There could be a long line at the Shannon Theatre on Thursday. It might go all the way back to the Et Cetera alley, or Common Grounds.

Those in the queue await the midnight (actually, 12:01 a.m.) and premier showing of "The Hunger Games." It could be this generation's Harry Potter. Whatever it is, the first movie in this three-book series has its share of fans. Lots of them. The film, rated PG-13, is based on Suzanne Collin's best-selling trilogy.

Don't be surprised if some standing in line will be dressed in... well, differently. But, you'd expect that for a premier like this one. If anyone dresses up for the movie, you'll see anything from black suits to lavish and outlandish outfits. It's all part of the hype.

Peter Suter of Shannon Theatre says that the most recent Shannon movie premier that has created such anticipation was "Iron Man," several years ago. "The most significant line we've had was back when "Star Wars IV - The Phantom Menace" was first released."

"We are not selling any advance tickets," he said. "So, the first opportunity to purchase tickets is at 11 p.m. on Thursday."

Suter said the theatre holds 308 people, but usually calls it full at 275 or 280.

Capitalizing on the long-anticipated movie premier, the Bluffton Public Library hosted a teen program on Tuesday, offering a Capitol Day Spa. The Icon caught up with some Hunger Game fans at the library.

Here's what they had to say about the books and anticipated movie:

Christy Howe, Pandora-Gilboa senior (dressed for the event): It's a fast-paced driving read as good as Harry Potter and compacted into three books. The movie will be tough to live up to the books.

Bethany Nye, Bluffton High School grad, attending Rhodes State College (not dressed for the event): The books have lots of action, a love triangle and a little bit of everything. I heard of Harry Potter when I was in the second grade and saw the first Potter movie when I was 11.

Holly McClish, Bluffton University senior from Ashland (dressed for the event): I haven't had a book that hooked me in like this for years. I'm really into it. My mom sent me a copy of the first book when it came out and it got lost in the mail. When I finally got my copy I couldn't put it down. I went to a Hunger Games party in Findlay. It was amazing. I'm on book two now.

Natasha Chatelain, Bluffton High School senior (not dressed for the event): I really liked "Twilight" and I like this (Hunger Games) better that "Twilight."

More at the library
Back to the public library's celebration of the movie, Reaping Day takes place at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22. The library's "Training Center" will prepare tributes (teens) for the "Hunger Games" by practicing necessary survival and battle skills.

Tributes will also enjoy Capitol grade refreshments and a trivia challenge. Gifts will be showered on the winning tribute's district, including tickets to see the new movie at the Shannon Theatre.

Those between the ages of 12 and 18 are most eligible for reaping, but "Hunger Games" fans of all ages may attend. Please help us stamp out hunger by bringing one non-perishable food item as tesserae (admission). Items will be donated to the Bluffton Food Pantry.

Adults wishing to volunteer their help and expertise during this program may contact the library.

For further information, please contact youth services coordinator Rikki Unterbrink by phone at 419-358-5016 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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