Happy Hunger Games Week!

It's finally almost here.  This Friday (3/23) is the theatrical release of The Hunger Games.  

I have anxiously been awaiting this date since I fell in love with the book this summer (after first hearing about it from Mary's book club), and I literally have NEVER been this excited for a movie in my entire life.  I have a tendency to speak in superlatives, but I can assure you that there is not an ounce of hyperbole in that statement. I truly have never felt this way about a movie before (says the girl who works in the movie business...).  If you haven't read the books yet, you should get on that immediately, and you will understand why I'm so excited to see this enthralling, heart-pumping tale of courage, loyalty and survival come to life on the big screen.

Here are things I'm doing to prepare for the exciting debut...

1.) Buying my ticket way ahead of time.

I don't know if this will be an issue in other parts of the country, but this movie is selling out like crazyyy all over LA. I got a big group of my friends together and we all bought our tickets a week and a half ago, and even that early, we had to pick a theater in the valley. (Gasp!) If you're planning on going opening weekend, check ticket availability and showtimes here. 

2.) Watching the trailer many times.

The Hunger Games Trailer from SpineOut on Vimeo.

It gives me chills.  Every time. 

3.) Re-reading the book. 

I read the first book on vacation last July, so I wanted a refresher.  Some people have advised against re-reading a book right before you see the movie because you will be more keenly aware of the differences, however several people I know who have already seen the film say that it is "the most honest portrayal of a book they've ever seen," so I think this will be okay.  Plus, this time around, I am picturing the cast in the roles as I'm reading it, which is a different, vivid experience than when I first read it.  (I think it's even better the second time around).








3.) Listening to this playlist on Spotify.  The sure-to-be-amazing soundtrack (featuring T Swift, The Civil Wars, Arcade Fire, Birdy, Kid Cudi, and many more) comes out today, 3/20, and I fully intend to go buy it on my lunchbreak. In the meanwhile, though, this wonderful soundtrack has kept me occupied. It starts with the haunting T Swift/Civil Wars duet, "Safe & Sound," but the rest of the songs are instrumental.  With titles like "Rue's Lullaby," "The Girl Who Was on Fire," and "Reaping Day," these instrumental beauties really capture and highlight some major plot points.

4.) Painting my nails with Hunger Games nail polish.

That's right.  China Glaze and Lionsgate teamed up to create The Capital Colors Collection with colors for each district based on the district's characteristics (coal for District 12, agriculture for District 11, etc.)  Even though I thought some of the other district's colors were prettier, you KNOW I picked District 12 (shown at left). Holla.












5.) And, finally, I'm listening to and laughing at this hilarious parody song by Holly Laurent (to the tune of Lana Del Rey's song "Video Games").  My savvy brother sent me this video a few weeks ago, and I loved it.  The lyrics are pure gold.

I hope my over-zealous, nerdy-bordering-on-obsessive excitement for this movie has been contagious and that you enjoy it as much as I'm sure I will. ;-)  

May the odds be ever in your favor...

Annie.