Miss 'The Hunger Games' Thursday Night? These Students Didn't

This week outside Hurlbut Hall, Madeline J. More '15 caught up on her reading. Her book of choice? "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. More said that when she first read the book in high school, her fellow students questioned her on why she was reading a "middle school book," to which she always responded, "Oh shit, because it's good!"

More was one of many students who resisted the allure of Thursday night parties or the necessity of last minute psets to attend the midnight opening of the film adaptation of "The Hunger Games" at the Brattle Street Theatre.

Some students arrived as early as 10:50 p.m., and by 11:30 p.m., a line snaked all the way to the entrance to the Body Shop on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue. Shortly after the doors opened, the line dissolved into a disorganized throng of eager moviegoers. According to an employee at the box office, tickets had sold out by last week, fetching a steep $12.50 when including the $2.50 service fee for purchasing online.

Despite the preparation required to obtain a ticket, not all moviegoers were as well read as More. "I didn't read the books because I didn't want to spoil the movie," said Lydia Ding '15, who attended the showing with classmate Xue Rui '15.

Other students like Nicole E. Granath '15 crammed, reading all three books in four days, "because my friends were so excited." In the ultimate display of devotion, Grant's roommate, Allison R. Harvey '15, came to the movie despite her Psychology 1900 midterm at 10 a.m. the next day. "No one ever graduates college wishing they slept more," she said. She admitted seeing it the next day would have been better for her GPA but added, "I'm here. I'm committed."

Despite the palpable excitement in the air and the obvious dedication of these many students, this was no Harry Potter movie premiere, and few festive costumes were to be seen. Near midnight, Brittany L. Powell '13 pranced up to a group of friends, wearing a floral dress. "Can't you tell?" she asked, "I'm Rue!" For those Flyby readers who haven't read the books, Rue is the youngest competitor competing in "The Hunger Games" and a pretty nifty fighter.

To those of you who haven't seen it yet, we suggest reading this article first. You'll see why.