These girls scored posters autographed by local extras in "The Hunger Games" during Friday night's celebration at Our Town Cinemas. (Jan Black/Our Town Cinemas)

The eagerly-awaited film “The Hunger Games” opened with a series of sold-out midnight shows Thursday night at Our Town Cinemas. Then dozens of fans came to the moviehouse in Sadler Square Friday night for an autograph session with the film’s local stars – actors who landed roles as extras in the film.

“The fans and our movie stars were excited. It was quite a success,” said Our Town Cinemas’ Jan Black.

Friday's party included a "Hunger Games" cake. (Jan Black/Our Town Cinemas)

The local stars rented out their own auditorium to watch “The Hunger Games” together. As they watched, shouts of “Look, there I am!” could be heard. Afterward they enjoyed a Hunger Games cake.

Our Town Cinemas said it has is seeing record attendance for “Hunger Games” – more than the last “Harry Potter” or “Twilight” films. “With advance planning and 9 shows a day, the theater is consistently busy with many sold out shows,” Ms. Black said. But tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday shows. She recommends buying or calling to reserve tickets in advance.

See showtimes on this page at right. More info: www.OurTownCinemas.com or 704-237-3238.

RELATED COVERAGE

March 22, 2012, DavidsonNews.net Around Davidson column, “Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!” – Read Brenda Barger’s interview with some of the actors, who described their experience as extras.

Local "Hunger Games" extras signed autographs Friday at Our Town Cinemas, from left, Luke Williams, Beach Galloway, Beth Gibbs, Audrey Gibbs, Rachael Figard and Emma Landau. (Jan Black/Our Town Cinemas)

Local extras autographed posters. (Jan Black/Our Town Cinemas)