Katniss and Peeta: From Rivals to Lovers (Feigned and Real)

The evolving relationship between Katniss and Peeta, from strangers to star-crossed lovers.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Strangers

The Acquaintances The Bread Katniss remembers Peeta only as the boy who gave her bread. They have never spoken. She is uncomfortable with the debt. She sees him as a rival in the Games. The Interview Peeta's confession of love shocks Katniss. She is angry at first, but then realizes it is a strategy. She must play along. The performance begins. The First Kiss In the cave, Katniss kisses Peeta to get the audience's sympathy. It is calculated. But she feels something. The line between performance and real feeling blurs.

The Real Feelings

The Confusion The Heart of the Matter Katniss does not know if she loves Peeta. She cares for him, but she is not sure. The relationship is complicated by the performance. She is afraid of hurting him. The Pain Peeta is hurt by her uncertainty. He asks her what is real. She cannot answer. The emotional bond is strained. They have saved each other's lives, but can they trust each other? The Hope Despite the confusion, there is hope. Peeta offers his hand for the cameras. They are still connected. The bond is not broken, but it is fragile. The future of their relationship is uncertain.

Before the Games

After the Games