Surviving midnight craziness of "The Hunger Games"

So you plan to go to a midnight showing of "The Hunger Games." My guess is some fanatics are already in line now. So what's the best time to go? How do you stay entertained while you wait for hours?

Some tips:

-A quick check of theaters show tickets are still available. If you want to ensure a seat, buy them as early as possible. You don't want to be disappointed.

-Find out when the theater will be opening up doors for each movie seating. This can help you decide the best time to arrive. Says Melissa Rich of Harkins Theatres: "Depending on the theater, seating could begin as early as 9 or 10 p.m. Since the film will be showing on most of the complex’s screens, it would be mayhem if everyone was let in at the same time. The theater managers usually try to stagger the entry."

-Expect long lines, even if you arrive early. Says Rich: "There’s always those die hard fans who will camp out all day to get the best seat...For Harry Potter and Twilight we saw lines wrapped around the buildings, and the way Hunger Games tickets have been selling, this is on track to be just as big a phenomenon."

-Bring some comforts from home. Books, video games, music players, laptops, snacks, water, folding chairs, good shoes, etc. can be helpful, especially if arriving early. If you do bring chairs, know that theaters won't let those in once doors open. But you should have time to run them back to the car.

-Make it an event. Take pictures, invite friends, keep it fun. It will help time pass.

-If you have a big enough group, you can let a few take a break and walk around while the majority are in line. But arrive together. You don't want to irritate others with "cuts in line." Make sure to keep it friendly with the other fans in front and behind you so they will help you maintain your spot.

-Since fans get seated an hour or more early, that will give you some time to get snacks. It will be busy, so be patient. Have a list and send part of your party to retrieve it.

-You can hold seats, but be considerate. Remember, you want to set an example to your tweens and teens. Says Rich: "We ask that people hold no more than two seats for their companions, and if it becomes a problem a manager can always handle the situation."

-Know the curfew rules in your city. You don't want your kids, and you since you're responsible for them, getting in trouble.