Elizabeth Banks: 'I was one of the first to read The Hunger Games'

Elizabeth Banks has revealed that she was one of the first people to read The Hunger Games upon the book's release.

The actress, who will play Effie Trinket in the upcoming film adaptation of Suzanne Collins's dystopian teen trilogy, told Parade that she was always interested in the project and had eyed her role from the beginning.

Banks explained: "I was one of the first readers of the book. I produce movies and I was looking at a similar book when the publisher recommended I read The Hunger Games. I loved it, devoured it, and then devoured Catching Fire. Then I had to wait a year for Mockingjay, which I pre-ordered from Amazon.

"I was really invested in the books from the get-go and had worked for Gary Ross before. So when he got the job I just emailed everybody and was like, 'I really want to play Effie Trinket. Just know that I am out here and if you need someone, I can step in.'"

Banks recently said that the role of Effie is "so suited" to her and is the only part she could play.

She has described the experience of shooting the film as "rewarding" and expressed her excitement for its release.

The Hunger Games will hit theatres on March 23, 2012.

Watch a teaser trailer for The Hunger Games below: