In an interview with The Guardian, the Winter's Bone actress said her character differs from ordinary human beings due to her ingrained toughness.
"She's a warrior," Lawrence said. "She's this hero that doesn't mean to be a hero. She's a symbol of revolt, and freedom, and hope... a futuristic Joan of Arc."
"[Katniss] can't afford to have crushes or anything like we would," the star added. "She just has to survive."
Directed by Gary Ross, the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins's novels opens in cinemas next Friday (March 23).
The Hunger Games also stars Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson.
> Hunger Games Jennifer Lawrence: 'I was turned off by Katniss role'
Watch the Hunger Games cast speaking to Digital Spy at Wednesday's London premiere below:
