'Vampire Diaries' Season 5 SPOILERS, 2013 Episodes [PHOTOS]: First Look at Human Katherine Pierce, Official Cast Promos Released for DVD/Blu-Ray Set

"The Vampire Diaries" returns on October 3 and there are plenty of updates to hold fans over until the season 5 premiere. First of all, the CW released some great promotional shots of the cast. Plus, thanks to an exclusive Twitter post, we get our first look at Nina Dobrev in the role of Katherine Pierce.

CLICK HERE to see the latest promotional photos for season 5 of "The Vampire Diaries!"

These promotional images are actually for the season 4 DVD and Blu-ray box sets coming out next month, but they are still serve as a way to keep us hungry for more episodes.

In these photos, you can see Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Candice Accola, Zach Roerig, Kat Graham, Steven R. McQueen, Michael Trevino, Claire Holt, Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies and Torrey DeVitto. DeVitto was married to Paul Wesley in real life up until the two announced their divorce this month.

Last season, the character Katherine was slipped the vampire cure by Elena. Now, thanks to show director Joshua Butler, we have our first teaser photo of the aftermath to that action.

Katherine Pierce, brought to life by @NinaDobrev, in all her tragic beauty. #DirectorPride #TVD 5x02 pic.twitter.com/eMbplSlSyu

— Joshua Butler (@TheJoshuaButler) August 16, 2013

Executive producer Julie Plec recently revealed that the since Katherine is now a human, she will be "in need of protection much like the first Elena we met four years ago." Plec hinted that the protection Katherine will seek will be "from unlikely sources."

"She's definitely going to find herself on the wrong end of a lot of vendettas," Plec said.

How do you think Katherine's story will develop in the new season? How will she survive?