Mattel (MAT) is developing a Barbie doll based on Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of the super-hot "Hunger Games" series.

This must have been a little awkward for Mattel. I imagine the conversation might have gone a little like this:

Barbie honcho No. 1: Hey, "The Hunger Games" is huge. Let's do a Katniss Barbie.

Barbie honcho No. 2: Well, um, she kills people, you know.

Barbie honcho No. 1: Oh.

The result is a doll "inspired" by Katniss. Mattel is quick to mention that this doll is "specifically for the adult collector." But will it be available in toy stores? And will this Barbie come with a lethal bow and arrow?

So far, Mattel isn't releasing any images. The Barbie collector's line already has a Bella doll from the "Twilight" series -- a romantic human Bella bride in a wedding dress, well before she turns into a bloodthirsty vampire.

But you can't blame Mattel for wanting a ride on the "Hunger Games" merchandise train, which shows no signs of slowing after this weekend's stellar box-office debut. The movie, which cost $80 million to produce, took in $155 million in U.S. and Canada -- beating the already high expectations set by Hollywood, Reuters reports. It was the third-highest domestic film opening -- quite extraordinary, given that the movie was based on a dystopian novel about children forced to kill each other to survive.

Lion's Gate Entertainment (LGF), the studio behind the movie, has seen a massive run-up in share price leading up to the movie's release. Shares were up more than 4% Monday to $15.14.

Another stock getting a "Hunger Games" lift was teen retailer Hot Topic (HOTT), which said it has sold out of much of its related merchandise. Shares have nearly doubled in the past year to $10.40 and were up 1% Monday.

Strong interest in the books is generating oodles of cash for book publisher Scholastic (SCHL). As a result, the company beat expectations for its most recent quarter and raised its outlook for the full year.

Related reading:

• Lions Gate fills up on 'The Hunger Games'
• 'The Hunger Games' is big business
• Profit off Lions Gate's share of 'Hunger Games'