Hunger Games casting

Jennifer Lawrence was cast a couple of weeks ago, amid much internet grumbling about her having the wrong "look" (and being too old, at 20).  In the book, Katniss is described as small and dark, sort of mediterrean-looking I guess, and of course thin from malnutrition.  I can see why people would complain, but the ones who have clearly didn't see her in Winter's Bone, where she is a lot rougher looking and acting than on, say, the red carpet at the Oscar ceremony (in her stunning red dress). 

Today the male leads were announced.  Josh Hutcherson (18) as Peeta, which I think is perfect - he has that sweetness, but also underlying strength, showed off well in The Kids Are All Right.  He's been around for over 10 years, and is a veteran of many movies, including Zathura, Journey to the Center of the Eath, and Bridge to Terabithia (which he almost carries single-handedly).  The internet grumbling mostly concerned his hair, which in the book is described as wavy and blonde.  Hopefully he'll get a better quality wig than poor Kristen Stewart was saddled with in Eclipse.  I think the fans will be quite happy with him.

Gale will be played by Liam Hensworth (21), who I'm not familiar with (he was in Knowing with Nic Cage, but I don't remember him in that).  He's certainly handsome, and in photos has the right Gale-ish qualities.  Most recently, he was in The Last Song with Miley Cyrus, and apparently is best known as her "on-again-off-again" boyfriend (we won't hold his poor romantic taste against him).  Bonus - he's Austrialian, which we all know are the hands-down best macho actors of all time.