Philip Seymour Hoffman on why 'The Hunger Games' is good for kids

"It's unbelievable what this woman has done," the actor said in an interview. "She literally tells our modern history of war and the awful things that have happened through these science-fiction novels. In the modern day, we send children off to die to protect our way of life, basically. It's very powerful the way she does it."

His amazement at Collins' books made him say, "I'm in. I want to be a part of that," he said. Despite the film's bloody premise, he said the full story gives a very different message than simply "kids who kill each other." According to him, if the films are done well, they are something kids should see.

Hoffman said since his role in the "Catching Fire" book isn't very big -- Plutarch Heavensbee takes over from Seneca Crane as Head Gamekeeper. But the film's writers added more to his character. Then when he films "Mockingjay," everything changes.

"I'm looking forward to the next two [films], because his job becomes very different," Hoffman said of Plutarch's role. "The story becomes very different and everyone will see what happens."

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