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RALEIGH – The highly anticipated movie “The Hunger Games” hits theaters today.
Fans began lining up overnight to watch the movie.

Since the film was made almost entirely in North Carolina, state leaders expect to see an increase in tourism from the series' growing fan base.

The book that so many people love hits the big screen and fans cannot wait to see the novel come to life.

In Raleigh and all across the state, fans hit the movie theaters for the early morning showing of “The Hunger Games.”

Ginny Taylor and her friends bought their tickets on Monday. They didn't want to miss the chance to see their favorite character on the big screen.

"I've been waiting since before it was going to be a movie,” said Taylor.

After the long wait, their expectations were high.

“I hope it follows the book and not like jumps around and I hate when people add parts,” said Taylor, “like in Harry Potter, they added stuff and took out stuff. So I hope its better."

Fans may recognize some of the North Carolina destinations that appear in the film.

The very first frame in the first scene of “The Hunger Games” was filmed in Charlotte at the Knight Theatre.

And most of the movie's District 12 scenes were shot at the P&M Warehouse in downtown Shelby.

Those who worked on the film said it was a great opportunity.

"To have stuff come to North Carolina and put our students in internships at that highest level of the artform is incredible,” said set designer Wade Wilson.

Gov. Bev Perdue said the film already made a big impact on our state, by employing nearly 5,000 people, spending about $60 million during production and helping the state's film industry generate a record $220 million in spending in 2011.

Now the governor expects fans from around the world will want to visit the Tar Heel State and check out the spots where the movie was made.