Peeta Mellark, actor Josh Hutcherson, is a baker from district 12, who was chosen during the reaping to participate in the annual Hunger Games. His district 12 counterpart is Katniss Evergreen, whom he has been in love with ever since they were kids. During preparation for the games, Peeta agrees to make it look like a tragic love story for the public in order to get sponsors.

The games begin and Peeta joins a group of competitors from other districts under the false pretense that he will lead them to Katniss. Throughout the whole movie he is trying to protect her and is willing to give his life for hers.