'The Hunger Games' hunts down a release date

Mark your calendars, Tributes! Lionsgate has announced the release date for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games": Mar. 23, 2012. While none of the roles have been cast yet, including the highly coveted lead role of Katniss Everdeen, the film's director Gary Ross has said production should begin later this spring.

Lionsgate made a smart move choosing a late March release date as it coincides with spring break and the Easter holiday. "The Hunger Games" has sold more than 3.3 copies in the U.S. and foreign rights have been sold in 41 countries.

Set in a post-apocalyptic America, the young adult trilogy follows 16-year-old Katniss who is chosen to compete in the Hunger games, a fight-to-the-death televised event pitting 24 youths from from the Capitol's 12 Districts against each other.