Jennifer Lawrence stars in "Hunger Games" (lionsgate)

Lionsgate debuted the film’s first full trailer for the action-sci-fi flick, which is based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel. 

Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen, the heroine in the movie, who is chosen as a tribute for the annual “Hunger Game” contest to represent District 12, her home. The contest consists of 24 youths between ages 12 and 17—one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts. The “Hunger Game” is a test of survival and will in which only one will come out alive. 

In the two-and-a-half-minute long trailer, we see Peeta’s rustic district, which is a stark contrast to the Capitol. District 12 seems like an impoverished and underdeveloped area in comparison to the high-tech and opulent Capitol. At the end, we see Peeta rise to the battleground as an ominous voice counts down to the start of the game—and to our anticipation for the release date.  

Other cast members include Josh Hutcherson in the role of Peeta Mellark, Peeta’s fellow tribute, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne, who seems to appear mostly in Peeta’s memories. Glimpses of Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, and Woody Harrelson also appeared during the trailer.  

“Hunger Games,” directed by Gary Ross, is due out March 23, 2012.