Finnick fans, the wait is over: District 4's dreamiest champion has finally been found.

Lionsgate has confirmed that [article id="1690617"]"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" actor Sam Claflin[/article] has been cast in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" in the pivotal role of [article id="1686462"]Finnick Odair[/article]. For the uninitiated, Finnick won the 65th annual Hunger Games at the tender age of 14, and is best known for his proficiency with a trident, his skills as a swimmer, and his irresistible charm and good looks. A welcome addition to the world of Panem indeed!

It was a long search to find the right actor to play Finnick, with [article id="1686089"]several recognizable faces[/article] previously mentioned for the part, including [article id="1685819"]"John Carter" and "Friday Night Lights" actor Taylor Kitsch[/article] at one point. For his part, Claflin had been rumored as the lead contender for the role since early August; as of today, he's officially swimming away with one of the most coveted parts in Hollywood.

Claflin's "Catching Fire" casting is just the latest in a string of high-profile roles for the young actor. In 2011, he appeared opposite Johnny Depp in the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" adventure as a young preacher who falls head over heels for a mermaid. The actor also starred alongside Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth in this year's "Snow White and the Huntsman" as William, a childhood friend of Snow's.

With Claflin officially on board as Finnick, the last major piece of the "Catching Fire" casting puzzle has fallen into place. He joins fellow newcomers [article id="1690226"]Jena Malone as Johanna Mason[/article] and [article id="1691073"]Lynn Cohen as Mags[/article] (an elderly ally of Finnick's), as well as returning players Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark. Directed by Francis Lawrence, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" sets screens ablaze on November 22, 2013.

Tell us what you think of Claflin's casting in the comments section below!