Happy Hunger Games, everyone! 

 

For your viewing pleasure, Lionsgate and director Gary Ross will be sending 24 participants into the fray this weekend to compete in The Hunger Games. By now, of course, you know of Katniss Everdeen, the "girl on fire" from District 12. But who will be coming after our heroine, trying to eliminate her from the competition and emerge victorious from this battle royale? 

 

We've singled out the 8 Tributes – or contestants – that curious fans will need to know heading into Ross' pending blockbuster. Each brings a unique skill set into the Games, and could create serious problems for Everdeen. Here are this year's Hunger Games MVPs. Keep your eye on them, Katniss, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

 

Like most District 1 Tributes, Marvel was trained from an early age to compete in the Games. He's classified as a Career Tribute. He possesses incredible strength, though his greatest skill appears to be tossing a spear with pinpoint accuracy. As for Quaid, he's the son of actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, bringing new definition to the term "Career Tribute."

 

 

Also from District 1, Glimmer ranks as one of the oldest competitors in this year's Hunger Games. Like Katniss, she's a skilled archer, and manages to grab a bow-and-arrow set from the Cornucopia at the start of the competition. Rambin, meanwhile, is a versatile television actress with credits that include All My Children, Grey's Anatomy and CSI: Miami.

 

 

 

Also from District 2, Clove earns the distinction of making the first kill in the 74th Hunger Games. Her skills comes in throwing knives, though she has a mean streak that sets her apart from her competition. In fact, during one crucial scene, it appears that Clove has the upper hand on Katniss, until … well, you'll have to see for yourself! 

 

 

Known only as "Foxface," a knickname she earns from Katniss, this mysterious competitor from District 5 survives mainly by staying out of sight. Like a thief in the night, she manages to steal whatever supplies that she needs. She also makes it through the whole movie without speaking one word. That's too bad for Emerson, who once lent her voice to the TV series Father of the Pride. 

 

 

The strong, silent Tribute. Thresh hails from District 11, and has to be the most powerful physical competitor in this year's Games. But he's a loner, choosing to avoid any and all alliances until one act pulls him out of his shell, if only for a moment. The Hunger Games is Okeniyi's feature-film debut, but he has Slew Hampshire on the horizon. 

 

 

A fan favorite, and Katniss' only true ally in the Games. Rue comes from District 11 with Thresh, but they couldn't be more different. Where he is powerful and authoritative, Rue is shy and elusive. As her quote sums up, "I'm very hard to catch. And if they can't catch me, they can't kill me. So don't count me out." Don't count out Stenberg, either, as she's appeared in Colombiana with Zoe Saldana and the TV movie A Taste of Romance.  

 

 

Katniss Everdeen's partner, in more ways that one. The son of a baker, Peeta hails from District 12 and downplays most of his abilities when it comes to the competition. In fact, it's Katniss who points out Peeta's brute strength – from tossing all of those flour bags – though he might have a few other gifts he is protecting. As for Hutcherson, he has become one of the most sought-after young talents in Hollywood, juggling event pictures (Journey 2) with award-winning character pieces (The Kids Are All Right). The odds are in his favor.