A theater packed with preteen and teenage girls sporting red hair ribbons and long braids down their backs can only mean one thing—the premier of the movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel, Catching Fire.

At the first 8 o-clock showing Nov. 21, theaters across the country filled with eager moviegoers. Though the lines and crowds may not have been as intense as in the premiers for the popular Harry Potter movies, fans of the Hunger Games trilogy bring their own unique spirit and energy.

“The movie was amazing,” said senior and Hunger Games fan Maddi Frank. “I have no criticisms, they did a great job.”

The movie, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, spent two hours and 26 minutes detailing the main character Katniss’s life after the first Hunger Games, which aired in movie form March 23, 2012.

With new director, Francis Lawrence, and the common belief that movies will never live up to books, there was question as to whether the film could satisfy the expectations of the millions of readers who had already been enchanted by the words of Collins in her best-selling books. However, Catching Fire matches up well.

“I thought it was a great movie,” freshman Thomas Atkinson said.  “Even though I had read the book, the movie still kept me on the edge of my seat.”

Sticking close to the storyline despite a few omissions of minor details, Catching Fire is a crowd pleaser. Even for viewers who haven’t read the books, the plot is clear and easily followed.

The performances from the star actors and actresses, especially Lawrence in the leading role, contribute to this. Although at times a bit too over dramatized, the acting gets the point across. Through the literal and up-front quality of the entire movie, it is clearly directed to an audience more interested in experiencing the plot line than leaving with thought-provoking ideas.

However, the elements of rebellion, suspense and romance make this film a pop culture hit that anyone looking for a great story should see. From the first scene, Catching Fire gives viewers of all ages the drama and excitement it promises in the commercials.

“It made me want to read the book all over again,” junior Cece Wallerstedt said. “I can’t wait until the next movie, Mockingjay, comes out.”