Photo by Murray Close

I’m one of those people who becomes overly obsessed with entertainment. It’s not to the point that I would tattoo the name of my favorite television show on my arm, but it’s to the point that I will get livid if someone thinks Ryan loved Taylor more than Marissa on The OC. He simply did not. It wasn’t even close. Regardless, after I read The Hunger Games this summer, I knew that the movie wasn’t going to be something I would catch the matinee of. Oh no, I would be at the midnight showing. Heck, I might even braid my hair.

I didn’t braid my hair, but I did attend the 12:20 a.m. showing at Hollywood Theaters. And tons of fans were out in full force. Here’s how my night/morning went:

10:30 a.m.

Arrive at theater and purchase Icee.

10:35 p.m.

Spot three young women: One wearing a Fox Face (in honor of a character), another sporting an apron with “Peeta” embroidered on it and the third wearing a Katniss-esque braid and carrying a bow and arrow. Immediately this is starting to feel like a miniature Comic-Con.

10:38 p.m.

I’m in line to get into theater eight when I notice that the girl in front of me has wrapped herself in a Hunger Games blanket. I become extremely jealous of both her dedication and her warmth.

10:44 p.m.

I take my seat and quickly spot the girl sitting three rows behind me. She is yet another Katniss-lover with a bow and arrow. Except she has a three-foot bow and an Indian-like headband on. I don’t exactly follow, but grin nonetheless.

10:55 p.m.

I notice that Fox Face is in my theater, and I can’t help but wonder [slight spoiler alert] if she knows that she dies.

11:11 p.m.

I wish for two things: The Dark Knight Rises preview and for Josh Hutcherson to look taller on screen than he does in real life.

11:12 p.m.

I start playing a riveting game of bubble shooter on my iPhone.

11:16 p.m.

I lose.

11:20 p.m.

The lobby is filled with District 12 T-shirts, Hunger Games T-shirts and an alarming number of braids. One woman is sporting a black veil. I assume that’s for mourning everyone who dies? Or else, mourning the death of her fashion sense.

11:25 p.m.

People in the theater scream randomly in excitement.

11:31 p.m.

Spotted: A shirt that reads, “May the odds be ever in your favor.” I. get. chills.

11:34 p.m.

Hey look! Two women wearing animal hats in the theater! Cool.

11:36 p.m.

The girl in front of me turns down the eighth person who has tried to sit next to her. Yes, she is saving ALL FIVE SEATS.

11:40 p.m.

The ninth group ignores the instruction and takes a seat. Oh, snap. Thank goodness no one in that row has a bow and arrow.

11:51 p.m.

The screen flashes suddenly, which only serves to remind me of Fight Club. It’s oddly fitting.

11:56 p.m.

The guy in front of me pulls out some chew, and I say evil things to my friends.

11:58 p.m.

Tobacco guy asks if I have enough leg room, and I feel like a horrible person for all the mean things I said.

12:00 a.m.

More spottings: A blue wig, a pink wig and a huge pink flower (much like Effie’s) sit on top of heads.

12:01 a.m.

There is a man in a Despicable Me T-shirt. Clearly he did not get the memo.

12:03 a.m.

The girl in the blue wig and silver headband grabs a glass bowl full of pieces of paper, walks to the front of the theater and begins welcoming the crowd to the 74th Hunger Games. She pulls the name “Primrose Everdeen,” and a guy in the crowd screams, “No. I volunteer!” Then things get awkward. Some people applaud, and the girl sits down. Here’s my question: How did she manage to sneak in a bowl full of names? I thought getting snacks in was hard.

12:04 a.m.

Regal’s First Look starts to play. Hey, Dallas is being remade. Too bad we already know who shot J.R.

12:07 a.m.

I think about the people in the 12:01 a.m. showing, and I’m jealous.

12:13 a.m.

Guy in front of me is officially chewing tobacco. I am controlling my rage. Breathe, Samantha. I need my energy for the games.

12:21 a.m.

I silence my phone and previews begin! After some applause, six previews (including Breaking Dawn – Part 2) and some more applause, the games begin.