ET talks with Paula Malcomson, who gives Mama Everdeen a first name

Paula Malcomson, who plays Mama Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games' films, spoke with Entertainment Tonight about her role:

Bing: More about 'Catching Fire' | More about Paula Malcomson

From day one, fans have wondered why author Suzanne Collins never chose to give Mama Everdeen a first name.

"There's not a lot on the page....When I read those books, I was excited about the possibilities and felt like this could be a really fun role." Although Malcomson quickly realized she had become a little too invested in creating weight to her performance.

"In the first movie, I was doing it for real. I didn't want to show up and be all pretty. I wanted to go in there and be hungry, be oppressed. I quickly realized I was acting like I was in a different film from the rest of the cast [laughs]. I just think there's a heaviness that I was bringing that I don't know if it was the story they were trying to tell in this. But there's such a great character progression with her. She has this rebirth throughout the series, so I play it out in my head a lot."

In creating an elaborate backstory for her character, Malcomson also created a first name for her character. "I named her Clara," she tells ETonline. "I don't know why, but that just came to me."

Malcomson recently wrapped up her part in 'Catching Fire,' which opens in theaters November 22, 2013.

What do you think of the actress giving Mama Everdeen a first name?

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