Jennifer Lawrence has been confirmed to play Katniss Everdeen in Lionsgate's adaptation of The Hunger Games.

We reported last week that the actress, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in Winter's Bone, was close to landing the role. It seems the offer went out to Jennifer Lawrence on Tuesday, with the deal already finalized yesterday.

It is believed that her deal would encompass possible sequels. The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy of novels by Suzanne Collins, which also includes Catching Fire and Mockingjay. The story centers on Jennifer Lawrence's character, Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who is forced to compete in a brutal fight to the death with teenagers from other regions of America.

Gary Ross will direct The Hunger Games from an adapted screenplay by Billy Ray. It isn't clear when production will start, although a March 23, 2012 release date has already been set by Lionsgate.