Summary
When reflecting onThe Hunger Gamesfranchise, it’s easy to see Katniss as the rebel and Peeta as the reluctant accomplice, but the books tell a different story.The Hunger Gamesfranchise by Suzanne Collins has proven to be one of the most popular and beloved young adult series in recent years, with a series of heart-wrenching stories following children who are used as pawns in a divided Panem. The original trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen as the primary protagonist, accompanied by another important central figure, Peeta Mellark.
In the movies,Peeta appears to be a much more docile character, who is highly nervous and reluctant about appearing in the Games, which is to be expected, but the books show a different side to him. While the adaptedPeeta is generally willing to follow Katniss' lead, and attempts to simply play the game to get the best chance at returning home, there are pivotal, character-defining lines in the books that reveal his own rebellious spirit. Had these lines been included, it’s likely Peeta would have been a much more interesting character.
The Hunger Games Books & Movies Completely Fail 1 Important Group Of Characters
The Hunger Games is full of interesting and well-defined characters, but one specific group has gone largely ignored in each new release.
I’m Disappointed The First Hunger Games Movie Cut 1 Of Peeta’s Best Book Lines
Peeta Is A Totally Different Character Without This Line
In the firstHunger Gamesbook, Peeta is one of the most interesting and complex characters, who comes up with many clever ideas for how he and Katniss can garner sympathy from the Capitol and appear more likable and entertaining. Where Katniss struggles to connect with others, but has a natural magnetism,Peeta is much more aware and in controlwhen it comes to how he is perceived. And he is angry at the entire concept of the Games, and wants to see things change.
In one of the final moments during the games,Peeta and Katniss defy the Capitolwith the threat of consuming poisonous berries to end the Games without a winner. In the adapted 2012 movie, it appears that this idea is led by Katniss, and Peeta will obediantly follow, but he speaks a pivotal line that shows how he was just as committed and intent to make a scene; “Hold out your hands. I want everyone to see.” This is a vital line for the character in terms of developing his motives and rebellious spirit.
Peeta Wanting Everyone To See Makes The Hunger Games' Berry Scene More Powerful
Peeta Pushed To Make Their Rebellion Public
This one line entirely alters the context of the scene. While Katniss and Peeta are both scared and upset, having fought through every other competitor in the 74th Annual Hunger Games, they are deeplyfrustrated and angry at the Capitol’s dishonesty, changing the rules back and forth to allow two winners from a single District and then trying to have them kill each other. Consuming the berries and sacrificing themselves is an act of defiance, and one that both Peeta and Katniss engage in willingly.
Peeta encourages Katniss to not only make the tough call and eat the berry, but to put on a show and ensure everyone sees their defiance, making him a much more active participant. Instead, the film provides a softer, more reserved version of Peeta, in contrast to a hard and defiant Katniss. The pair stop being a couple on equal footing, and it instead appears to be a strong Katniss who is determined to rebel, and a compliant and hopelessly in love Peeta, simply following her lead.
Hunger Games: What Each District Is Known For, Explained
The Hunger Games series was set in the fictional world of Panem, a nation compromised of 13 districts. Here’s what each district was known for.
Peeta’s Cut Line Represents A Bigger Issue With The Movie Adaptations
The Movie Version Is Very Different To Peeta In The Books
Overall, this simply adds to the films' potential biggest problem, and that is the representation of Peeta.Peeta is incredibly strong, not just physically, but mentally, and on many occasions, he is the person who pushes for himself and Katniss to rebel and manipulate how the Capitol sees them. In the movie, he is a sad puppy who is desperate for attention and love, but willing to lay down his life for the girl that he is head over heels about. Thisultimately makes him a weaker characterwho is mostly pitied.
Peeta in the books is a real contender for Katniss' heart, because he isn’t simply falling over himself for her. He is playing the game, finding ways to make the public fall more in love with Katniss, and creating his own narrative. Peeta was not given the best representation inThe Hunger Gamesmovies, and the cutting of important lines like this is just one aspect of how the movies didn’t do the character justice.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is a multi-movie franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The films are based on the young adult dystopian book series by author Suzanne Collins. The first film was released in 2012, followed by Catching Fire in 2013, Mockingjay Part 1 in 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. In 2023, the fifth film in the series was released, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
