Sure, the entirety of this week’s “Hunger Games” casting scoop has been straight out of the secondary character camp, but the movie’s strapping leading men (Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth) are never far from our minds. (Especially after watching “The Last Song” this weekend. Swoony McSwoonerson, Mr. Hemsworth!) ANYWAY, this entire rambling preamble is to tell you that we have a few Peeta/Gale goodies for you today!

You may remember that when Jennifer Lawrence was cast as Katniss last month, we imagined what the actress would look like in five of the District 12 tribute’s signature looks. Well, we’re giving Josh and Liam the same treatment.

We once again turned to fabulous artist Kate Wheeler from Rat Girl Studios to illustrate what the two would look like as a baker’s son and a badass hunter. Check out the results below!

Now, I’ll admit I was among the fans who were a bit…dubious…when these two were cast, but seeing Josh as a blond (and in an apron!) and Liam with longer, shaggier dark hair is helping me see the possibilities.

But what do you think about Josh and Liam in character? Are you sold? Click on the image above to see our entire illustrated “Hunger Games” gallery.

via ‘Hunger Games’: We Imagine What Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth Will Look Like As Peeta, Gale.

While the Internet rages with debate over the Hunger Games casting of Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth as Peeta and Gale, respectively, the important decision makers, including the books’ author Suzanne Collins, have no doubts. “I was fortunate enough to be in the room with Gary Ross when Josh came in to audition,” said Collins, in a statement. “Three lines into the read I knew he’d be fantastic. Josh totally captured Peeta’s temperament, his sense of humor and his facility for language. I’m thrilled to have him aboard.”

“When I read the book, I thought Peeta would be the hardest role to cast, and I feel so lucky that we found someone who embodies every aspect of such a complex character,” said director Gary Ross. “I can’t wait to work with Josh.”

“Gale is a young man who uses words very sparingly, so the onus was on the actor we cast to capture him by showing, not telling,” said producer Nina Jacobs. “This was accomplished so beautifully in Suzanne’s writing, and Liam was able to translate it so naturally to the screen. At the same time, Gale’s journey across the three books transforms him, and Liam’s performance left no doubt that he would take us there.”

via ‘Hunger Games’: Suzanne Collins and Gary Ross talk casting Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth | Inside Movies | EW.com.

We have our core 3 – Katniss, Peeta, and Gale! What do you think?