Teachers and students at Zachary High were caught up in the wave as first in a trilogy of books and movies - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - hit the big screen recently.

The ZHS library has multiple copies of the novel, and it has become wildly popular since the school year began.

With the premier of the movie, English teachers Debby Lowery and Megan Southall developed an activity to spark interest in the student body and bolster the school’s literacy efforts.

Recently, everyone on campus had an opportunity to designate who the ultimate object of Katniss’ affection should be In an effort to persuade voters, Lowery and Southall prepared their most compelling arguments on behalf of their respective choices, Peeta and Gale.

The entire faculty, staff and student body viewed their commercials during a recent broadcast of WZHS, and Daisy Cottone designed bookmarks and posters to promote the activity.

Prior to the actual vote, English teacher Brittany Perrie also proposed that voters be allowed the option of voting for Katniss.

“With the theme of the book revolving around freedom and independence, and the focus on Katniss as a strong individual, there should be an option for her to be alone. I think she manipulates both boys for her own personal gain over the course of the series,” said Perrie.

Perrie said she would have preferred to see Katniss walking into the smoke and the sunset alone, not being manipulated by the government.

The topic of Katniss’ love interest was hotly debated in the days leading up to the big vote, and the activity inspired many readers to continue reading the sequels in the trilogy: Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

The novel series and the movie premier have had a huge impact on readers at Zachary HS, who ultimately selected Peeta as the most suitable companion for Katniss.

Three lucky students who voted in the contest were randomly selected to receive tickets to the movie including Colby Bean, Lexie Corkern and Gabriela Morales.

Zachary student Keshaun Survine voted for his choice: Team Katniss, Team Peeta or Team Gale...but we're not telling who he chose!