All in all, I'm extremely happy with the casting choices for Peeta and Katniss (whom, it was announced a few weeks ago, will be played by Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence). I wish I could say the same about costar Liam Hemsworth being cast as Gale, Katniss' hardened hunting partner. Physically, he's right for the role (assuming he dyes his hair darker and wears gray contacts), and I haven't technically seen him act in anything (he was in The Last Song, based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, as well as Nic Cage's sci-fi thriller Knowing), so I don't want to judge him prematurely...but I am. And yes, I do realize that it's wrong to make assumptions about his level of acting ability based on the fact that his claim to fame is being Miley Cyrus' ex-boyfriend. I also know, deep down in the ever-diminishing-but-still-present rational part of my brain, that casting directors are more qualified than I am to choose who is right for these characters. But this is my second favorite book series of all time (Harry Potter will forever be number one), so I think I reserve the right to be at least mildly concerned about even the slightest connection between Miley Cyrus and my beloved Hunger Games. That being said, two out of three is not bad, and I'm still willing to be convinced that Hemsworth was also a good choice. And I think even the fans who are unhappy with the casting choices would agree that it could be much worse. *Cough* Eragon *cough*