Peeta Mellark

"I don't know how to say it exactly. Only...I want to die as myself. I don't want them to change me in there. Turn me into some kind of monster that I'm not. I keep wishing I could think of a way to...to show the Capitol that they don't own me. That I'm more than just a piece in their Games."

- Peeta Mellark to Katniss Everdeen

Peeta Mellark, a baker's son from District 12, is one of the main characters of the The Hunger Games trilogy. He is a very compassionate person and is good with words. He has been in love with Katniss Everdeen since the age of 5, but never confessed his feelings until he was reaped alongside her for the 74th Hunger Games. He and Katniss play out a romance in the arena in order to garner sponsors and manage to both become victors by tricking the Gamemakers. Although his feelings are genuine, he is hurt to discover that Katniss' were not entirely. He and Katniss become friends despite the fact that they are forced to use their fake romance to both placate and subvert the capitol during their Victory Tour and the 75th Hunger Games. At the end of the 75th Games, Peeta is captured by the Capitol and hijacked to believe that Katniss is an evil muttation. He manages to fall in love with her all over again during the end of the war and the years afterwards. Eventually, Katniss realizes that she is also in love with him, and they have two children (it is unclear whether or not they are married).

Biography
Although he grew up in the merchant area of District 12, Peeta's childhood was less than desirable, as his family life was difficult. His father was kind, but his mother was known to beat Peeta and his two brothers if they made a mistake (for example, she hits Peeta with a rolling pin for burning bread).
 * -|Early life=

Ever since he was five years old, Peeta had a huge crush on Katniss Everdeen. On the first day of school, Peeta's father pointed her out, saying that he wanted to marry her mother but ultimately didn't as she married a coal miner. Peeta was confused as to why someone would marry a coal miner instead of his father, but Mr. Mellark explained that when Mr. Everdeen sang, the birds stopped to listen. Later, Katniss sang for their music class, and Peeta realized he was in love with her when he saw that the birds were listening like they did for her father. He said that he had often watched her, but the two never spoke until they were both reaped for the 74th Hunger Games.


 * -|The Hunger Games=


 * -|Catching Fire=


 * -|Mockingjay=

Physical description
Peeta is described as having "ashy blonde hair that falls in waves over his forehead," blue eyes, pale skin, and a stocky build, while being of medium height. (His eyes are hazel in the film)After an injury caused by Cato during during the 74th Hunger Games, Peeta's left leg is amputated at the thigh, with him using an artificial one. (This was not shown in the film). Peeta is said to be handsome by both Haymitch and Caesar Flickerman. On several occasions, Peeta's hair is described by Katniss as having wavy locks. Despite his living in District 12, he is slightly better built and more fit than others, especially people living in the seam, due to his family owning a bakery where he is kept better fed. In Mockingjay, following his capture by the Capitol, Katniss describes his mental and physical condition as slowly deteriorating, because of the torture and interrogation methods used on him.

Personality
"Known for being nice."

- Katniss, on Peeta Peeta has a very likable personality. He is bold (having announced that he was in love with Katniss to the whole nation), smart (figuring out strategies to use in the Games), and willing to go to extremes to keep Katniss alive. However, in the first book, Peeta told Katniss that he did not expect he would win. He is a great public speaker and is very brave. Peeta is also loving and cares about the people around him and hates killing unless the pursuer is a threat to himself or Katniss. He is selfless (for his willingness to sacrifice his own life for Katniss's), has a good sense of humor that he uses during tough times, and always knows exactly what to say to make someone feel better. He is able to work with Haymitch on goals and strategy and, unlike Katniss, able to keep secrets and is trusted by Haymitch. It is noted throughout the series his deep understanding of situations such as the Hunger Games where he says, "I don't want to be just a piece in their Games." It took Katniss much longer for her to understand the same concept. In Catching Fire, Finnick Odair states that Peeta is one of the only truly good people to survive the arena. He is usually the more sentimental of all of the main characters, "feeling" things more than everyone else. He doesn't have Katniss or Gale's "fire," but he isn't soft. He teases Katniss at times; for example, in Catching Fire, when Katniss wonders why Johanna, Chaff, and Finnick act differently toward her, Peeta explains it's because of her discomfort with nakedness.

His favorite color is sunset orange. Katniss notices that he always double-knots his shoelaces, sleeps with the windows open, and never takes sugar in his tea.

Peeta is described as sweet, gentle, strong, and steady by Katniss several times. She said that he is like "dandelion in the spring." He tends to make jokes and sweet comments. When he's hijacked, he becomes out-of-control, homicidal and, suicidal. Eventually, through separating "shiny" hijacked memories and real ones, he essentially cures himself.

Skills
"He frosted under heavy guard."

- Haymitch, on Peeta Peeta's main talents are baking, painting, speaking, camouflage and brute strength. His artistic talents developed from helping out at his parents' bakery by making bread and decorating cakes. His larger build and strength also give him an advantage during hand-to-hand combat and wrestling, coming in second place in a District 12 wrestling contest. In the Games, he usually carries a knife or a sword, although he rarely uses them in battle as he is not particularly violent and dislikes killing unless it is completely necessary. The Career tributes say that "he is handy with a knife." Peeta has a lot of strength from working at the bakery; Katniss says she's seen him lift bags of flour over a hundred pounds. It is also revealed in Catching Fire that Peeta has a talent for painting, which he publicizes as his victor's talent. First Collins describes of Peeta painting pictures of the games and later a picture of Rue after Katniss decorated her corpse during his private training session in the third Quarter Quell. Peeta also has a talent for speaking to crowds; he can always pick the right words to say to win them over. Katniss says that he can "change his pain into words that will move people." She thinks he should have led the rebellion, with his talent for public speaking. Peeta is an excellent liar. Katniss is unsure for much of The Hunger Games whether he's lying about his love for her. He lies in her defense when Katniss tries to explain knowing her Avox server, Lavinia. In The Hunger Games: Tribute Guide, his weapons are shown to be Camouflage, Strength and Spear, indicating he's quite good with spears too.

Victims
In the 74th Games, when Peeta is grouped with the Careers, they discover the District 8 girl and killed her. Moments later, when they don't hear the cannon signaling a death, an argument breaks out among the Careers and Peeta says that he'll go back and check if she is dead. When Peeta rejoins the Careers, they ask him if the girl is dead, to which he responds, "She is now," and a cannon goes off. Later, as an ally to Katniss, he accidentally kills Foxface when she eats some of the nightlock berries he had been collecting, thinking they were edible. He also states in an interview with Caesar Flickerman that he killed Brutus during the Quarter Quell Games after Brutus killed Chaff, right before Katniss shot out the force field. During the battle of the Capitol, Peeta, in one of his rages due to his hijacking, killed Mitchell by unintentionally kicking him into a net of wires.

Family
Peeta's family consists of five people. His father, a baker, is known for being gentle and kind to everyone, as well as a buyer of poached squirrels when the wife isn't around (Peeta's father told his son that he loved Katniss' mother but she went off with the coal miner). Peeta's mother, on the other hand, is commonly known as a witch. She snaps at people and is very harsh and unmoving (like when Peeta was younger and he burnt bread, she slapped him so hard she blackened his eye). Peeta also has two unnamed older brothers, one who was too old to take his place in the 74th Hunger Games and the other who could have taken his place but didn't. As Katniss says, "Family devotion only goes so far for most people on reaping day." His eldest brother would be around age 19-23, and the other would be around 17-18 in the first book.It is quite obvious that Peeta's family is neither close nor very happy. Peeta angrily states how his mother put no confidence in him winning the Games, but in fact placed Katniss higher on the totem pole than her own son. He didn't try to hide his hurt or anger over the encounter. In Catching Fire, Peeta says to Katniss that his family wouldn't be too worried about his death and that they could go on living without him, further implying the fact. In Mockingjay it is revealed that all of his family was killed in the bombing of District 12.

In the epilogue of Mockingjay, it is revealed that Katniss and Peeta have 2 children during about 15 years after the last book. The first is a daughter, and the second a son, born probably 2 to 3 years after the girl.

Katniss Everdeen
"I must have loved you a lot."

- Peeta, to Katniss

When Peeta first saw Katniss, it was when they were five; his father had pointed her out and told him about how he loved Katniss' mother but she ran off with a coal miner. Peeta asks, "Why did she marry him if she could've had you?" and his father answers, "Because when he sings... even the birds stop to listen." In music class, the teacher asked who knew the valley song and Katniss' hand shot up. She sang it beautifully and, as Peeta says, "And I swear every bird outside the windows fell silent. And right when your song ended, I knew - just like your mother - I was a goner." This is when Peeta's true love for her started. Peeta was always seen with a large group of people and whenever Katniss was around he would notice her, no matter what. When they were younger, Peeta helped Katniss by burning bread as an excuse to give it to her so she wouldn't die from starvation. When Peeta was reaped for the 74th Hunger Games, he saw it as in some way a piece of luck, so that he could finally get to know her. He and Katniss pretended to be star-crossed lovers, but to Peeta it was not an act; he truly did love her, but Katniss did not reciprocate these feelings. Peeta never stopped thinking about her during the games. When in the cave, Peeta expressed his love for her and told her of his memories of her and when he first began to love her. Katniss and Peeta kiss each other and their kiss had real emotions behind it for both of them. She is comforted immensely by his presence throughout their time together. They continued the love act until the final interview. Peeta is hurt when he finds out Katniss did not see it as anything more than an act.

In Catching Fire, he and Katniss assume a cool relationship while by themselves but they soon agree to be just friends. Although Peeta rarely mentions his love for her in his offhand comments, it is clear that he still loves her deeply, as shown by him holding her every night while she has nightmares; it is his presence that allows her to sleep peacefully in his arms. They affectionately spend their last full day before the Quell together. During the games, Peeta was determined to keep Katniss alive. Peeta knew Katniss had feelings for Gale and if she was happy with him, he would let her go so she could find happiness—even if it meant sorrow for himself. Katniss attempted to bring him home alive, but Peeta had other plans. Believing these to be his final moments of life, on the beach, Peeta told Katniss her how he truly loved her and would die for her. He gives her two very important items: a locket with a picture of Mrs. Everdeen and Prim on one side and a picture of Gale smiling on the other, and a pearl he found, remarking that "coals become pearls when they're under lots of pressure." He compared the precious stone to her. The locket and pearl became very important to Katniss and kept them close to her (this is when Katniss is fully aware that she loves Peeta as well). Despite the pain he experiences, he fights for Katniss until he is taken away from her.In Mockingjay, Peeta is gone for a portion of the beginning until about halfway through the book, in which he is only shown being interviewed. Shortly after the last interview, he advises Katniss to think for herself and not trust the rebels. In response to Katniss's promos with the rebels, Peeta is tortured and beaten by the Capitol as a means of breaking Katniss. He returns after Gale rescues him, but has had his memories tampered with—or hijacked. While he is hijacked, he is driven to kill Katniss and is unable to remember the intense bond they shared. Over time, with the help of the people around them, Peeta's resilience, and Katniss's efforts, Peeta is slowly able to piece together his true memories and rediscover his deep love for her.

While on the Star Squad Peeta desired death due to feeling out of control and still having impulses to harm Katniss; on several occasions he asks her to shoot him, give him nightlock, or just leave him to die. Peeta feared he would eventually overpower Katniss and harm her. Nonetheless, she stayed by him and comforted him, even kissing him when he was in danger of losing control, and the kiss is able to ground him back in reality, where he promises to stay with Katniss 'Always'.

When Katniss returns to District 12, he went to her house and planted primroses around her home as a memorial to her sister, who died because of the exploding parachutes. Over time, Katniss and Peeta grow back together again, and one night, echoing a "game" that they had played while he was having trouble recovering his memory, Peeta asks Katniss: "You love me. Real or not real?" She answers "Real." Katniss expresses how she feels about both Peeta and Gale—that Gale was full of fire, and altogether, not the relationship she needed. Peeta, to her, was like, "a dandelion in the spring...signaling rebirth," emphasizing that Peeta is able to help Katniss heal and move forward, which is what she wants and needs and loves about him. Katniss  gives into the 'hunger' that she feels when she is with him, and after reflects that she believes "This would have happened anyways," indicating that Katniss finally realized how deep her feelings for Peeta ran.

In the epilogue, Katniss and Peeta have children after 15 years of being together, and they find a meadow to settle down in. Katniss and Peeta are still haunted by the memories of the Games but find ways to carry on living and cope with their trauma, living in peace with their children.

Gale Hawthorne
"I was jealous of him before I even officially met you."

- Peeta, on Gale, to Katniss

Peeta admits to having been jealous of Gale for a long time, having watched him and Katniss from afar for many years and realizing the depth and strength of their relationship.

In Catching Fire, Peeta knew Katniss had feelings for Gale and accepted that he would allow Katniss to be with him if it brought her happiness. When Gale was whipped, Peeta stepped in on his behalf and afterwards helped carry him to Victor's Village. Later, while training for the Quarter Quell, Gale teaches Peeta and Haymitch about snares and trapping. Gale stated that he tried to hate Peeta, but it was just too hard because Peeta is too good of a person.

In the arena, Peeta gave Katniss a locket with a picture of Gale inside. He plans to sacrifice himself so that Katniss makes it out of the Quell alive and tells her that he wants her to have a life and children with Gale after he is gone.

In Mockingjay, Gale volunteered first to be on the squad to break into the Capitol and retrieve Peeta from prison. It is unknown whether he did this for Katniss or out of genuine concern for Peeta. Confused and suspicious of Katniss due to his hijacking, Peeta on more than one occasion expresses jealousy of Gale. When Peeta joins Squad 451, Gale does not hesitate to offer to kill him for Katniss but does help him play "Real or Not Real?" later.

Also in Mockingjay, Katniss wakes to a hushed conversation between an injured Gale and semi-hijacked Peeta. Gale helps Peeta drink some water, as his hands are cuffed. They speak like friends and talk about Katniss. Katniss' internal monologue mentions that Gale and Peeta "aren't friends" and "never have been. Though they're not exactly enemies." During this conversation, Gale expresses regret for not having volunteered in Peeta's place during the 74th Games, preventing her and Peeta's relationship altogether. Peeta reminds him that Katniss would probably resent him greatly for abandoning their families in such a situation. Peeta also claims that Katniss is in love with Gale, while Gale denies it and asserts that she loves Peeta. Peeta wonders how Katniss will choose between them, and Gale says that she will choose whoever "she thinks she can't survive without."

Haymitch Abernathy
"In the end, the only person I truly want to comfort me is Haymitch, because he loves Peeta too."

- Katniss Peeta and Haymitch did not get off on the right foot, fighting with each other over Haymitch's drinking habits on the train ride to the Capitol before the 74th Hunger Games. The two later work together often and become good friends with each other. Haymitch favored Peeta since he was very useful and good. He admits that he likes Peeta better. Peeta and him form plans together like Peeta's act of love to Katniss. Peeta is able to be told secrets and plans by Haymitch and keep them to himself. Haymitch does not help Peeta during the 74th Hunger Games.

Haymitch is hurt when he is taken away by the Capitol and is guilty for allowing this to happen. Although he does not admit it, Haymitch truly loves Peeta. Peeta is attacked by Haymitch to see if he will put up a fight in the arena which he is pleased when he and Katniss both show strength aganist him by ganging up. Haymitch forms plans and informs him of all his plans during the preparation for the games. Haymitch helps him and the two both become close to each other. Haymitch and Peeta work together to form the plan of the 'star-crossed lovers of District 12' act to gain sympathy from the audience. Haymitch is overjoyed when both him and Katniss come back alive. He does everything he can to prevent them from being harmed by the Capitol since they are enraged by the suicide act with the berries in the arena.

Haymitch is somewhat hurt when Peeta is angry at him for keeping secrets from him and is deeply hurt when President Snow announces the third Quarter Quell will be reaping victors since Peeta may die. Haymitch is deeply concerned when Peeta is captured by the Capitol. He and Katniss both work together to rescue Peeta. Haymitch and Katniss try their best to help Peeta through the stress and affects of the tracker-jacker venom they used to hijack his memories. The two reconnect at the end of Mockingjay.

Effie Trinket
Peeta seemed to get along well with Effie, never giving her many problems. Peeta did anger her when he and Katniss joked around about Haymitch being drunk during the reaping and making a fool of himself on national television. Effie yells at them telling them he is their only life line and the only thing keeping them alive. Peeta is kind to her and always follows her plans. Effie did try to do her best for him and Katniss during the games. Effie was sad the night before the 74th Hunger Games and couldn't bear say her goodbyes because she truly does love him. Peeta tolerated her nagging during the Victory Tour. There was no known interaction between Effie and Peeta during Mockingjay.

Finnick Odair
"Oh, Peeta, don't make me sorry I restarted your heart."

- Finnick

In Catching Fire, Finnick and Peeta ally, along with Mags, Katniss, and later, Beetee, Johanna, and Wiress. Finnick saves Peeta's life after Peeta runs into a forcefield—initially, Katniss believes Finnick is actually kissing Peeta, while he is really performing CPR.

During the events of Mockingjay, Finnick shows concern for Katniss and Peeta, and goes out of his way to save Peeta's life again. Before Finnick's death they are shown to be friendly enough with each other, with Peeta having baked and iced Finnick and Annie's wedding cake. Peeta seems rather regretful or Finnick's death toward the end of Mockingjay and in the epilogue.

Johanna Mason
Peeta and Johanna are known to have been tortured together in the Capitol along with Annie Cresta and possibly Enobaria. Johanna later reveals that the two are "familiar with each other's screams." They were also allies in the 75th Hunger Games.

Portia
Portia was Peeta's stylist in the 74th and 75th Hunger Games and their relationship is unknown. They were most likely friends and got along very well considering the fact in Catching Fire he briefly makes a comment about her.

Trivia

 * In the Tribute Guide Peeta has three weapons, the most of all 24 tributes.
 * In the film, Peeta weighs 145 Pounds and has 23-1 odds of winning the Games.
 * Katniss and Peeta are the only victors to ever participate in the Games two years in a row.
 * He is the only male volunteer from District Twelve.
 * He is the second tribute to volunteer in his district, the first being Katniss Everdeen.
 * When the training scores are revealed, he and Katniss are the only tributes recognized by their first and last names.
 * Peeta's favorite color is orange, like a sunset.
 * Peeta in Greek (πίτα=peeta) means pie.
 * In the book, Peeta has to have his leg amputated and a prosthetic made. In the movie, his leg is fine after Katniss gives him the medicine.
 * Peeta's favorite Candy is peppermints according in Catching Fire

Gallery

 * Peeta Mellark Gallery