Composer James Newton Howard confirms in a new interview that he will return to The Hunger Games franchise to score Catching Fire.

UPDATE (November 2): Lionsgate has confirmed to Hypable this news.

Howard scored the first Hunger Games film, which we learned he would do in December 2011 after replacing Danny Elfman. He’s no stranger to Catching Fire director Francis Lawrence; Howard scored Lawrence’s I Am Legend and Water for Elephants. It seems like this decision was a no-brainer for both sides.

The composer revealed the news in an interview with Film Music Site. Other films he’s taken on in recent years include The Dark Knight, Snow White and the Huntsman, The Green Lantern, The Bourne Legacy, and The Last Airbender.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire cast and crew are currently filming in Atlanta, Georgia – see the latest set photos in our previous report. A few days ago actor Liam Hemsworth revealed he was injured on the set after participating in an action sequence. “I twisted my knee,” Hemsworth revealed. “I try to just fight through it. There’s so many people standing around waiting for you to do your thing. You feel sort of obligated not to let everyone down.”

Did you enjoy Howard’s score for The Hunger Games? Are you excited to see him return to the franchise?

Catching Fire hits theaters November 22, 2013.

Thanks, The Hob.