MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — One local teen got the chance of a lifetime when she was chosen to be a stand-in and photo double in the movie “The Hunger Games.”
Fourteen-year-old Destiny Tompkins was chosen from many other teens from the Southeast to be the stand-in for movie star, Amandla Stenberg, who plays Rue in the movie.
“I was so excited when I got the phone call from the casting director asking me to be not only a stand-in, but a photo double,” said Tompkins.
Being around stars is unknown territory for the teen.
“I was really nervous during my first day on set,” she stated. “I didn’t know what to expect or how I would be treated. In the end, everyone treated each other like family. Everyone was so nice.”
The East McDowell Junior High student was fortunate enough to be able to complete filming. Her school schedule didn’t interrupt.
“Since school started back so late this year, Destiny was able to do all the filming in Asheville and Charlotte,” said Destiny’s mother, Carla Tompkins. “For about two weeks, we traveled to both sets and Destiny spent around 14 hours a day on set.”
This once-in-a-lifetime experience has inspired Destiny to do big things with her life.
“Destiny and her siblings have always participated in community theater, but this experience has encouraged her to pursue a career in acting,” said Carla. “Since her role in the ‘The Hunger Games,’ she’s also become a client at The Brock Agency in Hickory. Hopefully with a talent agent and her work experience she can start acting in local projects.”
Other people from McDowell County participated in filming the movie.
“We met several people from McDowell County,” Carla stated. “There was a production assistant from Old Fort and several others from the area. It was nice working with people that lived so close to where we do.”
For now, Destiny and her family look forward to the “The Hunger Games” premiere and a chance at catching a glimpse of Destiny on screen.
“I can’t wait till the movie comes out,” the teen stated. “As a photo double, I stood in for Amandla when she was busy practicing lines or doing other things. So there is a chance I might see myself in the movie, even if it’s just the back of my head or body.”
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