Gabby

It’s the way they yearn. Their unflinching loyalty, selflessness, and unconditional adoration for those they love, even to a fault at times. Sometimes they believe the best way to show their love is to retreat and work in the background to take care of everything.

Belly admiring Conrad as he talks about the human body in Paris is so similar to Katniss being mesmerized by Peeta’s passion as he paints her plant book. Peeta and Conrad both tell their loves that they don’t know the effect they have on people. They never ask for more than the other is willing to give.

It makes sense that this type of discourse is so ingrained in fandom culture because it can be so fun and can be a way to connect with others. But, focusing only on this and proving one character is better than the other misunderstands the core of a love triangle: two people just loving each other more. Seeking to villainize a character so that there is a specific reason to rule them out as a romantic partner is unnecessary and reductive.

Primarily, this comment is his way of lashing out at the entire quell situation, insulting Katniss in the process. Haymitch and Katniss are so similar in their upbringings, way of thinking, and relationship with Peeta. By insulting Katniss, he insults himself. Like Katniss, he feels so guilty and shameful that his initial reaction to the quell announcement was that of anger and self pity when Peeta was thinking of a plan to save everyone.

When Peeta begs to go back into the arena, Haymitch is reminded that he also does not deserve Peeta. This is someone who showed him kindness when he did not deserve it. Peeta took care of him on the train after the reaping after Haymitch had already been no help as a mentor. He even baked him bread and checked up on him after he decided to prioritize Katniss over him in the arena. Now he is selfless again in his mission to save everyone.

As they consider running away, Katniss and Gale argue about who would be joining them and the implications of the recent uprisings. Katniss tries to explain the violent and harsh realities of these events while Gale jumps at the idea of the rebellion and says:

“You could do so much.” - Catching Fire, pg 100

This simple line is so heavy because it causes Katniss to spiral into self doubt and shame. We know how protective and loyal Katniss is and this comment cuts through her. After the whipping and all the crackdowns in 12, she feels selfish and cowardly. She is confronted with her influence as a symbol in the districts and carries that burden constantly.

Katniss is in desperate need of emotional comfort and understanding which Gale is completely unwilling to provide. At best, this comment proves how much he doesn’t understand her. At worst, it is so sinister, especially right after he claims he loves her.

Upon captivity, Snow definitely sought to punish Peeta for the role he played in the rebellion (creating the star crossed lovers narrative, “if it weren’t for the baby,” painting the picture of Rue, offering some of his winnings to Thresh and Rue’s family, etc.) but he knows Peeta is not responsible for sparking the rebellion. Peeta is not the one who pulled out the berries. He was ready and willing to die for Katniss after the rule change was rescinded. Snow knew Peeta was not acting and was motivated by his love for Katniss. He acted rebelliously in different ways but ultimately knew how to perform effectively for the Capitol during the Victory Tour.

Snow sees himself in Peeta: another victim of the manipulative tactics of a Covey girl. By brainwashing Peeta to hate Katniss, Snow does what he did to himself with Lucy Gray. Katniss succeeds in convincing Snow of her love for Peeta, granting him the power to truly break her. Ultimately, it is Katniss Snow wishes to punish and he uses Peeta as a means to an end.

Katniss, on the other hand, represented the most oppressed class there is. She was a young woman supporting her family from the poorest part of the poorest district. Her journey began because of her love for her sister and it was clear that every subsequent action was selfless and defiant. This is the figure the rebellion needed. Her anger, kindness, ingenuity, and instincts made her a captivating figure (whether she liked to perform or not). Katniss is entirely the right person at the right place at the right time.

Katniss is branded as a wide-eyed, lovesick girl, emphasizing her femininity and youth. This narrative requires a romantic partner. Alone, her rebellious actions would be intentional choice. With Peeta, the berries stunt was a desperate act to cling to her lover.

Haymitch’s narrative, on the other hand, relied on the fact that he was a loner. He was a snarky rascal troublemaker who abandoned the newcomers. This persona, along with the violent actions against the careers in the arena, made him a brutal victor who flaunted his battle scars.

“When Peeta holds out his arms, I walk straight into them. It’s the first time since they announced the Quarter Quell that he’s offered me any sort of affection. He’s been more like a demanding trainer, always pushing, always insisting Haymitch and I run faster, eat more, know our enemy better. Lover? Forget about that. He abandoned any pretense of being my friend. I wrap my arms tightly around his neck before he can order me to do push-ups or something. Warmth radiates from the spot where his lips just touch my neck, slowly spreading though the rest of me. It feels so good, so impossibly good, that I know I will not be the first to let go.” — Catching Fire, pg. 193

I definitely think so. The creation of the “star crossed lovers” was an unprecedented strategy that allowed Peeta to create and control the narrative. Now, all the attention was on two kids from the poorest district and the gamemakers were forced to react. This directly led to the two victor rule change. Peeta wanted to die as himself and, with this change, he is able to do so. He spends what he believes are his last moments with the girl that he loves.

Beyond the first games, he has many rebellious moments that challenge the Capitol, allowing him to show that they don’t own him. He offers some of his victor’s winnings to Thresh and Rue’s families. He paints a picture in honor of Rue in his training session. During his time in captivity, he warns District 13 of the bombing.

His ultimate act of preserving his sense of self is overcoming the highjacking. After being used as a pawn by Snow in his larger game to hate and kill Katniss, Peeta finds a way to heal. Although he might never be the same, he is able to love Katniss again because that is who he is as a person. He is more than just a piece in Snows games and no amount of psychological torture could strip him of his ability to love.

- He takes care of Haymitch on the train after they first meet simply because he needed it.

- In the first games, he likely shows the tribute mercy after he is sent to finish them off.

- After the games, he takes care of haymitch again by checking in on him and bringing baked goods.

- On the victory tour, he offers one month of winnings to thresh and rue’s family.

- He paints a picture of Rue during his training session to honor her.

- He comforts the morphing, ensuring she dies experiencing kindness (my favorite moment).

- He likely provides comfort and reassurance to Johanna and Annie in the Capitol.

- In his hijacked state, he makes Finnick and Annie’s wedding cake.