Liam Hemsworth and Jennifer Lawrence are well-known not just for their roles as Gale and Katniss in The Hunger Games franchise, but also for their humorous, off-screen relationship that has become a key feature of their public personas.
Over the course of filming the series, they developed a close friendship, which naturally extended into their interactions outside of their characters. Their playful dynamic has been a consistent source of entertainment for their fans, especially as they continue to share amusing anecdotes from their time on set.
One particular aspect of their friendship that often gets highlighted in interviews is their banter surrounding their kissing scenes. These moments, which are pivotal in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, were somewhat awkward for Hemsworth, as he revealed in a 2014 interview with Jimmy Fallon.

The actor openly admitted that he felt “pretty uncomfortable” during their intimate scenes, largely because of the way Lawrence prepared for them. According to Hemsworth, Lawrence had a tendency to eat foods like garlic or tuna fish just before their kissing scenes, which he found “disgusting.”
He mentioned that while their on-screen chemistry appeared great, the reality of shooting those intimate moments wasn’t as enjoyable as it might seem.
Despite Hemsworth’s complaints, Lawrence responded to these comments years later during her appearance on the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, hosted by Sean Evans. With a laugh, she clarified that her choice of food was never meant to cause discomfort.
“It was not intentional,” she explained, admitting that whatever she happened to be eating at the time simply became part of their routine. She jokingly added that Hemsworth should just “get over it,” demonstrating her ability to laugh at the situation and not take it too seriously.
Their back-and-forth comments about the kissing scenes reveal the easygoing nature of their friendship, where they can tease each other without any ill feelings.
While their dynamic on-screen as Gale and Katniss might seem tense at times, behind the scenes, the two actors share a deep bond that extends beyond their professional relationship.
Lawrence has previously spoken about how Hemsworth helped her gain confidence, especially in standing up for herself during their time working together. Their shared experiences over four films allowed them to form a strong friendship, with each actor supporting the other in different ways.
For Lawrence, Hemsworth wasn’t the only co-star who left a lasting impression; she also discussed her experience working with Jonah Hill on the set of Don’t Look Up, a film in which she starred alongside Hill and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Unlike her playful relationship with Hemsworth, Lawrence admitted that working with Jonah Hill was a different kind of challenge, particularly because of his talent for improvisation. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lawrence recalled how difficult it was to keep a straight face while Hill would improvise insults at her during filming.
They dedicated an entire day to this improv, which Lawrence described as both hilarious and challenging. She explained that Hill’s ability to ad-lib was extraordinary, comparing his talent to that of Meryl Streep, saying they were the only two actors capable of pulling off such impromptu performances with ease.
Lawrence also praised Hill’s comedic skills, stating that while the rest of the cast attempted improv, Hill’s contributions stood out as particularly remarkable.
In one memorable scene from Don’t Look Up, Hill’s character tells Lawrence and DiCaprio’s characters to “Sit tight and assess” in a calm, authoritative manner. Lawrence, recognizing Hill’s improvisational flair, quickly pointed out that the line wasn’t in the script, highlighting Hill’s knack for adding his own creative touches to the film.

This exchange not only shows Hill’s improvisational mastery but also illustrates Lawrence’s sense of humor and ability to embrace the fun of the moment, even when it wasn’t in the script.
Both Lawrence and Hemsworth have proven that their chemistry off-screen is just as compelling as their on-screen performances. Their ability to laugh at themselves and each other has only strengthened their friendship over the years.
Whether joking about kissing scenes or reflecting on their time with other co-stars, the two actors continue to entertain fans with their candidness and wit. Their playful banter continues to make headlines, offering a glimpse into the warm, supportive relationship they have built over the course of their careers in Hollywood.
