Gale Hawthorne

Gale Hawthorne is Katniss Everdeen's eighteen year old friend and hunting partner.

"'I watch as Gale pulls out his knife and slices the bread. He could be my brother. Striaght black hair, olive skin, we even have the same gray eyes. But we're not related, at least not closely. Most of the families who work the mines resemble one another this way.'"

Like Katniss, Gale serves as the provider for his mother, two brothers, and sister. He is also an adept hunter.

Gale is Katniss' first romantic interest, or at least it would appear so. Although she mentions there's never been anything romantic between them, she constantly thinks of Gale and compares him to Peeta Mellark. One of Gale's most striking qualities is his sense of rebellion, as he voices his dissatisfaction with life in District 12 and even offers to run away with Katniss.