'The Hunger Games' pleases fans of books and film

I have been looking forward to seeing "Hunger Games" ever since it was announced that the rights were bought by Lionsgate three years ago. I've been an avid reader of the book series, waiting patiently as each book was released, and even bought my ticket to the movie a month early.

If you don't know anything about the "Hunger Games," the story really begins with a nation called Panem that had 13 districts and a Capitol. The 13 districts tried to overturn the Capitol in an event called 'the Uprising.'

The districts lose, the 13th district is demolished completely, and as punishment there is an event each year in which one boy and girl between the ages of 12 and 18 are chosen from each district to compete. This event is called - you guessed it - the Hunger Games. The tributes fight to the death, leaving one person as victor.

At the beginning of the 74th Annual Hunger Games - the one that is shown in the movie - the main character, Katniss Everdeen, volunteers to compete for the 12th district after her 12-year-old sister, Primrose, is drawn to be the tribute.

Ever since they began casting, I've been extremely worried. The downside to a book being made into a movie is that readers already know how they see these characters, and to put a face to them is really difficult to do.

I was nervous about Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, but she ended up impressing me, because she - unbeknownst to me - was how I saw Katniss. She was stern, withdrawn, but also had the ability to show that bit of emotion that was needed at times in the movie.

I was also impressed by Josh Hutcherson, who played the male tribute from District 12, Peeta Mellark. The only things I'd ever seen him in were "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Zathura: A Space Adventure," so I'd always seen him as more of a juvenile character. But Hutcherson really played Mellark's character well, and was able to bring that serious role to life.

The fight scenes were intense, but awesome. If you have a weak-stomach, I advise you not see this movie, as it's, in essence, children killing children. If you look at the premise of their fighting, they're essentially not only fighting for their lives, but also trying to represent their district. Whichever district the victor is from is shown good favor for the next year - getting more food, clothing, etc., from the Capitol.

"Hunger Games" had a little bit of everything in it - violence, romance, anger, sadness, and just about anything else you could think of. In the end, I was left laughing at some points and crying at others.

If you haven't read the books yet I plead that you read them before you see the movie. If you just can't wait and have to see the movie. I promise not to judge, because the movie was amazing.