Despite her movie star good looks, Shields didn't grow up in Malibu as the daughter of a famous Hollywood celeb. Rather, she grew up in New Mexico with her art teacher dad and homeschooling mom, along with her brother and fraternal twin sister. The family enjoyed a normal life there, dining at regular restaurants and browsing at regular bookstores — just like the rest of us.
Prior to her big break on The Hunger Games, Shields had already landed a few minor roles in film and television, such as bit parts in In Plain Sight on the USA Network and a role in Beyond the Blackboard for the Hallmark Channel. When she submitted a video audition for the role of Prim in the The Hunger Games, director Gary Rose took notice, and sent Shields a call-back.
Naturally, Shields hopped on a plane right away. "My mom and I flew to L.A. and I met with Gary, the producer and the casting director," Shields told the Albuquerque Journal. "And right after I auditioned, I got the part on the spot. Since then, my life has changed. I was so surprised that I couldn't speak." Understandable, girl!
