Lionsgate has announced that ‘The Color Purple’ star Maria Howell has been cast as Seeder in ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,’ the anticipated sequel to this year’s hit sci-fi action adventure ‘The Hunger Games.’ Seeder is a former victor from District 11 in Suzanne Collins’ smash hit novel ‘Catching Fire.’ Seeder will compete in the 75th Annual Hunger Games, known as the Quarter Quell.

Howell is an Atlanta-based actress, singer and voice-over artist. Besides being known as the choir soloist from ‘The Color Purple,’ she has appear on such television shows as ‘Army Wives,’ ‘Drop Dead Diva,’ ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ ‘Meet The Browns’ and ‘House Of Payne.’ She joins other recent additions to ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,’ including Bruno Gunn as Brutus, Meta Golding as Enobaria, Lynn Cohen as Mags and Jena Malone as Johanna Mason.

‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ follows Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, as she safely returns home to District 12. She’s joined by fellow tribute and winner of the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Peeta Mellark, portrayed by Josh Hutcherson. They must leave their friends and family again to embark on a Victor’s Tour of the districts.

Along the way, Katniss learns there’s a rebellion in the districts, which the Capital is in control of. President Snow is preparing for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, called The Quarter Quell, a competition that could change Panem forever.

Howell and the rest of the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ will be directed by Francis Lawrence. The sequel will be released on November 22, 2013.

Written by: Karen Benardello