10 Reasons Why Katniss Should Have Chosen Gale Over Peeta In the Hunger Games
Much like pizza and pepperoni, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark go together perfectly. But allow us to blow your mind with the following real talk: Katniss should have picked Gale Hawthorne — for other reasons than the mere fact that he's played by our collective imaginary boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth.
We know, we know, thinking about Peeta all alone in the world, just chillin' with a bag of flour as his only friend, is extremely tragic. But there are several compelling reasons why Katniss made the wrong choice, and we've rounded them up below.
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films1/101. Gale knows her better than anyone else.
Katniss and Gale have been LYLAS-level friends since they were kids. Did Peeta spend his formative years hunting haters (read: turkeys) with Katniss? No, he did not. (It’s not his fault he had to help his parents bake bread, but that’s besides the point.)
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films2/102. He's unconditionally there for her.
Speaking of bread, remember when Gale traded his squirrel so he could hook Katniss up with a mini loaf? And that's not the only time he sacrificed himself for Katniss: He took care of her mother and sister during the first time Katniss competed in the Hunger Games, and made sure they survived when their district was destroyed.
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films3/103. He calls her Katnip.
There's nothing sweeter than when Gale affectionately calls Katniss "Katnip." Does Peeta call her a pet name? No. And frankly, he should be ashamed of himself.
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films4/104. No one can deny they’ve had moments.
Sure, Katniss became distant towards Gale after that one time she was shoved into an arena and forced to murder a bunch of random people, but they've had their sweet moments. Remember their flirty hunting banter? Or when Katniss lay her head on Gale's shoulder while they were on a propaganda mission? Meanwhile, half of Katniss' cute moments with Pita Bread were faked for the games.
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films5/105. He offered to run away with her.
Nothing has ever been more romantic than the moment Gale offered to sacrifice everything and live with Katniss in the woods. Had she given him a slightly different answer, they could've spent their lives complimenting each other's extreme attractiveness and eating feral forest creatures.
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films6/106. Their chemistry is #goals.
Gale was totally there for Katniss during her Games-induced PTSD. Or rather, his lips were. Plus, she kissed him back before the Quarter Quell, so the feeling was clearly mutual. Meanwhile Peeta's just like "BRB, making more muffins."
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films7/107. He was actually helpful during the revolution.
Unlike Peeta who was busy being brainwashed, working for President Snow, and wearing white after Labor Day — though again, not entirely his fault — Gale fought beside Katniss during the revolution. They arguably went through just as much together during *Mockingjay — Part 1 * as Peeta and Katniss did during in the arena. Plus, Gale as a revolutionary = fire emoji.
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films8/108. He listened to her, even when he disagreed with her.
Gale didn't always agree with Katniss, but he spent the entirety of *Mockingjay — Part 1 * following her around like a faithful golden retriever. He respects Katniss' decision-making skills, and isn't intimidated by the fact that she's a female leader. Dare we say it? He'd vote Hillary.
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films9/109. He wears turtlenecks.
Not to be dramatic, but Gale knows how to wear a Drake-esque turtleneck. If that isn't reason to love him, nothing is. His hotline is blinging, Katniss. Why won't you answer? sobs
GIF: Courtesy of Lionsgate Films10/1010. He loved her even though he knew she loved Peeta.
The strength of Gale's feelings toward Katniss was put to the ultimate test when he realized that she loved Peeta, but that didn't stop him from adoring her. He even volunteered to rescue Peeta because he wanted Katniss to be happy. And considering that Peeta tried to strangle Katniss shortly thereafter, you'd think she'd volunteer as tribute to be Gale's girlfriend. Facts are facts, Katnip. Look at your life, look at your choices.
