The Hunger Games has become one of the most popular series in recent years. The thought of 12 districts choosing 2 teenagers to go to the Capitol and fight each other to the death to become the “Victor” earning a life time of special treatment has fascinated many. The relationship between the two main District 12 characters, Peeta and Katniss has been one balancing between real and fake. The relationship reveals Katniss as one who lacks the ability to express her emotions (one of the only times she is seen to physically cry is at the death of Rue); her inability to open up to others, express herself, and trust others prevents her from truly connecting to others. Often Katniss is described as un-charismatic and unfriendly. However the soft spot she has for her family and friends, causing her to volunteer as a tribute in place of her younger sister, makes viewers unable to not love her.

Katniss is an intelligent girl with great strength. After the death of her father, not only did she have to keep emotionally strong for her sister when her mother lost her mind, she had to be physically capable to continue hunting. With the lack of her father supporting the family, it became Katniss’ job to support her family by hunting. She does not represent the typical stereotype for females. Usually one would expect a female to be an emotional, weak and friendly person and one who is easily likeable and enjoys taking time to look good. However throughout the movies, Katniss Everdeen breaks every expectation. Why is it women are usually seen as weaker, emotional, and are expected to always be friendly and happy? Why are the stereotypical expectations of women so strong throughout the world that seeing someone like Katniss Everdeen is seen to be a unique shock?
Throughout the movie, not only does Katniss break every stereotypical belief, so does Peeta.

The general consensus is men are the strong ones, men are the more emotionally stable, providers, and protectors. Men are the ones who go out and provide for the family while the women stay home and give the caring emotional support for the children. However, Peeta is displayed as the bakers son, who used to “decorate cakes” in the shop and the one who is so openly emotional and easily liked. He doesn’t hide his feelings from Katniss and he is often needed to be saved from some of his stupid mistakes by Katniss. Peeta breaks every male stereotype and in the relationship between Katniss and himself, Peeta is the one who acts like the “girlfriend” while Katniss acts as the “boyfriend.”

Stereotypes create such a strong general belief throughout our world that the sight of a female acting more in favour of male stereotypes and a male acting in favour of a females stereotypes is something that comes as a shock that everyone talks about and everyone notices because it is the complete opposite of what is expected.

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have become a perfect example, making us aware of our own stereotype thoughts and bring the question to us, Why does our society create such general stereotypes, in which we come to believe is the norm, and change to those stereotypes becomes one so utterly shocking.