The forthcoming movie adaptation of the hugely popular series of young adult novels THE HUNGER GAMES continues to add more to its already impressive cast.

Announced today is acclaimed British actor Toby Jones (THE MIST), who’ll be taking on the role of Claudius Templesmith, the host/narrator of the titular Hunger Games. It was also revealed that musician turned actor Lenny Kravitz has been cast as Cinna, the fashion stylist come ally of Katniss.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down! Katnip? What are you talking about? I’ve never even heard of THE HUNGER GAMES! What am I reading here?!

Sheesh. Get a clue, granddad!

THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy tells the tale of a post-apocalyptic future in which unlucky teenagers are forced to participate in an annual Reality TV show where they must fight to the death. Our heroine is one Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old who volunteers to take the place of her sister when she’s chosen as a contestant. Nice of her. If things weren’t complicated enough, Katniss soon falls for two of her fellow players, Peeta and Gale. Nothing like a good love triangle to keep your mind off all the senseless killing! Having said that, don’t know about you, but I’m totally Team Peeta.

Ok, so this is clearly being prepped to fill the TWILIGHT-shaped hole in the Box Office come next year, but it all sounds a tad derivative to me, (BATTLE ROYALE anyone?) but that shouldn’t bother the thousands of fans eagerly awaiting to see their heroes translated to the big-screen.

Director Gary Ross has cast the Oscar nominated Jennifer Lawrence (X MEN: FIRST CLASS) as their lead, while Josh Hutcherson (ZUTHURA) and Liam Hemsworth (THOR’s brother) complete the love triangle. Rounding out the cast are Elizabeth Banks; Woody Harrelson; Wes Bentley and Stanley Tucci.

Lionsgate have scheduled a March 2012 for THE HUNGER GAMES.

*Then again, ‘derivative’ never hurt the TWILIGHT franchise. Or HARRY POTTER for that matter. Ooooh, I went there!

Calling all HUNGER GAMES fans – tell us, the uninitiated, what makes this series so special. Educate us with your comments below!