PHOTOS Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen Barbie doll unveiled

Do you have a young daughter who’d rather run around in the woods shooting squirrels than play with a Barbie doll? Well now she can do both! Mattel is taking preorders through BarbieCollector.com for their collectible Hunger Games inspired Katniss Everdeen Barbie doll, scheduled to be shipped August 1.

UPDATE – you can now also order the doll through AMAZON for the same price!

The Katniss Barbie comes in the clothes Katniss wore in the actual Hunger Games competition (I suppose a replica of her coal-inspired chariot look with actual flames would have been a bit risky) complete with bow and arrow, green military pants, boots, braided hair, and a hooded jacket that includes a teeny tiny mockingjay pin on the inside of the collar. Here’s a full-length photo:

The doll’s designer, Bill Greening, tells PopWatch, “I chose to dress her in the outfit she wears during the games, since this is where all the non-stop action takes place and is instantly recognizable by fans.” He continues, “Hopefully Hunger Games fans can appreciate the attention to detail,” Greening says.”The doll’s minimalistic style and details — such as her loosely braided hair and makeup-free look — also really embody the heroic character Katniss.”

And don’t think for a second that designing the Katniss doll was just another job for Greening! “I am a huge Hunger Games fan and loved all three books, so it was truly an amazing experience for me to be able to design the Katniss Barbie doll,” he says. “I think it really pays tribute to Katniss and The Hunger Games.”

The retail price for the doll is $29.95 but quantities are limited to 5 per order.

Here are the details from BarbieCollector.com:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Hunger Games Katniss doll wears a hooded jacket, top, and military-style pants inspired by the costume Katniss wore in the film. Included are bow, arrows, and quiver. Completing her look is the iconic mockingjay pin.

And what about the doll’s likeness to actress Jennifer Lawrence?

Looks pretty good! (Yes, I realize Katniss isn’t wearing her Hunger Games jacket in the photo – it was merely for facial and hair comparison.)

I’m all about giving little girls options – especially with a strong character like Katniss! Kudos Mattel! Let the tea parties begin, and may the odds be ever in your favor. 🙂

Actually, the Katniss Barbie is all fine and good, but where’s the masculine equivalent? You know what I’m talking about! The Seneca Crane Ken doll!

BOO YEAH! And here we though it was Barbie who was just a beard!

All Photos (except the bottom): Mattel / Lions Gate Films Inc.