JOSH HUTCHERSON SIGNS UP FOR 'THE HUNGER GAMES' AND A KISS FROM JENNIFER LAWRENCE!?

Katniss has finally found her love interest. The lead female character, to be played by the Oscar-nominated Jennifer Lawrence ('Winter's Bone'), in the upcoming adaption of sci-fi drama 'The Hunger Games', gets her squeeze in the form of actor Josh Hutcherson - below ('The Vampire's Assistant', 'Detention'). Hutcherson will play Peeta Mellark and the tale, based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, also sees Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth ('Triangle', 'Knowing') take the role of Gale Hawthorne. The Lionsgate production could also mark the start of a new sci-fi trilogy based on the series of stories by author Collins. Alex Pettyfer's name was being banded about in recent weeks but it seems Josh eventually took pole position. And we're sure he's beaming from ear to ear if the adaption keeps in some of the kissing action featured in the novel between Peeta and that of Jennifer Lawrence's character.

"HUNGER GAMES - the first in a novel trilogy by Collins - takes place in an unidentified future time period after the destruction of North America, in a nation known as Panem. Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts. As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol, every year one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected at random and forced to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised event where the participants, or "tributes", must fight to the death in a dangerous outdoor arena until only one remains.

The story follows fatherless 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Also participating from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a boy whom Katniss knows from school and who once saved Katniss's life by giving her bread when her family was starving."

The Gary Ross helmed adaption will arrive in theatres from 23 March 2012.

Josh Hutcherson Prepares To Snog Jennifer Lawrence!?