All the months of speculation, guessing, arguing and, most of all, tweeting, have finally come down to this: our first official list of contenders for the roles of Peeta and Gale in the upcoming big budget adaptation of Suzanne Collins' "Hunger Games" trilogy.
Yes, according to The Hollywood Reporter, screen tests have begun and Gary Ross is already focusing in on a few handsome faces to play opposite Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence as the boys vying for the heart of freedom fighter Katniss Everdeen.
Now the real test for fans begins: choosing sides. Let the games begin.
Of course, fans have already been arguing for months over who the best choice for Peeta is, but with the 20-year-old Lawrence locked in, eyes are turning to a slightly older acting demographic. Among those confirmed to be on the short list of top picks for the part: Josh Hutcherson ("The Kids Are All Right"), Alexander Ludwig (who already headlined one young adult fantasy adaptation with "The Seeker: The Dark is Rising), Hunter Parrish (at 23, the "Weeds" star is one of the older contenders), Evan Peters ("Kick-Ass") and our very own personal choice for the role, Lucas Till ("Battle: Los Angeles" and the upcoming "X-Men: First Class").
The role of Gale, meanwhile, is currently being fought for by a group of somewhat lesser known superstars-in-waiting, including Liam Hemsworth ("Last Song"), David Henrie ("How I Met Your Mother"), Nickelodeon regular Robbie Arnell and Disney Channel player Drew Roy.
For the contenders, the role is more than a paycheck -- it's a once in a lifetime chance to jump from obscurity to household name and become an A-list star in what is sure to be a worldwide blockbuster franchise. And for fans?
Well, it's just another chance to talk about "The Hunger Games." So pick a side and let us know who your choice is. Because the next round of the "Hunger Games" debate starts right now.
