"Hunger Games" Causes a Surge in Archery

Katniss Everdeen is obviously AMAZING with a bow and arrow. So naturally, everyone wants to follow in her footsteps and take up the sport.

In recent weeks, Barry Hall, the owner of Newbury Archery Pro Shop in Goshen, noticed an upswing in the number of teenagers and adults interested in archery. Hall, 55, attributed the heightened interest to nice weather, sunny days — a mild spring.
It took Hall's 72-year-old mother to clue him in: "[She] was actually the one who picked up on it and told me about'The Hunger Games,'" Hall said. The series' main character, Katniss Everdeen, hunts with a traditional bow and arrow.
The film, based on the best-selling novel by Connecticut residentSuzanne Collins, has spawned an interest in archery, outdoor sports and movie-themed merchandise and music, benefitting a range of retailers from Hall's small archery store in Goshen to big-box outdoor outfitters and toy stores, booksellers and mall stores, such as Hot Topic, that cater to teenagers.
Fifteen-year-old Bailey Flynn, a sophomore at Tolland High School has purchased all three books, seen the movie twice — the first time with her sister and father who've both read the book; the second time, with friends — bought a Hunger Games' bracelet, and downloaded several songs from the movie. Now, Flynn says she plans to buy a "T-shirt or a poster," and perhaps spend money on a class or two.
"I've thought about taking an outdoor skills class or maybe a self-defense class. A big part of the book is the survival skills," Flynn said. "This series has definitely captured my attention."
And the attention of parents, peers and retailers.
"At school, there's a few people who haven't read the books or seen the movies. If they haven't they definitely stick out," said Flynn, 15.

Have you had any interest in archery since reading the books or watching the movie?

Source: Hartford Courant