These days, people prefer the ease of watching a movie over reading a book. Although, a common theater trend is turning book series into movie series. “Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” and “Twilight” all originated as bestselling books. The newest book to hit the big screen is Suzanne Collins’, “The Hunger Games.”

“The Hunger Games” is the first book of Suzanne Collins’ trilogy. Taking place in the post-American country of Panem, 12 districts are set around the center of the country, The Capitol. Once a year, to demonstrate their control, The Capitol hosts ‘The Hunger Games.’ A competition which takes one boy and one girl from the ages of twelve to eighteen to fight to the death. Those picked to The Hunger Games are known as Tributes, and are chosen at random. Primrose Everedeen’s name is entered into the Hunger Games for the first time, and it is picked. To avoid the death of her twelve year old sister, Katniss Everdeen volunteers as Tribute. A rare gesture in her own district. Katniss must now survive against 23 other competitors for her life.
“The Hunger Games” is one of the most anticipated movies of the spring. Premiered in theaters on Friday, March 23. Like most books turned to movies, there are noticeable differences. The midnight premier grossed around $155 million (US only), becoming the third highest grossing midnight premiere. Overall, both the book and the movie are a worthy way to pass the time.