'Hunger Games' star stops by Morro Bay liquor store

When Hollywood movie star Josh Hutcherson walked into Morro Bay Market and Spirits on Monday, the store manager said there was no mistaking who he was.

“I immediately recognized him,” Fred Akkari said. “I’m a big fan of his movies.”

Hutcherson, who plays love interest Peeta Mellark in the widely popular “The Hunger Games” movies, also starred in the Golden Globe Award-winning film “The Kids Are All Right” alongside Annette Bening and Julianne Moore. His other film credits include “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”

When Hutcherson approached the counter, Akkari asked him if he was indeed the movie star, and Hutcherson said yes. And to Akkari’s delight, the name on the credit card that he used to pay for his purchase confirmed it.

Although Hutcherson wasn’t a big spender in the store — forking over $14.94 for SmartWater and a couple of apples — Akkari said he was glad the actor stopped in.

“He seemed like a really nice guy,” the store manager said. “He wasn’t seeking attention, just being a normal guy who wanted to get in and out.”

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1,” which co-stars Hutcherson, happened to be playing across the street at the Bay Theatre that day.

Akkari, who has worked at Morro Bay Market and Spirits since 2007, said he has heard motel staff in Morro Bay talk about movie stars visiting the coastal town but Hutcherson was his first celebrity encounter.

According to Box Office Mojo, the "Hunger Games" franchise has grossed a total of nearly $1.1 billion in domestic box office receipts so far.

This story was originally published December 10, 2014 at 5:28 PM with the headline "'Hunger Games' star stops by Morro Bay liquor store."