Thank you to the citizens of Panem who sent tributes from all 12 districts to take part in the first Bookmans Survive The Hunger Games. This event was created by fans for fans. No matter if you've seen the film or read the book, everyone recognizes the phrase, "May the odds be ever if your favor!" The odds were in everyone's favor as all survived the Hunger Games at Bookmans Mesa.

Several areas in the store were created for a real-life Hunger Games-style experience. Each tribute picked up a "Training Center" score sheet from the Phoenix Comicon Street Team. To complete the score sheet tributes visited several areas in the store to compete in a challenge, skill or just have fun! After receiving a score from each area everyone was entered in to a raffle where one lucky winner would receive a replica District 12 backpack that included all of the items Kathiss received when she entered the arena. Other raffle items included Hunger Games movie posters and tickets to The Phoenix Comicon.

Check out Jonathan from Lightning Octopus Geeking Out with Phoenix Comicon

Tributes learned Survival Skills like knot tying, trap creating, water purifying and recognizing edible plants from the Arizona desert. We set up an archery station where many Tributes picked up a bow and arrow for the very first time. After that it was off to enjoy the delightfully tasty treats generously provided by Mellark Bakery. Each Tribute received a Capitol-style makeover to look their best during the games.

The ladies of Kiki's Cupcake Service provided the delicious baked goods

The ladies of Dark Goddess Creations chose costume contest winners where a lovely Katniss Everdeen and Effie Trinket went home with gift certificates for beautiful jewelry and costume pieces. We enjoyed spending the evening with other die-hard Hunger Games fans of all ages and cannot wait to throw a party for the Catching Fire film release! For pictures of the event, please visit us on our Flickr page and watch the video on AzCentral.com.

Dark Goddess Creations with our costume contest winners

Congrats to @RainbowWM for winning our #SurviveTheHungerGames hash tag contest on Twitter. She took home a $50 Bookmans Gift Card.

Chat with me @bookmansmesa on Twitter.