Lawrence and Parrish close in on parts...

The Hunger Games is Young Hollywood's hottest property right now. Anticipating comparisons to Twilight in so many ways, The Hunger Games is a teen-targeted novel, but more sci-fi than supernatural and hopefully significantly less angsty. (Seriously.)

It takes place in a post-apocalyptic future in which the main character (Katniss) and her friend (Peeta) are chosen to take part in the Hunger Games, an televised fight to the death a la Thunderdome, or Running Man.

Fresh off an amazing turn in Winter's Bone, it is widely agreed that Jennifer Lawrence is in the lead for the primary role of Katniss; although other actresses mentioned in consideration for the part have included Chloe Moretz (Kick Ass), Emma Roberts (It's Kind of a Funny Story), and Hailee Steinfeld (also nominated for an Oscar for True Grit). Also included in the list are two actresses with lead roles in fanciful big action movies scheduled for imminent release: Saoirse Ronan of Hanna, and Emily Browning of Sucker Punch. While Lawrence would be an amazing choice, one wonders if a super-successful opening weekend for either Hanna or Sucker Punch will affect this casting decision in any way.

The other major part in The Hunger Games is that of Peeta, a teen boy who is a participant in the competition with Katniss. To this point, Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) has been touted as the front runner for the part, but there has been some criticism that he may be too old, too muscular, too handsome for the part of a humble baker's son. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Josh Hutcherson (The Kids are All Right, Detention) expressed interest in the role as well. He said, "I love Peeta. The character is so much who I am—self deprecating, a people person. And he’d be such a great character to play!"

However, it seems that the producers are closing in on another young actor: Hunter Parrish, of TV's Weeds, is in 'serious negotiations' for the part. This is good news: Parrish has been consistently good, and compelling, in a series that can go to soap-opera extremes. However, it remains to be seen how Parrish will overcome the Pettyfer criticisms, being two years older than Pettyfer (eight older than the character as written), and even more handsome than Pettyfer. Can he pull it off?

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