peeta

Peeta Mellark is a fictional character in Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games trilogy. He is a male tribute from District 12 who competes in the Hunger Games alongside Katniss Everdeen. The son of a baker, Peeta is portrayed as practical, compassionate, and loyal, and his actions influence many of the series' moral and strategic developments.

Peeta grows up in District 12, a region defined by poverty and mining. He is known for an early act of generosity toward Katniss when he secretly gives her bread during a period of hunger, a moment that foreshadows his protective instincts and the complex bond that develops between the two protagonists. In the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to take Prim’s place, and Peeta is selected as the District 12 male tribute, becoming Katniss’s fellow contestant.

During the Games, Peeta and Katniss form an alliance and coordinate their actions, partly to maximize their survival chances and partly to craft a public narrative of a star-crossed romance that can attract sponsors. Their cooperation ultimately culminates in a controversial ending in which both survive as victors when the Capitol initially allows two winners instead of one.

In the following books, Peeta’s arc includes capture by the Capitol and exposure to brainwashing and manipulation, creating significant tension for the rebellion. After his recovery, he experiences lasting psychological strain, and his relationship with Katniss remains complex and deeply affected by their shared experiences of trauma and resistance.

Peeta is portrayed by actor Josh Hutcherson in the film adaptations of The Hunger Games series.