Woody Harrelson wins a role in The Hunger Games

Woody Harrelson has officially been confirmed as Haymitch Abernathy in Gary Ross’ adaptation of The Hunger Games .

Written by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is the first in a best-selling young adult trilogy.

Set in an alternate post-apocalyptic world, one boy and one girl are picked at random from different districts across the country and forced to take part in a brutal battle to the death live on television to ensure the safety of loved ones back home.

There is only one winner.

Winter’s Bone actress Jennifer Lawrence won the central role of Everdeen Katniss who volunteers herself to the games in place of her sister, while The Lovely Bones actor Stanley Tucci has been cast as the host of the games.

Most recently seen in Zombieland , Harrelson will play a drunk who once won the games years before, and is entrusted with training Katniss before the event.

Casting is not quite complete (there's still a couple of roles that need filling), but a slated release date of 23 March 2012 is in place.