The Hunger Games Opens in Theaters Friday, March 23rd

The long wait is nearly over. The Hunger Games, adapted from the first novel in the young adult trilogy of futuristic thrillers by Suzanne Collins, opens in theaters this Friday, March 23rd.

Set in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the annual Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson). If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Directed by Gary Ross from an adapted screenplay co-written by Ross, Collins, and Billy Ray, the film also stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, and Wes Bentley. The film runs 142 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images, all involving teens.

In addition to the original book (with a new cover), there are a number of tie-in books to the film, including The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion, The Hunger Games Tribute Guide, and publishing this Friday to coincide with the release of the film, The World of the Hunger Games. (All books have Kindle editions available for immediate download.)

Watch a trailer for the film below.