Jena Malone Talks The Hunger Games, Viral Campaigns And Body Confidence

In this month's Marie Claire we spoke to Jena Malone, who's back for the final instalment of Hunger Games and bringing her signature sass

Mockingjay - Part 2 is finally here, and Jena Malone has opened up about what it’s like being part of the whirlwind that is the Hunger Games franchise, as well explaining her love of topless hiking with friends. Stay with us - it's all about body confidence and it's kind of brilliant.

She tells us, ‘It’s pretty intense that it’s the end of the Hunger Games series. I reckon I’ll be holding my breath the whole time. It’s the last one, so I’m hoping that the fans will go wild and give us a big send-off.'

‘I think I have the same kind of fierceness and my character Johanna when it comes to protecting my family. She’s got some deep-rooted issues, but I love her strength and humour. She’s quite sassy. [Playing her] has maybe brought out a little bit more sass in me!’

She also spoke about her involvement with the viral #freethenipple campaign:

‘When I posted #freethenipple on Instagram, it was about going for a hike with some of your best girlfriends and being like, “These are my nipples”. And maybe you like them and maybe you don’t, but the message is to be OK with them – feel strong and proud of your body.’

Image: @jenamalone Instagram

Body confidence is definitely something she feels strongly about. She continued, ‘We grew up in the MTV era that was full of unattainable perfection, which creates a lot of negative thinking… All these movements are veering towards being more body confident, healthy and aware of your own sexuality.’

‘I feel that there’s not only a shift towards strong women, but also sensitive men – and you can’t have one without the other. It’s about allowing both genders to be equal in their own rights, which is far more exciting than just female empowerment.’

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is out in cinemas now.