2010 In Review: 'The Hunger Games' Took Flight

It was a big year for "The Hunger Games" series as "Mockingjay," the third and final book, hit bookstores and the film adaptation gained a few key players. Even with movies like "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in theaters, "Hunger Games" was without a doubt the young adult series we were in love with most this year. In honor of the way it took over our affections, we're taking a look back at its top news stories 0f 2010.

Valentine's Day came early for us when the cover image of "Mockingjay" was teased on February 11, and we tried to guess what we could expect in the finale based on its design. When MTV was invited to Scholastic headquarters at the end of May, we got to chat with author Suzanne Collins who read a bit of book two, "Catching Fire," and chatted about the upcoming film adaptation of "The Hunger Games" that we've been looking forward to. With that news fresh in our minds, we sounded off on the actresses we'd most love to see play Katniss Everdeen.

"Mockingjay" was released on August 24, so the day before we listed off all the reasons we were excited for the finale of the series, and then camped out for the book's midnight release. Fortunately, we weren't the only ones excited.

Once we knew how Katniss's story came to an end, we were able to focus all of our attention on her actual casting. Chloe Moretz told us she would "absolutely die" to play Katniss. In the meantime, the three shortlisted "Hunger Games" helmers were narrowed down to "Pleasantville" director Gary Ross, and we couldn't be more thrilled.

But some more casting rumors were in the air. Abigail Breslin said she would be excited to play Prim Everdeen, and Malese Jow told us she'd give the role "2,000 percent." But then a fan "Hunger Games" film was uploaded on YouTube that convinced us Danielle Churchran might be fit for the role, and Hailee Steinfeld also said she was interested. We won't find out who Gary and Lionsgate choose until the beginning of 2011, but we're glad that he said they're taking the casting seriously. After all, Katniss could be the best female protagonist ever.

Next year could certainly shape up to be the year of "The Hunger Games." Once Katniss is set, we expect to hear casting announcements for Peeta, Gale, Haymitch and Prim to follow soon after, and then production for the film should probably be starting. Hopefully by the end of next year we'll get a first look at the film and—fingers crossed!—a trailer. Maybe the film will even be ready by then?!

source: hollywoodcrush.mtv.com