Slow Night at 'The Hunger Games' Premiere

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — It's been no secret that "The Hunger Games" is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. It's based on the first book in the hugely popular trilogy written by Suzanne Collins, which has topped bestseller lists for months and won over millions of fans with its dark, dystopian premise, strong characters and page-turning action.

In Central Massachusetts, fans of the book have been eagerly awaiting the movie release. So it stood to reason that many would take the opportunity to see it as soon as possible.

But for all that pent up excitement, the Regal Cinema on Rte. 9 in Westborough was surprisingly quiet as clocks ticked closer to midnight. There were no long lines of Katnisses and Gales and Peetas stretching out the door. In fact, there weren't any lines at all, and those who did show up were, for the most part, clothed normally.

"Everyone dressed up, huh?" remarked one mockingjay pin-clad girl to a group of her uncostumed friends as they took their tickets.

Though cinema workers would not comment on the actual turnout vs. expected numbers, it certainly didn't bring to mind the images typically associated with popular midnight movie releases.

Of course, it was a school night, and a lot of younger fans might have decided (or been convinced by mom and dad) to stay home and wait until the weekend. And the Westborough Regal is only one theater; others in the area may have seen different results.

Did you attend a midnight premiere of "The Hunger Games?" What was your experience like? And if not, when are you going?

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