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Mattel's Hunger Games Barbie Looks... Not a Whole Lot Like Jennifer Lawrence

Mattel has unveiled the first look at their Hunger Games-themed Katniss Everdeen Barbie doll ($29.95), available for pre-order today and on shelves in August, and the result is... kinda close to what I envisioned when I read Suzanne Collins' novels. Not that District 12's underfed hunter gal ever hewed that close to Barbie's usual unattainably bosomy dimensions in most readers' minds, but something in Katniss-Barbie's face is appropriately feline, with just the merest hint of the full-lipped pout that Jennifer Lawrence brought to the screen.

Still, I had to laugh at creator Bill Greening's explanation (via EW) for how Katniss-Barbie, clad in her Games survival gear, was designed: “Hopefully Hunger Games fans can appreciate the attention to detail. The doll’s minimalistic style and details — such as her loosely braided hair and makeup-free look — also really embody the heroic character Katniss.”

Adding eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner to Katniss's pre-bloodbath look isn't exactly what I'd call "make-up free," but at least Greening kept from sexifying Katniss up when it came to her outfit. Pure Eddie Bauer chic, modeled on her getup from the movie. (I'm sure Katniss's flamboyant Capitol dresses are also en route to shelves for maximum styling options.)

What's more satisfying at first glance is seeing that Katniss-Barbie looks more like the Katniss I'd imagined when reading the books. Lawrence does stellar work in the role and is arguably one the best actresses of her generation who might've been up for it, but I'd always had a more ethnic-looking Katniss in mind. And while Mattel's design is just ethnically-ambiguous enough, I'd say it runs closer to Katniss's description on paper than the one captured onscreen in the film adaptation.

Thoughts?

[EW, Barbie Collector]