Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark

''LOS ANGELES, CA, April 4, 2011- Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES are pleased to announce that actor Josh Hutcherson (THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT) has been cast in the role of Peeta Mellark, with Liam Hemsworth (THE LAST SONG) joining the film in the role of Gale Hawthorne in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel. Both actors will star opposite Jennifer Lawrence, who it was recently announced will play heroine Katniss Everdeen.

Peeta accompanies heroine Katniss Everdeen into the 74th annual Hunger Games as the male tribute chosen from their native District 12, the most remote and marginalized district of all the subjugated districts of Panem. At the outset of the Games, Peeta publicly confesses his longtime feelings for Katniss, setting up one of the most fascinating fictional rapports of all time with his supposed arena rival.
Though Katniss and Gale have never had a romantic relationship, they share a transcendent bond, often of few words. When Katniss volunteers to participate in the 74th Annual Hunger Games in her younger sister’s stead, they both presume that bond will carry her far through the horrors she will face in the arena, and they each silently hope they’ll be reunited in safety on the other side of the ordeal.''    

                                                             --from Mockingjay.net

Well... I can't really say I'm overjoyed at these actors. They're not exactly how I imagined them. I thought Peeta should be played by Hunter Parrish, and Gale should be played by an actor with a bit more experience. Liam Hemsworth's acting in The Last Song didn't really impress me all that much. And he thinks The Hunger Games is an ''action movie''. Yeah, that's quoted. I was so excited when Jennifer Lawrence got the part, but now, who knows? They could do completely wonderful and blow us all away. Thoughts?