Team Peeta

Jahnavi Parasker, 12

Why are you on his team?

“I’m team Peeta for life — being team Gale is a red flag. Gale killed [Katniss’ sister] Primrose, has zero regard for human life, expects Katniss to love him as [if] she owes it to him when she’s trying to make sure her family doesn’t die and would never understand her because he’s never been in ‘The [Hunger Games’] arena. Peeta, on the other hand, cares very much about human life, admits to his mistakes and fixes [them] and understands her on a level Gale never will because they are both survivors of the Hunger Games. Also, Katniss never loved Gale. She literally told him she didn’t want children and then went and had them with Peeta. [Essentially], the last scene of ‘Mockingjay’ is the best example of why Peeta is for Katniss and not Gale. It explains that Peeta is a dandelion in the spring, a symbol of renewal and a promise that life can go on after destruction. Gale is a bum.”

Favorite character? “Katniss. She is a girlboss and one of the best literary characters of all time.”

Favorite part of the franchise? “Catching Fire.”

Victoria Magee-Bryant, 9

Why are you on his team? “I’m on team Peeta because to me, he makes the whole movies. He knew how to play [in the arena] and his romance with Katniss [was] really cute.”

Favorite character? “Finnick.”

Favorite part of the franchise? “Catching Fire.”

Team Gale

Andrew Monahan, 10

Why are you on his team? “I am a proud member of Team Gale because it’s simply the better option. Just starting at baseline, use usability. Gale is like a combine harvester, and Peeta is like a rake. Gale has the animal inside him, and Peeta has a little bunny not inside him. Gale’s like a big bear and Peeta’s like a post-it note. Furthermore, Gale’s hair is so much better than Peeta’s. I have nothing against blond people, but if you’re looking at base attractiveness, it’s just indisputable that Gale is the one you’re going to choose. He’s a nine at worst. Peeta doesn’t even look jacked in the movies. Gale is everything I want to be, and it’s clear to me that he’s better than Peeta. Who wants a short king instead of a big forest dweller?”

Favorite character? “Primrose. She’s a short king.”

Favorite part of the franchise? “The realism. It makes you think that you could be in that universe fighting for your life. Sometimes I like to close my eyes and imagine that I’m Gale out hunting in the forest.”

Elsie Lipari, 10

Why are you on his team? “I’m on team Gale because he’s the stronger one. I feel like Peeta gives off such baby vibes — he covers himself up and hides in a cave. [On the other hand], Gale is strong and would take a whip for Katniss. He’s the more attractive one, too.”

Favorite character? “Rue because she’s really courageous. She was proof that anyone can do anything.”

Favorite part of the franchise? “The first ‘Hunger Games.’ It was good because it was the original and there wasn’t anything added on.”