Hunger Games Character Comparison: Peeta and Katniss

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins wasna fast paced, thrilling and adventurous novel exuding a storyline that captures the reader's attention. Peeta and Katniss are two teens living in District 12. They have many differences, but they have very few similarities. They come from different families. Their backgrounds are different, yet both are very tough. The strategies they use in life and in The Games differ also.

Katniss and Peeta's strategies are completely opposite. Peeta's name gets drawn for The Games whereas Katniss volunteers for her sister, Prim. Katniss tries to appear brave and strong at the reaping. On page 40, Katniss tells the reader she “appears almost bored.” Peeta's plan is the complete opposite. He tries to appear weak and scared. Katniss tells the reader, “Peeta Mellark, on the other hand, has obviously been crying and interestingly enough does not seem to be trying to cover it up.” If he appears weak and scared at the reaping then when he gets into The Games, nobody will bother trying to kill him.

Katniss and Peeta's backgrounds and lives at home are different. Peeta is a baker in his family's bakery whereas Katniss hunts in the woods for her family. Katniss's father was killed in a mining accident which traumatized her mother and gave her ""dead eyes.” Both of Peeta's parents are still alive. His mom is abusive, and Katniss witnessed her slapping him on the face at the bakery in the past. His father is kindhearted, and gave Katniss cookies before The Games. Katniss is a very independent person, though Peeta depends on his family and the bakery.

Peeta and Katniss don't have many similarities; however they're both from District 12. They have to go against each other in The Games. This is hard for Katniss since Peeta has saved her life by giving her food in the past. When his name gets called, thoughts race through her mind. ""Oh no, I think, Not him.” They also have grown up in the same district. Katniss is very impulsive (For example her decision to try to commit suicide at the end of the book) whereas Peeta is more level headed and calm. They both have a protective instinct; Katniss over Gale, Prim and Rue, and Peeta over primarily Katniss - both would die for those they loved.

Even though they have many differences and very little similarities, Peeta and Katniss make the perfect team. Their strategies help them throughout The Games. Having a completely different partner would seem like a difficult thing, but opposites attract. Sometimes their similarities can even help them.