In a world where major studios control most films and major labels control most widely promoted artists, it’s sometimes hard to believe that there is still a place for fans to turn certain songs into hits that may otherwise never be given a chance to shine. This happens when small artists blow up, such as Smallpools, but as we learned with Anna Kendrick and Pitch Perfect it can also apply to film. “Cups (When I’m Gone)” was a smash at radio, as well as the Billboard singles chart thanks entirely to fan demand, and now it seems the same thing may happen to a song from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1.

[Warning: Small spoilers follow.] Billboard is reporting that “The Hanging Tree,” a song that is featured predominately in the propaganda advertisements created by Katniss and the rebels in Mockingjay, Part 1, has become a digital sensation in the days following its Nov. 24 release. Industry forecasters suggest the song, performed by James Newton Howard, featuring Lawrence, may sell upwards of 150,000 downloads in the U.S. in the week ending Nov. 30. You can stream the song below:

Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games, co-wrote “The Hanging Tree” with The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites and Wesley Schultz. The song was released as part of James Newton Howard’s score and is available now through all digital retailers.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 is in theaters now.

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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