Why did he do it? : The Motive Behind Peeta Mellark's Actions SSN

Suzanne Collins’ futuristic novel The Hunger Games is a story about a girl named Katniss who volunteers for Panem’s –a country in the North American Region- annual Hunger Games which is a competition where two children –one boy and one girl- from each Twelve District are chosen to fight to the death. When her sister, Primrose Everdeen, is called out she immediately decides to take her place in order to protect her, and there is where she meets Peeta Mellark; the shy baker’s son. As Katniss gets to know him and spend time she looks at the friendly boy as more of a threat; at first he seemed friendly and nice but as the days came closer to the time for the arena Katniss knew he wasn’t trust worthy. She was completely right. As soon as the games started Peeta formed alliances with strong and skilled tributes from the wealthier Districts, and they would try to hunt down Katniss. However, as Katniss was about to get killed the author writes, ‘I’m helpless as the first hunter crashes through the trees, spear lifted, poised to throw. The shock on Peeta’s face makes no sense to me. I wait for the blow. Instead his arm drops to his side. “What are you still doing here?” he hisses at me. I stare uncomprehendingly as a trickle of water drips off a sting under his ear. His whole body starts sparkling as if he’s been dipped in dew. “Are you mad?” He’s prodding me with the shaft of the spear now. “Get up! Get up!” I rise, but he’s still pushing at me. What? What’s going on? He shoves me away from him hard. “Run!” he screams. “Run!” Behind him, Cate slashes his way through the brush. He’s sparkling wet, too, and badly stung under one eye. I catch the gleam of sunlight t on his sword and do as Peeta says…Sick and disoriented, I’m able to form only one thought: Peeta Mellark just saved my life.” (193-194) This quote shows how Katniss wasn’t as right as she thought she was. As I began reading The Hunger Games I came to the conclusion that Peeta was the “fake” and “bad guy” type, but as I came to this page my thoughts on the character took a complete turn. I went from despising him to admiring him for how he risked his own life to save Katniss’s life. However, Peeta must have had a reason to help her out in that way, because, of course, the Hunger Games is a fight-to-the-death competition. Why would he do it? Why would he risk getting killed by Cato just to protect Katniss? I came to the conclusion that it was because of love. I think that Peeta has always had feelings for Katniss ever since he met her, even when they were just little he saved her from starving to death. I predict that Peeta loves Katniss so much that he would risk his own life for her and that even though he tries to hide it he really cares for her. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is honestly an amazing and I think everyone should give it a try because it will keep you on the edge of your chair and you won’t be able to put it down.