HUNGER GAMES

FEVER IN

BETHESDA

Sold Out Movie Inspires Costumes,

Workouts and Hairstyles

When die-hard fans, some in costume, gathered at Barnes and Noble at Bethesda Row the evening before the Hunger Games premiere, fever over the year's first blockbuster was just beginning.

Friday night, fans attended a special premiere at Montgomery Mall, which raised money for Invisible Children - the charitable arm of the Stop Kony movement.

Rain drove more people into theaters this weekend, and preliminary box office numbers are big.

All of this hype is creating opportunities for local businesses to capitalize on the moment.

Washington Sports Club is offering a free "Train Like a Tribute" workout on the next 7 Tuesdays, at their Chevy Chase, DC location (just take the Red Line one stop down from Bethesda to Friendship Heights). This punishing workout will pit you against your classmates until one is left standing. WSC promises to whip you into Jennifer Lawrence shape, including a bow and arrow portion. Maybe you don't want to stand right in front of the person behind you...

A little less taxing offer for ladies who want to look like the Hunger Games heroine is Refinery 29's DIY Guide to the Katniss braid, no hair salon necessary.

As for myself, call me when The Avengers opens.