'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' paves the way for fan excitement in 2013

2012 was a big year for fans of The Hunger Games. Not only did the blockbuster movie adaptation finally hit the big screen -- and become a global phenomenon -- but filmmakers also cast the sequel Catching Fire, and wrapped up filming it just before Christmas.

That said, there is perhaps even more excitement ahead for fans in 2013. Here are some of the milestones Hunger Games fans can anticipate in the next twelve months:

Catching Fire Official Movie Poster(s)

Though Lionsgate released a short video revealing the logo for Catching Fire a couple months ago, the studio has yet to share any official artwork for the movie -- including posters. It's likely we'll start to see some over the coming months -- from a basic logo poster, to more elaborate images featuring the cast, and hopefully some character posters themselves featuring new cast members like Sam Claflin, Jenna Malone, and Jeffrey Wright.

San Diego Comic Con

Okay, don't get too excited yet -- there have been NO official announcements about whether Catching Fire will be a key part of San Diego Comic Con this year. But given the film's November release date (and a small appearance by The Hunger Games stars last year), a panel at SDCC in June makes perfect sense. And since The Twilight Saga has wrapped up, that leaves a perfect slot for Catching Fire to fill in Hall H.

Catching Fire Still Images

Though fans got plenty of sneak peeks at Catching Fire through a bevy of set photos over the last few months, it will be thrilling when the first official still images are released. Whether they show Katniss in action in the tropical arena, or new cast members in full costume, fans will be eager to devour the new photos.

Catching Fire Teaser-Trailer and Full-Length Trailer

Fans are ready to see some video footage from Catching Fire! It's uncertain what sort of time frame Lionsgate is working on to release the first teaser or full-length trailer for Catching Fire, but based on past trends, I'd wager it's a good bet that the MTV Movie Awards in April will likely get the honors of revealing the video first. (The first Hunger Games teaser debuted at the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2011.)

New Merchandise

We don't know what it will look like, but it's a sure bet that Lionsgate will be teaming up once again with NECA to release a line of merchandise tying-in with the release of Catching Fire. It's also possible the studio may team up with another company for some sort of unique tie-in product, much like the nail polish colors released by China Glaze last year for The Hunger Games. It's also possible that Mattel's Barbie and Tonner Doll Company may come out with new figurines based on the second movie.

Catching Fire Soundtrack Artists Revealed

Hot among the new merchandise for Catching Fire is the movie's soundtrack. It's been rumored that We The Kings may be part of the compilation, but so far Lionsgate has been mum on which artists will be contributing music to the movie and the companion album.

Catching Fire Red Carpet

Sometime in early November, the stars of Catching Fire will hit the red carpet for the movie's world premiere -- and then hit the road for a variety of international premieres, too. Expect lots of glam outfits, a bevy of new interviews, and early reaction from lucky viewers who get to see the movie first.

Catching Fire Hits Theaters

November 22nd -- mark your calendars, and plan on camping out for a midnight release the night before, if that's your sort of thing. Catching Fire is expected to be the hands-down box office winner on its opening weekend as fans pour into theaters for first-time and repeat viewings.

Mockingjay: Part 1

If Lionsgate plans to release both Mockingjay movies consecutively after Catching Fire, then work has to begin soon on the third movie in the franchise. Sometime in the next year, it's likely crews will begin casting for new roles -- most notably the part of Alma Coin -- and even potentially start filming. Expect to learn a lot more details about Mockingjay: Part 1 in the next year.

For the comments: What are you most excited about in the next year? Tell us in the comments below!

Follow The Hunger Games Examiner on Sulia for even more news & features!