It’s just about that time. With “The Hunger Games” sequel “Catching Fire” set to film this fall (and rehearsals beginning as soon as July), fans – us included – have been waiting with baited breath to hear news of who will be joining Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and the rest of Panem’s citizens, with one character at the forefront of everyone’s minds: Finnick Odair, the handsome, charming District 4 victor who becomes one of Katniss’s most trusted allies throughout the two remaining sequels. Today, E! Oline reveals that the top three contenders currently “being bantered about” at Lionsgate are familiar and popular names that have come up in many discussions among fans: Armie Hammer, Garrett Hedlund and Taylor Kitsch.

E! Online’s sources go on to say that filmmakers are also keeping an eye out for a discovery of an unknown, ala Brad Pitt in “Thelma and Louise.” Not a bad goal to strive for. Furthermore, an official announcement could come as soon as this week.

If you ask us, any of the three would be terrific in the role, and we said as much here in an open letter to new director Francis Lawrence. Sorry for the exclusion, Mr. Kitsch, purely an oversight, we can assure you. However, Kitsch may have already taken himself out of the running, if we believe an MTV interview from earlier this year during “John Carter” press rounds. In any case, this shortlist, whether it ends up being any of the three, is a good indication that filmmakers’ view of the much beloved character is very much in line with fans’.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” has already been set for a November 23, 2013 release so the real Finnick should be unveiled sooner rather than later. And then can we talk about Johanna Mason?!