The latest offering in the Hunger Games franchise tell the story of a strong, powerful brunette with a beautiful singing voice who wins the hearts of the people of Panem. Sound familiar?

Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes tells the story of Lucy Gray, a Tribute in the 10th annual brutal competition, dated more than 60 years before Katniss Everdeen becomes our Mockingjay. And after watching the new film, which hit cinema screens last week, many fans have been left wondering if our two favourite Tributes are actually related.

Let's look at the evidence. They are both from District 12, the smallest and poorest area of Panem which is responsible for coal mining. They are both intelligent and fiery women, who enter the Games as strong hopefuls.

READ MORE: Hunger Games Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes ending explained - Lucy Gray's fate

Katniss Everdeen is the star of the original four Hunger Games films (
Image:
Publicity Picture)

In fact, in the first movie Peeta tells Katniss: "You know what my mother said to me when she came to say good-bye, as if to cheer me up, she says maybe District 12 will finally have a winner. Then I realised she didn't mean me, she meant you."

Decades before, Lucy Gray soon realises the advantage she has thanks to her connection with her mentor Coriolanus Snow. And of course, both leave their respective arenas as victors, something very rare from District 12.

They're also both talented singers who use their voices to win people over. Lucy Gray is the most obvious example of this, performing during her reaping ceremony to the surprise of people in the Capitol. Snow then makes her sing during the 'talent' part of the build up to the Games, which earns her more than a thousands sponsors.

The prequel - The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - tells Lucy Gray's story

Katniss is a bit less obvious, but her singing still provides moving moments in the films. She sings while she's in the Games and also when filming promo movies as part of the Mockingjay rebellion movement.

However, despite fans' clever theories - director Francis Lawrence has answered the question for good - and it's disappointing.

In an interview with USA Today, he addresses rumours that the two women are related. He said: "I've heard that fan theory often. But it's not true. Katniss and Lucy Gray are not related."