Lionsgate and the filmmakers of The Hunger Games announced today that newcomer Willow Shields has been cast in the role of Primrose Everdeen, little sister to heroine Katniss, in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' worldwide smash hit novel.

Shields joins Jennifer Lawrence in the role of Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson in the role of Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth in the role of Gale Hawthorne. Dayo Okeniyi, Amandla Stenberg, Jack Quaid and Leven Rambin also star.

Said director Gary Ross of the casting decision, "Its so exciting to find an amazing young actress like the one we just met. Prim is an emotionally demanding role and in many ways she is the cornerstone of the story. Willow Shields will make an amazing Prim and we're very lucky to have her."

Shields is represented by the A&M Agency in her home state of New Mexico.