| This article contains information from both The Hunger Games book series and it's adaptive Film series |
- "Oh, no, I think. Not him. Because I recognize this name, although I have never spoken directly to its owner. Peeta Mellark. No, the odds are not in my favor today. I watch him as he makes his way toward the stage. Medium height, stocky build, ashy blond hair that falls in waves over his forehead."
- —Katniss Everdeen's thoughts on Peeta[src]
Peeta Mellark was a baker's son from District 12, who rose to fame when he and his district partner Katniss Everdeen made history and won the 74th Hunger Games. Although their relationship was in reality somewhat one-sided to Katniss' conflicted feelings, the two were forced to play along with The Capitol's narrative that they were star-crossed lovers in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from the watchful eyes of President Coriolanus Snow. Despite it being an act at first, the two eventually began to fall in love. Peeta volunteered for the 75th Hunger Games in order to protect Katniss, and was later captured by The Capitol following the arena's destruction, where he was tortured and "hijacked" in order to be used as a weapon against the Mockingjay Rebellion. Peeta was able to overcome his trauma, however, and aided the rebellion in the final fight against The Capitol.