The Tritonian

The Hunger Games Movie Release Eagerly Anticipated

Friday, March 16, 2012 By Margaret Faller

The countdown has long begun for Suzanne Collins’ best selling novel, The Hunger Games , which is hitting theaters and IMAX on March 23 rd . The first in a trilogy, this New York Times bestseller has a massive global following and the release of this highly anticipated film has Notre Dame Academy students excited. “I wouldn’t miss the premiere of The Hunger Games ,” senior Natalie Dufek said. “I’m predicting a large crowd and I’m definitely expecting the movie to live up to the high quality of the books.” A tale of physical adventure, suspense and intense romance, The Hunger Games in book form has its devotees. “I was going on vacation in Hawaii and I knew I needed something to read on the beach. Everyone had been talking about The Hunger Games, ” said senior Anne Marie McKenzie, “so I bought the first two and loved them so much I couldn’t put them down. I finished them both in four days!” Senior Jordan Trgovac gave the same raves to the trilogy. “I was in the need for books to read over the summer and Aubrey Johnson suggested The Hunger Games to me during the NDA Europe trip,” Trgovac said. “I loved them so much! Team Peeta or Team Gale? So many questions!” But reactions are mixed. “I read the first Hunger Games book and I didn’t like it,” said senior Matt Meyer. “I felt like it was aimed more toward girls and the action was weak. I was waiting for some real action to occur, but it never quite did.” Young or old, it has an appeal for all ages. “I would say The Hunger Games is a series for all ages,” said Trgovac. “I’ve seen little kids reading it as well as women’s book clubs, and I think that’s pretty cool.” In the best-selling novel, author Suzanne Collins introduces Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old teenager and hunter who lives in the impoverished District 12 in the County of Panem. Every year the Capitol of Panem hosts a televised event called The Hunger Games. Two ‘tributes,’ a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 to 18, are randomly selected from each of the twelve districts and put in an arena to fight for their lives. Reminiscent of the show Survivor , in this event only one person will survive. When Katniss’ younger sister Primrose is chosen by lottery to participate from District 12, big sister Katniss steps in her place to battle along with Peeta Mellark, a baker’s son. The suspense begins as the struggle for self-preservation unfolds and the teenagers face the overwhelming decision to kill or to end up being killed. Physical adventure against overwhelming odds will bring the book alive on screen. “I like all of the characters in the books,” McKenzie said. “The reason I like the book is because all of the characters bring something different to the table. I think that every girl wants to be Katniss Everdeen and have the choice between Peeta and Gale as her man. As for me, I’m Team Peeta but Gale would make a great friend.” Release of the highly anticipated film may set records, so if physical adventure, suspense and romance are what you seek in entertainment, attend the midnight premiere of The Hunger Games !