New image from The Hunger Games reveals key scene

Lion’s Gate has released another new image from the upcoming HUNGER GAMES today, which highlights a very specific moment that readers of the series will recognize.

Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), who serves as a PR-type liason in the book, has designed very specific costumes for the lead characters Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (some dude) that correspond with the district they’re from. In this instance, district 12 is represented by miners, hence the coal-colored costumes.

The finishing touch, naturally, is to set these two characters on fire. Naturally. In the pic, you can see Cinna in the foreground about to apply the finishing touch to the costumes just before their introduction at the opening ceremony of the games.

t’s a pivotal moment in the book, one that alters the perception of both characters and helps to pave their way to winning favor with viewers.

I read the book last month to see what all the fuss was about and wasn’t exactly floored by it. It’s competent enough with a few unique characters, but it’s ripe for expansion on film. It didn’t peak my interest enough to finish the series, but I am looking forward to seeing it onscreen. I think it’s actually a property that works better as a movie than a book.

The book’s author, Suzanne Collins, was partly inspired for the idea while watching reality TV, so it’s a fitting venue to see it onscreen. You certainly don’t have to read the book to enjoy the film, unless the film is a total mess, which seems unlikely given the care they’ve put into it.

The games begin on March 23, 2012.  Please don’t set yourself on fire at a midnight screening.