In a lengthy interview with The Los Angeles Times, The Hunger Games director Gary Ross spoke at length about why he wanted the project so badly and how he did not want to do it unless Jennifer Lawrence is on board.

And there’s more – the piece reveals he’s already working on Catching Fire, which is the first indication that he will indeed helm the sequel.

The Catching Fire remarks came at the very end of the article:

“The Hunger Games” doesn’t open until March 23, but Ross already has begun working with Collins and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (“Slumdog Millionaire”) on the sequel based on Collins’ second novel in the series, “Catching Fire.” He seems simply thrilled to remain in the arena for the foreseeable future.

“Maybe I’m at the point where I just have grown to love my job.”

Deadline had reported in November that Lionsgate was courting Simon Beaufoy to write the script. Ross and book author Suzanne Collins hold the credits for The Hunger Games screenplay.

As for why he wanted Lawrence so badly:

But Ross says he was willing to give up the assignment if he couldn’t persuade Lawrence to take the role.

“I don’t know how I ever could have done this movie without Jennifer,” he said. “I’m not sure I would have done it without her. She’s that important. More important than any other piece — including me. She’s Katniss Everdeen.”

Ross was introduced to the novel by his then 14-year-old twins and became fascinated by the story’s premise and the evolution of its main character — from stoic survivor to moral linchpin for an oppressed nation. He flew to London to meet with the film’s producer Nina Jacobson and aggressively pursued the job.

“I thought the idea that the way we amuse ourselves could devolve into this hideous spectacle was really fascinating,” Ross said. “Plus it has all the things I love in the movies: technical challenges, size, spectacle, amazing narrative drive. And it has a lot on its mind about where we are and where we may be headed as a culture.”

Read more over on The Los Angeles Times. We wonder why no announcement has been made concerning Gary Ross’ involvement with Catching Fire! The film will be released November 22nd, 2013.

Thanks to Mockingjay.