Fans of author Suzanne Collins have undoubtedly been in a state of bliss ever since the news that her original dystopian novel, The Hunger Games, would be adapted to the big screen. And with the announcement that Winter's Bone breakout star, Jennifer Lawrence was to play the 16-year-old Katniss Everden, we don't think the lead role could be in any better hands. Phooey on the naysayers who aren't buying into the casting of Lawrence who is much more fair-skinned than the character in Collins' novel. Just wait. You'll see.

This week, via Entertainment Weekly, we got our first look at the olive-skinned brunette from District 12… on the cover no less. You can see her below.

In a not-too-distant future, North America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.

The Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, and Woody Harrelson, and is scheduled for a March 23rd release of 2012.

Check out Jennifer Lawrence below as Katniss. Bad ass enough for you?