How to throw a Hunger Games themed party

Game On!

With The Hunger Games movie set to open in cinemas across the country on March 22, we reckon it's time for a bit of a celebration party! Check out these great ideas for invitations, costumes, food and decorations.

The Hunger Games

The release of The Hunger Games movie in Australia is the perfect excuse to invite your friends over, get yourself and your home all dressed up, and play a bunch of fun games with your mates. (If you've got any Hunger Games naysayers among your ranks, we're pretty sure they'll be converted by the end of this celebration!)

The invitations

Well, attendance must be, of course, mandatory. Or else...
Try making invitations in the shape of Katniss's mockingjay pin or a parachute.
Create your invitations on the computer to look like lottery tickets.

The decorations

Of course, the easiest way to channel The Hunger Games is by dividing the party venue up into 12 districts. Label each for a bit of fun.
If you're keen to go all out, create a forest in your living room with plenty of indoor plants. If you're hosting the party in your backyard -- even better!
Hang some toy parachutes from the ceiling for a cute effect.
Fill an inflatable pool or your bathtub with ice to serve as both "the arena pool" and an esky for everyone's drinks.
At the very least, print out a few pictures or stick up some posters of The Hunger Games cast.

The games

Lottery, anyone? Try a fun twist like bingo.
Don't take the film too seriously by encouraging a fight club, but some archery comps or obstacle courses are a great way to get everyone mingling. Form 12 district teams and award the winning players with prizes.
If your guests are prepared to get wet, a water gun fight can be a whole lot of fun! Remember to have some towels on standby.
For those who prefer their games a little less messy, host a Hunger Games trivia session. "Research" has got to be the perfect excuse to read your favourite book series just one more time...

The costume dress code

Take style inspiration from Katniss and arm yourself with a bow and arrow.
Encourage everyone to dress up as their favourite (or least favourite) character.
Depending on how many guests you have, you could divide them into districts and ask that they identify their district number somewhere on their costumes -- this is a great way to encourage strangers to mingle.

The food and snacks

Bread is a staple in Panem, so make sure you fill the tables with plenty of fresh loaves and dips.
Crackers with goat's cheese is a cute way to represent Prim's goat!
Please our heroine Katniss with her favourite dish, lamb stew! Dried plums optional...

Image credit: Lionsgate