I am very excited to see The Hunger Games, independent of however Lionsgate chooses to market it.  The studio has unveiled new promotional material cautiously so far, careful not to overplay its hand too early.  Lionsgate must have some stills in the vault that show off the audacious sets and colorful costumes featured in the book, but everything we've seen so far are fairly basic character images of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth.  For the most part, tonight's new image of Hemsworth is more of the same save for the out-of-focus inclusion of a couple of futuristic cops.  And I'm okay with that.  The images and teaser poster are laying the groundwork for what I hope will be a flashy trailer that hooks those less familiar with the property.Directed by Gary Ross (Seabisciut), The Hunger Games opens on March 23, 2012.  See the new image after the break.Click here for all our Hunger Games coverage.  Image via the film's Facebook page:liam-hemsworth-the-hunger-games-imageOfficial synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games.  Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy.  If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.