HAYDEN PANETTIERE GEARS UP FOR THE BIG 1-8

Hayden Panettiere will blow out 18 candles on Aug. 21, but her indestructible alter ego may have to wait a little longer to mark the legal milestone. The Heroes star tells OK! at a teleconference for the Emmy-nominated show that Claire Bennet has bigger things to deal with than a birthday cake. 'I have no idea yet if my character's going to do that because we haven't shot all that much,' Hayden says. 'It doesn't look like she's hitting a milestone anytime soon, you know. She's just struggling to get her life back or create a new one.'As for herself, Hayden says she'll be celebrating with some buddies.'My 18th birthday, I'll be with friends.'By Joyce EngPhoto: Wireimage.com