By Ivey McDaniel| Staff Writer
Junior Riley Caskey sits in her third period English class. Luckily, today, there’s a sub who’s just announced the class is a study hall. Before she can even begin to call roll, Caskey’s already absorbed in The Hunger Games.
For those that are unfamiliar, The Hunger Games books were published in 2008 by Suzanne Collins. The novel is set in the future after North America has been divided after a rebellion, and follows the life of Katniss Everdeen: a brave volunteer for the annual Hunger Games after her sister, Prim, is chosen.The games are a live televised event that take two children, or tributes, from each District, and force them to fight to the death in a survival based game.
“A lot of my friends told me to read the books, and since the movies are coming out I decided to.” Caskey shamefully admits, “I think a lot of the new fans just hopped on the bandwagon and started reading the books since the movie came out, but so did I.”
The movie is set to premiere this Friday, and the turn out is projected to be larger than the Twilight saga movies.
“I read the Twilight books and I think that a lot of people are comparing the two books, and movies, because they are both science fiction and have a large teen fan base because of the age of the characters. Twilight is over-rated. Also, a lot of guys are into the books because they can somewhat relate. The books have more action than romance,” Caskey said.
Although Caskey is excited to see the movie, she’s apprehensive about how some of the scenes will be portrayed.
“When you’re reading the book, you can imagine what is happening and you see it in your own head. But, when you see the movie, it’s kind of like you’re seeing how it’s suppose to be,” Caskey said.
A veteran fan of the books, junior Sophie Briones, is also hesitant about some of the scenes.
“I’m interested to see how the film Katniss’ fire dress, and when the mutant bees sting some of the tributes in the arena,” Briones said.
Just as the Twilight books, the two lead male characters battle it out for Katniss’ love, and fans are already dividing into teams.
“If I could put Peeta’s head on Gale’s body, I’d be good, but if I had to pick one, I would say I’m team Peeta,” Caskey said.
Briones is attending the 12:05 AM showing at Northwoods theatre.
“I’m so excited, I’ve been waiting for a long time to see the movie and it’s hard to think it’s almost here,” Briones said.
