In a story from Reuters, Lionsgate has bought the worldwide distribution rights to the screen version of The Hunger Games.

The film is based on a futuristic young-adult novel by Suzanne Collins. She will also write the screenplay.

The novel looks at a morbid future in which North America is now factioned into 12 oppressed districts. Each district needs to "send tribute" in the form of a young child to compete in an annual fight to the death

The novel has been lauded by Stephen King and "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer.