I actually don't mind a countdown replacing the gong. It builds dramatic tension and gives time for Katniss to do all the looking around she describes in the book.

As for Rue's lullaby, I'm not sure, but as it accompanies a really sad scene I think it'll be in a minor key. It doesn't really matter what they play, though, I'll cry my eyes out anyway!

Oh my gosh he would have been perfect for Haymitch! I mean, Woody cann act great, but they shouldn't have let him pick his own hair. I can't take him seriously. Cinna? They could have don better. He is a singer, not an actor. He looks nothing like I thought he should.

judging by previous comments i'm on my own when i say i really dont agree with Haymitch. i really wanted hugh lowrey (the actor from house) to play haymitch. he would have been great! also it may not have said so specifically but i never saw cinna as dark skinned. he's supposed to have subtle gold makeup but when did it actually say his skin color???

hey sorry i'm late! but I'm here now and ready to fangirl over this incredible novel
anyone else pissed about the casting like me??

Sorry I am slow replying. Busy, and my stupid tablet doesn't announce I have an email untill three hours after I get one.

Oh my gosh, I never really noticed that they excluded the gong! I guess I was just really wrapped up in the trailler. I hope it has enough views. Do you think Rue's lullaby will be minor of happy?

4. Yes, I think lots of people who haven't read the book will see the movie. Most people aren't habitual readers. Even I won't invest several hours in reading very much fiction, but a couple of hours to watch a movie is fine. The book sold 12 million copies, so I think it'll do well at the box office. And I'm doing my bit to promote it: I'll have a THG book review published in my local newspaper this weekend!

As for Rue's lullaby, I don't think it'll sound like a fan-made version, or they'd face a lawsuit for copyright breach!

Sorry for the hiatus, I had a couple of things I needed to do, but I'm back now.

LOL, yes Woody Harrelson does look a bit like a hippie Haymitch.

There's no Madge on the cast list, so I guess there's no Madge. I agree, it's difficult to explain the mockingjay pin without her, but perhaps it's a base metal, not precious.

Turning to question 3. I've not noticed major differences between the trailer and the book. Just as I previously described under question 1, really, and they're minor differences (including the countdown to the start of the Games, instead of a gong).

It is just Woody Harrelson's hair that bugs me. He looks like a hillbilly.

There could be a Madge. You never know from the trailer. But I guess that they would have to put down who plays her... But there has to be a Madge! Explaining how a Seam girl has a family pure gold pin would take just as much time as introducing a new character that gives it to her.
I totally like Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. I think they are perfect.