I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little tired of seeing the same act--- Girl meets boy. Boy does something manly to make the girl like him. Girl drops everything in her world to be with the boy because of his attractiveness and manliness. While I enjoy a corny romantic comedy just as much as the next person, there's got to be a better way. And there is, it's Peeta Mellark of "The Hunger Games."
The thing about Peeta Mellark is that he's different from every other male lead out there. He's emotional, honest, and most importantly, he is very aware of his mortality. When chosen as a tribute he leaves his home district with the understanding that he will never return. Yet as soon as he gets on the train to the capitol, he tries to befriend Katniss, and optimistically asks Haymitch for advice about how to survive the Hunger Games. Even after he has literally been handed a death sentence, he is calm, kind, and ready to work. In my opinion, that's pretty amazing.
On several occasions, he values her life over his, tells her exactly how he feels, and even protects the man who he must fight for her heart. He is an absolute gem, and a lot of guys could stand to learn a thing or two from him. Here are just a few of them:
1. He genuinely wants to get to know you.
To make their love story believable to all of Panem, he knows he needs to make sure they've got chemistry. So what does he do? Instead of making moves on Katniss, he asks her what her favorite color is! Are we kidding? That's the most awkwardly adorable move out there. He wants to have an actual conversation. Not just about her being a super awesome female warrior, but about who she is underneath all of that. It's such a simple gesture that speaks miles about his character. Oh Peeta, you've got game, sir.2. He lets Katniss defend herself.
He doesn't feel the need to save her to show his manliness. He would die for her in a second, but he lets her fight her own battles. Also I apologize for the morbid Avox in the background.
3. He's exactly what she needs. Exactly when he needs to be.
Even though he went through the same experience she did, he puts on a brave face to be the strong shoulder she needs to lean on. Everyone has problems. But knowing when someone needs you, and putting that above yourself, that's amazing.4. He's unapologetically in love with Katniss.
That's the look every woman wants to see when she walks down the aisle.
5. He always finds his way back to her
(SPOILER: IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN 'MOCKING JAY PART 2" STOP READING)Even after President Snow tortured him because it would hurt Katniss, he still found his way back. He was wounded and weak, but he pushed through it to be with her.
Peeta Mellark is a fictional character. Panem is not a real place, and no one will ever have to endure the Hunger Games. But the little things that Peeta did are very real things that any guy is capable of doing if he finds someone he cares about enough.