Jennifer Lawrence Will Enter The Arena As Katniss Everdeen In ‘The Hunger Games’

Let “The Hunger Games” begin!

Academy-award nominee Jennifer Lawrence has been cast as Katniss Everdeen, the lead role in the screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling dystopia trilogy “The Hunger Games” Lionsgate has confirmed to Access Hollywood.

In a statement released by the studio, Author Suzanne Collins and director Gary Ross expressed their excitement at having Jennifer join the cast.

“Jennifer’s just an incredible actress. So powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, unforgiving and brave. I never thought we’d find somebody this perfect for the role. And I can’t wait for everyone to see her play it,” Suzanne said.

Gary Ross added, “I can’t wait to work with Jen and see her bring this character to life. Katniss requires a young actress with strength, depth, complexity, tenderness, and power. There are very few people alive who can bring that to a role. Jen brings it in spades. She’s going to be an amazing Katniss.”

The “Winter’s Bone” actress has landed the coveted role in the movie that pits children against each other in a competitive duel to the death, reportedly beating out fellow Oscar nominees Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin.

“True Grit’s” Hailee Steinfeld previously told Access Hollywood that she was hoping to be considered for the part.

“That’s… I mean… fingers are crossed,” Hailee told Access. “Fingers crossed!”

Speculation continues on which young star will be cast as Katniss’ closest ally from District 12, Peeta Mellark.

“Beastly” star Alex Pettyfer told Access that he met with producers about the role of Peeta.

“Yes, but undecided yet, still [waiting] to see a script,” Alex said.

E! Online reported this week that “Weeds” star Hunter Parrish is up for the part.

Still other reports have mentioned Josh Hutcherson of the recent Oscar nominated film “The Kids Are All Right” for the role.

“The Hunger Games” is slated to arrive in theaters on March 23, 2012.