Josh Hutcherson is getting in shape for The Hunger Games sequel.

The actor plays Peeta Mellark in the popular franchise, and is looking forward to reprising his role when production on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins next month. Josh has been following a strict diet and exercise regime to ensure he looks buff on the big screen.

"I'm getting in even better shape this time around," he told USA Today. "After the games, Peeta would have been taking care of himself physically. And he's gone back to the village and is able to eat healthy. So I've been training and getting ready for that."

For the first movie, Josh gained 15lbs. and ate a protein rich diet packed with eggs, chicken and broccoli. He and his co-star Liam Hemsworth also bulked up by training with a Navy SEAL before shooting began.

Although Josh is eager to look physically impressive for Catching Fire, he isn't undergoing a total transformation.

"I'm keeping it in the realm of the first one," he added.

In Catching Fire, Peeta and Katniss played by Jennifer Lawrence return home as champions. However, they find their lives in turmoil once again when a special edition of the Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell, is announced.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be released worldwide from November 2013.