'Hunger Games' a bull's eye for archery

[daigong]

Teenagers drawn to the sport by popularity of books, movie

Suzanne Collins'"The Hunger Games" trilogy has sold millions of copies in the United States since the first book was published in 2008. Now, with the release of the blockbuster movie of the same name, the series has achieved even more: It has influenced kids to spend more time outside.

 Two weekends ago, 13 young "Hunger Games" fans braved the rain to learn about archery. The Saturday event, which was hosted by the Thurmont Regional Library and run by members of the Tuscarora Archers, allowed the teenagers to learn how to shoot a bow.

"[It] was a neat experience. It wasn't the first time I have taught kids to shoot, but being related to 'The Hunger Games' there was sort of a different spin on it," said Sophia Strachan, a 13-year-old with the Tuscarora Archers. "One of the smaller kids I was helping said something to the effect of 'I think I could survive the hunger games, but I'm not sure I could shoot someone.' "

 Sophia and her teammates helped teach "Hunger Games" enthusiasts about bow safety and choosing the right equipment before allowing them to shoot at targets behind the library.

 "I have really never thought of my bow as a weapon before. ... Several people at school who know I shoot have asked me if I am as good as Katniss. ... The movie has given archery a pretty cool image," she said.

 Katniss Everdeen, the main character of "The Hunger Games," is a skilled archer and outdoorswoman. The movie showcases her skills with a bow while she is in the woods hunting and while she is competing in the deadly hunger games, a battle in which 24 teenagers must fight until there is only one survivor.

  YEAH! Jennifer Lawrence