Calendar's at the ready Hunger Games fans, thanks to EW.com, we can now reveal that the Hunger Games movie will be released in theaters on March 23, 2012.

This news comes just days after it was announced that Debra Zane has been hired as a Casting Director for the film. With production set to begin in the spring, we should start receiving news about casting announcements over the coming weeks.

Actor Liam Hemsworth, or as many know him, Miley Cyrus' ex-boyfriend, may play the role Peeta. Liam was questioned by MTV at Sundance on Saturday and asked about his involvement in The Hunger Games movie. Not only has the 21-year-old actor been approach about the film, he claims to have already read the script and loves it. "I read the script. It's a really, really cool story." Said Liam, adding, "I love action ... gritty kinda stuff like that."

Liam Hemsworth also said he hasn't met with Gary Ross or auditioned for the role, but he sure will in the near future.

The 8th grade class at Frenship Middle School in Wolfforth, Texas recently had the privilege to have their fan mail read by Gary Ross! After the kids read the book their teacher, Lenzi Hart, had them write letters to the Gary Ross telling him what they wanted the most out of "The Hunger Games" film adaptation. Hart's inspiration was from the fact many kids leave the cinema disappointed from a book to film adaptation and wanted them to express to the director exactly what they wanted.

They sent the 134 letters before winter break and were shocked in January when EW's article had Ross mentioning the letters as guidance for the film: "They were very well written and very astute. You could tell how much they connected to the book and they were just really terrific to read. It was fascinating and really kind of inspiring," said Ross. Some of the students suggestion were to focus on the characters and relationships between those characters and Gary Ross agrees, the action won't take the focus of the story.

As a final note Ross adds they're not rushing the process of casting the characters wanting to get everything perfect before production on "The Hunger Games" begins.

EW came out with more of their interview with Garry Ross (director) and Nina Jacobson (producer) talking about their approach to the first Hunger Games film. Ross says he will keep the film from getting an R rating by the MPAA knowing that the majority of book fans are 12 to 15 year olds and wants to allow them complete access to the film. He does promise fans that nothing will be cut out or less stirring then Collins' novel; the film will be "...just as compelling, just as scary, and just as riveting." It's not the graphic quality of the book that's so scary to Ross, but the ideas behind them.

EW then brought up how many are calling "The Hunger Games" as the next "Twilight" which Nina Jacobson feels is untrue. The only similarity behind the two, claims Jacobson is that the protagonist is young. But no matter what the similarity she takes the comparison as an honour knowing that so many people are comparing something they love to what she is working on.

If you want to read all of EW's interview with Gary Ross make sure to pick up the latest copy of the magazine.

After finding out that Gary Ross was going to be the director of "The Hunger Games" many where asking why. What made him, above all others, stand out to Lionsgate to let him take the helm of the project when none of his prior films were at all like dystopian societies? In a nut shell, it was his love and understanding of Katniss and desire to get it right that made him stand out to Jacobson (producer) and Collins. In a new article in The LA Times Jacobson reveals what exactly Ross did, he shot video of his kids' friends explain why they love "The Hunger Games" and what they like about Katniss. "It was so clear" Jacobson explains, "that Gary was interested in what the fans cared about”.

What stood out to Suzanne Collins was that "[Ross is] a fundamentally character-driven storyteller" and therefore someone she can trust, not worrying about her characters. Ross, according to the article, is said to be now writing the "Hunger Games" script.

“We’ll start auditioning fairly early in the new year,” says “Hunger Games” producer Nina Jacobson in the LA times, “There are no front-runners yet”. The filmmakers are looking for a multitude of things in Katniss. The character needs to portray a strong moral compass, one the audience can relate to. Also, it's vital to show through the acting that Katniss is not one who loves violence, more of a drafted solider with strong survival skills. The role of Katniss is a demanding one, requiring someone who can capture the physicality, vulnerability and toughness of the character, explains Jacobson.

But Jacobson's not worried, "We have so many great young actors right now whose representatives are interested, or who are interested themselves” it really comes down to finding the one who can pull off the role properly.

Now that Gary Ross is directing there is much for him to do before they start shooting in late spring of next year; for instance cast the lead role of Katniss. A new interview from EW with Gary Ross, the first he has given in relation to "The Hunger Games", he spoke about casting the role of Katniss and that the character won't be dumbed down for the film.

Ross goes on to add that neither him or Lionsgate has ruled out the possibilty of an unknown taking that lead role, as long as whoever they get fits the part. As Ross explains he doesn't feel the actress has to be Hollywood material: "What makes Katniss attractive is her strength and her assuredness and her defiance and ultimately her compassion. And I don’t mean just physical strength. I mean a real strength as a human being. She knows her own truth. She feels deeply and fiercely. And this is something that the actress has to bring with her”.