He was already in talks to direct the film, but Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) is now confirmed as the director for the upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games.  The novel – written by Suzanne Collins – is the first book in a trilogy which takes place in a post-apocalyptic future and centers on heroine

“Katniss Everdeen, an enterprising 16-year old from a poor territory that was once Appalachia, who becomes a teen gladiator in a reality show event that is a battle to the death against other teens from the 12 districts that make up what is left of the USA, which is run by a cruel totalitarian government.”

Variety is also now reporting that Collins will be adapting her own book for the screen, while Billy Ray (Breach) has been brought in to polish the screenplay. Lionsgate has high hopes for The Hunger Games.  The studio is hoping to create the next Twilight with the series due to its popularity and shared demographic.  You can hit the jump to read the official plot synopsis for The Hunger Games.

Here’s the official book description of The Hunger Games. (via Amazon)

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games.” The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat’s sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

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