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We’ve been one of 50 lucky sites to participate in the #HungerGames50 giveaways for one lucky winner and a friend to come to LA to go to the world premiere of ‘The Hunger Games,’ which is ostensibly the most highly anticipated film since ‘Twilight’ (but for completely different reasons – the only similarities being a teen girl being the central character and there being two young men in her life – the comparisons stop there). Anyways, our lucky winner, Angel, is a super sweetie from Louisiana, who entered something like 287 times, all original entries…and that actually ended up putting the odds ever in her favor!
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From all of her descriptive comments about Peeta being her favorite character and our follow up conversations once we determined she was the winner, we decided to get her back story on her relationship with ‘The Hunger Games.’ Read on! (And btw, we kind of think she looks like Katniss…don’t you?)


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How did you first hear about the Hunger Games?
About a year ago, one of my friends that is an avid reader told me I HAD to read it. But, at that time I was super busy with school and just hadn’t gotten around to it until this past Christmas break.
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How long did it take you to read the book?
My parents had gotten me a 7 day cruise for my graduation present so I decided I would purchase the book for my downtime on the cruise. Well, that didn’t happen. I was halfway through the book by the first night and only put it down at the insistence of my boyfriend that we HAD to go to bed. I finished the book on the second night. I got home and downloaded the other two books on my phone and stayed up the next two nights reading them!
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What was your reaction when you read the first book?
I had so many reactions to the first book! I was just so pulled in by every character. I was laughing, crying, anxious but after it was finished I was just so excited to read the next book!
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Do you think the story has had an impact on your life in any way?
The story is one of overcoming odds with undertones of making your life the way you want it to be. Katniss never gave up. She didn’t quit when her family was dying from starvation, she stepped up and I really admire that. I was born missing the lower half of my left arm and I’m big on “overcoming odds” and working to make your life what you want it. Reading the Hunger Games has made me more self assured and given me faith in the fact that if you’re prepared, you can achieve what you want.
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Do you perceive anything any differently in the world we live in (like reality TV or anything like that)?
Oh man, reality TV. The Hunger Games is almost like a warning for what reality TV could become. Hopefully, our society will never turn out as cruel as Panem. I know that it won’t but everyone needs to seriously think about what they are watching and if other people’s misfortune is truly entertaining.
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How many friends did you make read the book?
Everyone! Haha, not really but I’ve tried! When you talk about the Hunger Games to everyone you speak with, I’m sure there’s a decent amount of people that I’ve pushed to read it.
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Why do you think people who haven’t read the books should see the movie?
The movie is going to be a new dimension to the books but it’s also going to be a stand alone entity. It has things that we were never able to experience while reading the book and that makes me so excited! If you haven’t read the books, whether you’re too busy or just not a reader, you need to see the movie … just to experience the story and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.
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Angel just arrived in LA today to start her Hunger Games premiere trip. She’ll be taking lots of pics and giving us the rundown of her experience here in LA and most importantly at the movie premiere. Stay tuned! And congrats again Angel!