One of the best selling novels on the market today is now getting its time to shine on the big screen.

     The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is one of the most read action sci-fi novels in young adult literature.

     "We wanted a book that had a strong female, teen protagonist to relate to the kids, and it being set in the dystopian future, and a time of de-humanization," reading specialist Nikki Gengenbach said.

    That's why it was added to the freshman English curriculum last year. Since then it has become one of the most commonly read books in the high school, with 75 to 80 percent of the student population having read it. Gengenbach estimates 50 percent of the students have read the entire series. Now those students will have the opportunity to see it beginning March 23.

    Gengenbach and fellow English teacher Emily Dunbar are just two teachers in particular who love the book. They are happy they were able to get it put in the curriculum for students to read, and now they get to experience the movie first-hand. Gengenbach says a good series like this opens doors to reading.

    "The gateway, all it takes is one good book to encourage kids to look for more books like this," she said 

    Gengenbach says a book and movie like this can really encourage kids. But reading the book before the movie is a good choice.

    "It depends, because some books have hard context, for younger kids it could be better to watch the movie first," Gengenbach said.

     "I almost always like to read the book first, but the movie is good too, I just like getting the descriptive story in my head first," Dunbar said.

      With anticipation high for the movie, students have started talking about the things they are most looking forward to seeing from the book in the movie.    

    "I'm most looking forward to seeing if they are going to censor the movie, or show the extremely violent scenes, and the Capitol scene with what they dress Katniss in," freshman Adam Florian said.

    Others are looking to a different kind of emotion.

     "I want to see how many people cry when Rue dies. I also want to see the forest fire," freshman Nick Hamburger said.

     Dunbar is really excited for her students to get to have this experience and enjoy the movie, and seeing what she most wants her students to see.

     "Good, critical thinking to see what movie directors do to change the story, and add to the movie," Dunbar said.

    Gengenbach is currently working with the Rivoli Theater to do something special for the HHS students either during or prior to the premier. Announcements will be made regarding this at a later date, closer to the premier.