Gary Ross' highly-anticipated adaptation of the Suzanne Collins novel The Hunger Games is ramping up casting efforts as of late. Oscar nominees Jennifer Lawrence and Hailee Steinfeld are both in the running to portray the lead character Katniss Everdeen.

Jennifer Lawrence is considered a front runner for the part, having read recently. Here's what an insider had to say about Jennifer Lawrence and The Hunger Games.

"Jennifer really went for it and she blew them away."

It seems that Lionsgate is currently trying to work out a deal for the actress to star as Katniss Everdeen, a young girl who is forced to compete against teens from other regions of the country in a fight to the death. However, Hailee Steinfeld revealed on the red carpet of The 83rd Annual Academy Awards that she has also met with Gary Ross about portraying Katniss. Here's what she had to say below.

"I met with Gary Ross and it's definitely something we're taking one day at a time, and making sure everything is in place, everything is ready."

The Hunger Games will start production sometime this spring or summer.