fetishistic craving for celebrity gossip. I wonder how many people catch this rather blatant subtext. Alas, I must admit my desire to see Kim Kardashian, Honey Boo Boo’s mother and Donald Trump enter an arena where only one can leave. But that’s the genius of novelist Suzanne Collins’ trilogy: it exposes the pop culture-saturated American psyche.

Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson, rear left), Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, center) and Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, front right) appear in the latest installment of the “Hunger Games” franchise. (photo by Murray Close, courtesy of Lionsgate)

Lawrence deserves all the hype surrounding her name, but her rigid performance as the film’s star feels more forced than intentional. Don’t worry, that ends quickly enough. From there, she’s golden. Special props during action scenes when she lets multiple arrows fly –– something even more praiseworthy considering remarks from the director and others that she had trouble using a bow.

Unlike that other franchise that will still not be named, “The Hunger Games” was a splendid book and film, and “Catching Fire” might be better still. With former director Gary Ross out, newcomer Francis Lawrence (“I Am Legend” and “Water for Elephants”) takes things to the next level. Gone are the handheld cameras that made many moviegoers dizzy (I must admit, I enjoyed them; they made me nostalgic for “24”). In their place, the camera zooms in on far superior special effects and many more supporting characters. So when Katniss and Peeta make their entrance in the Capital, donning designer Cinna’s (Lenny Kravitz) signature fireless fire, they’re far more believably catching fire than in the first. The spectacle of the Capital — and its citizens’ outrageous outfits — works better with the film’s near double budget ($130 million).

Still, I’m not entirely convinced “Catching Fire” is better than “The Hunger Games”, but it certainly does include far more characters. And unlike that unnamed franchise, new characters like Finnick (Sam Claflin), Beetee (Jeffrey Wright), Johanna (Jena Malone) and gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) don’t receive cameo appearances; they’re integral to the storyline. Yes, this is still Katniss’ game, but she shares playing time with many more faces, and the result is far more relatable. We even get to know Gale and little sis’ Prim (Willow Shields) more than in their previous minor performances.

“Catching Fire” is far from a lukewarm affair. Riddled with fantastic characters populating a fascinating universe, we can finally enjoy something without saying, “It’s not that good, but I liked the books a lot.” Great premise, incredible visual effects, top-notch performances and two more films to come –– I’m Team Katniss all the way.