Josh Hutcherson has seen the finished version of The Hunger Games - and given it the thumbs up.

The 19-year-old stars as Peeta Mellark, in Gary Ross' upcoming big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel, alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth.

"I saw The Hunger Games yesterday for the first time. I really, truly love it. I'm bad about being able to say that too. Which says a lot," he wrote on Twitter.

Josh praised his co-stars, including Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland.

"It tells the story perfectly and the acting amazes me. Jennifer, Liam, Woody, Elizabeth, Lenny, Donald. EVERYONE was fantastic," he continued.

"Gary Ross is simply a genius. I can't wait for everyone to see it!"

The Hunger Games will open in cinemas on March 23.