Katniss in The Hunger Games

I was a little concerned whether actress Jennifer Lawrence could "look" the part of Katniss Everdeen in Suzanne Collins' wildly successful YA dystopian novel The Hunger Games.

As you know I listed The Hunger Games as one of my absolute fav books that I read in 2010 and I had listened to author Collins discuss the work and its inspiration at this past year's National Book Festival.

While I am well aware that Hollywood can work its magic and morph appearances I, like many fans, was protective of Katniss and who was cast to bring her to life on the screen. I also felt Lawrence looked too old and too tall to play Katniss, perhaps even a little too beautiful.

I told myself, however, that with Collins helping steer the casting selections we would get someone good and there was no denying Lawrence can act. She was nominated for an Oscar this past year in The Winter's Bone. In that film her character, much like Katniss, has to deal with hardship, physical pain, and the outdoors.

Still, I had my doubts. Here was the Lawrence I had seen over and over again:



Now, the first glimpse of her as a brunette and in character as our favorite heroine:



What did you think when you first heard Jennifer Lawrence was going to play Katniss? Has your opinion changed now that you see the EW cover? Have the hair and makeup team transformed her to how you envisioned Katniss?

I have to say, I am definitely much more on board now that I've had a first look. The full translation of the book to the big screen, however, remains to be seen.

To read more about Jennifer Lawrence and how she prepared for the role of a lifetime, see here. To learn more about Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson who were cast as Peeta and Gale, read here.