If you’ve never heard of “The Hunger Games,” but you would love to read obscene amounts of “Hunger Games” press in the near future almost against your will in a Twilight-fashion, congratulations. It begins now. Gary Ross – director of “Seabiscuit” and “Pleasantville” – has been chosen to direct the film adaptation of the wildly successful, dark, and dystopian book. “The Hunger Games” is the beginning of a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins, followed up by “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay,” which will likely go to the big screen as well.

“Hunger Games” tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a future where two kids from each “district” are chosen each year to fight to the death in a grisly televised event. Katniss comes from one of the worst districts, where she already risks death each day, illegally hunting to keep food on the table for her mother and sister. Her life takes an even more disturbing turn when she is picked to compete in “the Hunger Games.”

As exciting as director-related news is, most fans are most eager to see which young actors will be cast as Katniss, her small sister Prim, her handsome best friend Gale, and most importantly (in my opinion), her fellow-district competitor, blonde and stocky Peeta. No real news has come out involving the casting, but fan favorites I agree with include Chloe Moretz for Katniss, Elle Fanning for Prim, and Logan Lerman for Gale. Ideas for Peeta-casting range widely, but my pick would be either a blonde Josh Hutcherson or Chord Overstreet from “Glee.”

My casting picks:

 Chloe Moretz in “Kick-Ass,” proving she can be as badass as Katniss.

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