I just completed Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games and, wow, did it ever have me hooked! From the first page, I couldn’t stop reading and I literally held my breath during particularly dramatic scenes.

The popular YA novel is set in the future – after the destruction of North America – in the nation of Panem. Panem includes the rich Capitol, which rules the desperately poor other twelve districts. Because of previous rebellion against the Capitol, the Capitol institutes a ritual where two teenagers (male and female) from each district are randomly selected to participate in the Hunger Games. The games are a televised competition where participants, a.k.a. “tributes,” fight to the death in an outdoor arena.

The main character, Katniss Everdeen, is not randomly selected for the games; but when her younger sister is, Katniss volunteers to fight instead. The other tribute from the district is Peeta Mellark, a sweet boy who once provided Katniss with bread when she was starving. Katniss and Peeta are styled as a pair and, when introduced to the public, Peeta claims he has been secretly in love with Katniss for ages. The pair’s mentor, Haymitch, encourages Katniss to go along with this- and soon the Capitol is supporting their love story (as opposed to their death.)

While the book is published by Scholastic, this is hardly a children’s novel. It is disturbing, violent and a commentary on our insatiable appetite for reality competition; our laughter during Wipeout, interest in Survivor‘s backstabbing, disregard for peoples feelings in The Bachelor. Where do we draw the line? Is this our future?

The Hunger Games reminds me of Gladiator and the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter (and by Triwizard Tournament, I mean the part when things turn ugly and get out of control.) I’m not a fan of sci-fi, but this book is really engaging and different, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Plus, for all you film fans out there, The Hunger Games is being made into a movie set for 2012 release. Here’s my thoughts on the casting:

- Jennifer Lawrence will be playing Katniss, while Josh Hutcherson will be Peeta Mellark- I’m fine with both.

- I’m iffy on Liam Hemsworth playing Gale (Katniss’ friend/sort-of-crush back home), mainly because I pictured Gale as scruffier and brunette – and having a more chiseled face – but we’ll see.

- Elizabeth Banks will play Effie Trinket well, as she has the ability to be mean and funny at the same time. This character reminds me a little of Rita Skeeter from Harry Potter.

- WOODY HARRELSON! Woody Harrelson is one of my celeb crushes, so I’m obviously excited about this casting news. I know he will pull off the character of Haymitch – alcoholic, mentor and former Hunger Games winner – perfectly. Just watch Zombieland, you’ll see.

- Cinna, Katniss’ stylist, will be played by Lenny Kravitz. Even though Kravitz looks young, I thought Cinna would be played by someone who actually is young. Nevertheless, I can totally see Kravitz in this role, and I think his soft voice and calm demeanor suit the character perfectly.

- And, lastly, I’ll mention the recent casting news of Donald Sutherland as President Snow. Sutherland gives off the strong, powerful older man-vibe, which I’m sure will translate well to President Snow.

I’m interested to see how The Hunger Games will translate to film, especially because it is so violent, yet aimed at a younger audience. Thoughts? Tweet me @LAMcEachran.