Jodelle Ferland recently agreed to a one-on-one interview with The Hunger Games Examiner to talk about The Hunger Games, why she's a fan and her hopes for the franchise's move to the big screen.

Here is part one of that interview:

The Hunger Games Examiner: How did you first discover The Hunger Games? What about the books do you love so much?

Jodelle Ferland: I saw an article about who should play Katniss, and I'd never heard of the books before, so I looked them up. The storyline seemed interesting and I really wanted to read them, but I didn't think about it again until I was at the Eclipse premiere and a fan said, "Would you like to play Katniss?" When I was at the airport waiting for my flight home, I found a bookstore and bought the first book. I finished it by the end of the day. It was AMAZING, I absolutely fell in love with it. I really enjoy books with a lot of action and suspense, and The Hunger Games definitely has a lot of that. Of course, there's the romantic aspect as well, which kept me dying to know who Katniss would choose and constantly trying to figure out if I like Gale or Peeta better. But there's not so much of it that you're thinking, really, she's only 16, this is ridiculous. After I read The Hunger Games, I went out and got Catching Fire the next day. It was just as fabulous as the first book, if not more. Waiting for Mockingjay to come out was terrible, but completely worth it. Overall, this is one of my favourite series of books I've ever read.

THGE: As you know lots of fans have suggested you as a possible actress to play Katniss. But who would YOU pick for the role (besides yourself, of course)?

JF: Hmm…that’s a really tough one. It’s hard to think of people who fit the part. A lot of actresses would do a great job, but they’re either too old, too young, or don’t have a Katniss look about them. I know a lot of people wanted Kaya Scoldelario, but in my opinion, since she’s already 18, she’s a bit too old for the part. Whoever they get, I really hope they don’t get someone who’s in their 20s. Katniss is 16, and they should try to get someone at least close to that age. If they can’t get a well known actress who fits the part, then an unknown will probably be the best way to go.

THGE: When I sent out a Tweet asking for interview questions, I got lots of great responses. But there were some critical Hunger Games fans out there. Some said they didn’t think you’d be good for the role of Katniss. Others said “No one from Twilight should be in The Hunger Games, so no Jodelle.” What would you say to these critics?

JF: I understand where they’re coming from. A lot of people like Twilight, but some people don’t, and understandably, Hunger Games fans don’t want to mix the two. I’m not trying to say Twilight wasn’t good (that would be weird, since I was in it!), but I don’t think they should be compared. When people say “Could The Hunger Games be the next Twilight?” they don’t mean the the movie itself, only the the amount of success it’s had. So yes, I was in Twilight, but I would like to remind everyone that it’s not the only movie I’ve done. I’ve been acting since I was two years old, and Eclipse in no way defines me or my acting abilities. To be honest, my part wasn’t even that huge, and I was only in one of the movies. If I played Bella or something, then obviously, having me be the star of the Hunger Games movie would be a bad idea. But I don’t think it’s fair for people to judge me by that one movie. I completely understand that they want this movie to be perfect, but I’d like to ask them to please at least consider that I might do a good job. I would love for the fans to give me a chance.

THGE: Besides Katniss, could you see yourself playing any other roles in The Hunger Games? Which ones?

JF: Well, there are only a few options. Iturned 16 years old on October 9th. I have light-ish skin and dark brown hair. There’s Madge…she’s blonde, so I probably can’t play her. There’s Rue, who’s a small 12 year old with really dark skin and hair…so no. And then there’s Prim, who’s also 12, tiny, and blonde, so not her either. I can’t really think of anyone else, at least not anyone who has a reasonably important part. I know a few people are suggesting me for Prim or Rue, but that doesn’t really make sense to me. Even if I had the right skin and hair, I’m too old for those parts. I don’t see myself pulling off anyone but Katniss, but if you think of another character I could play, please let me know! I’d like to hear what you guys think.

Read More on The Hunger Games Examiner