The Hunger Games, one of the most successful book-to-film franchises of all time, tells the story of a youth-led political rebellion in a dystopian future. When she isn't surviving the Hunger Games or fighting a war, Katniss Everdeen considers two romantic prospects in Gale Hawthorne and Peeta Mellark.
With a prequel having just come out, many are revisiting the franchise once again, reliving the romance, adventure, and political satire. Here are the best arguments for why she should have chosen Gale, and why she made the right choice in Peeta.
Gale: Both Had To Grow Up Fast
When we're first introduced to Katniss and Gale in The Hunger Games, we learn that they are both mature beyond their years. This is partially due to each of their fathers' deaths in a mining explosion, leaving them to have to hunt to keep their families from starving. Because of this, they share a hardened nature that only the two of them really understand. At one point, in Mockingjay, Gale tells Peeta "Katniss will pick whoever she thinks she can't survive without."
Peeta: They Protect One Another
From the moment his name was called in the reaping, Peeta was determined to see Katniss survive. This decision was fueled by Peeta's unrequited love for Katniss. Katniss takes longer to come around, but after surviving the first games together, she comes to care about Peeta's safety as much as her family's. In Catching Fire, Peeta and Katniss each make deals with Haymitch to ensure one another's survival.
Gale: Is A Hunter Like Katniss
During the first scene with Katniss and Gale in The Hunger Games, we learn that they are both skilled hunters. This is something that they continue to enjoy doing together throughout the series, as it helps them find a sense of calm and normalcy amid everything that is going on around them.
Their love of hunting also reveals their shared survival skills and rejection of authority, as hunting is illegal in Panem. Neither Katniss nor Gale are ever likely to follow the rules set out for them.
Peeta: Is Unfailingly Kind And Selfless
While Katniss' upbringing has led her to sometimes act cold and harsh, Peeta is always kind and compassionate. Before entering the arena in the first Hunger Games, Peeta expresses his aversion to senseless killing. After the games, when he realizes that Katniss was pretending to be in love with him, he remains polite, eventually telling her that he doesn't blame her for her actions in the arena. While knowing that Katniss doesn't quite return his feelings, Peeta is a good friend and doesn't push her for anything more.
Gale: Supports Katniss
Although Gale and Katniss don't always agree on how the rebellion should be fought, Gale supports Katniss when she acts as the Mockingjay. While they are living in District 13, Katniss and Gale are rarely seen apart, as Gale understands that Katniss needs a friend to be by her side. Katniss relies heavily on Gale's advice, as he is one of the people she trusts the most. Even when he disagrees with her, Gale always has Katniss' back.
Peeta: Brings Out A Different Side Of Katniss
Most know Katniss as prickly, hardened, and blunt, as this is the side of herself that Katniss feels the most comfortable showing to the world. With Peeta, Katniss can let down her defenses and allow herself to be softer and more vulnerable. Peeta's kindness inspires Katniss and brings out her more tender feelings, softening her rough edges. Other than her sister, Prim, few people make Katniss feel less guarded and more open.
Gale: Understands Katniss
Gale knows Katniss better than anyone, having been her best friend and confidant since they were children. He often knows what she needs without her having to say it, and can usually predict what she will do next. For example, he is able to predict when Katniss will kiss him, telling her "I knew you'd kiss me... Because I'm in pain." He also knows that Katniss will choose Peeta before she knows it herself.
Peeta: Has Shared Trauma With Katniss
Katniss and Peeta went through not one, but two Hunger Games together, as well as a war. Both suffer from PTSD, resulting in nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened anxiety. Peeta helps calm Katniss down when she wakes up from her nightmares, and Katniss helps Peeta determine which of his memories are real or fake after his mind is hijacked.
Katniss and Peeta's bond is unique and irreplaceable, as they have gone through most of their traumatic experiences together. They continue to look out for one another and rely on each other for support long after the events of Mockingjay.
Gale: Reminds Katniss Of A Simpler Time
Gale and Katniss met when they were 14 and 12, respectively. Their lives were never simple. They grew up in poverty and each lost their fathers. Even so, the tumultuous events of Mockingjay make Katniss miss when things were simple and she could go hunting with Gale whenever she wished. She always wants Gale near her for a sense of normalcy and support and is upset at how the Games have changed the dynamic of their relationship.
Peeta: Makes Katniss Feel Hopeful
The first interaction Katniss recalls having with Peeta involved him tossing her the burnt loaf of bread that saved her life. That bread symbolized hope for Katniss and inspired her not to give up on life. Her feelings for Peeta are summed up at the end of Mockingjay when she says "What I need is the dandelion in spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again. And only Peeta can give me that." After losing her sister, only Peeta can help Katniss have hope again.