In my son's case, the answer was yes. The Hunger Games: The Exhibition actually stocked his interest, and he's now eager to dive into the books and films. The installation may have the same effect on other sci-fi and fantasy-loving tweens who aren't yet familiar with the saga, but it's really aimed at fans of the series.

For the uninitiated, the exhibit opens with a short video overview of the plot and key characters, and is organized into seven distinct sections, each focusing on a different part of the story. Like the novels, it begins in the glum, impoverished District 12, home of Katinss Everdeen. Visitors can view the set of the Hob, the makeshift trading post where she trades her hunting spoils for food and supplies her family desperately needs.

A recreation of the set of the Hob from District 12.

Next, guests can check out displays and props from the luxurious locomotive that sweeps District 12 tributes, Peeta and Katniss, into the Capitol for the 74th annual Hunger Games. See the extravagant view of the city from President Snow's balcony, and models of the two tributes on the chariot that parades them through the Capitol.

Katniss and Peeta parading into the Capitol on an opulent chariot.

The section dedicated to the Hunger Games arena is a major highlight since it's interactive. Here, visitors can learn knot tying and other survival skills, check out weapons and other props, and explore sci-fi concepts from the series like weather manipulation and animal mutations (called "muttations" in the books and films). Best of all is a virtual reality station where you can try to mimic some of the hardcore fight moves from the movies.

There's also a section about the revolution brewing in the quarantined District 13, including an interactive kiosk for making propaganda films like the ones Katniss starred in.

The exhibit includes an examination of Panem's omnipresent media and how it mirrors our society's obsession with reality television. There's a mock Capitol studio set visitors can use for a pretend interview with Caesar Flickerman, the game's MC (this makes for an awesome photo op!). Plus, you get the inside scoop on how the film producers chose the various shooting locales, and how the over-the-top costumes were created. Speaking of costumes, some of the films' most outlandish outfits like the heroine's pyrotechnic gown and the iconic Mockingjay pin are on display, too.

Since the book was incredibly vague about the location of each of the 13 districts in the former USA, my absolute favorite part of the exhibit was exploring the interactive map of Panem. Finally, the fictional country was laid over a map of United States so geeks like me could figure it all out.

Panem superimposed on a map of the USA puts the districts in perspective.

While there's nothing inappropriate for young children in the exhibit, it's definitely not for little kids. I'd say 10 is a good minimum age, and of course, kids who are already into the books and movies will get the most out of it. There are some special add-ons. We opted for the interactive audio guide ($7 per person), which lets you collect tokens, take photos and more. If you really feel like splurging, for $35, you can enjoy a cool green-screen experience and take home a collectible flash drive loaded with a three-minute video starring you as Katniss or Peeta, riding into the Capitol on a chariot, complete with the fiery costume.

The Hunger Games: The Exhibit is on view through Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Discovery Times Square, 226 West 44th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Tickets are $29.50 for adults, $22.50 for children ages 3-11.