Gale Hawthorne

Major
First seen · Book 1

Gale Hawthorne is a major character in The Hunger Games, first appearing in The Hunger Games (Book 1). Connected to Katniss Everdeen and Primrose Everdeen.

Gender: male
Age: 18
First appears: Book 1
Books: 1

Description

A tall, lean, hard-muscled young man with straight black hair, olive skin, and gray eyes. At fourteen he already stands six feet tall. His face is often stony or menacing, but his smile makes him seem more approachable.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Katniss EverdeenFriend
They are close companions who hunt, trade, and help one another's families. Katniss says there has never been anything romantic between them, though their familiarity and Gale's suggestion that they run away together carry emotional closeness.
Peeta Mellarkfellow District 12 resident
They are both District 12 boys connected to Katniss, but the text provides no direct interaction or established personal relationship between them.
Primrose Everdeenfamily friend
Gale helps care for Prim and promises Katniss he will ensure that Prim and the rest of her family do not go hungry.
KF
Katniss's fatherfellow bereaved son
Both Gale and Katniss lost their fathers in the same mining blast, a shared loss that forms part of their early connection.
MU
Madge Underseeacquaintance
Gale makes a pointed remark about Madge's lower reaping odds, and Katniss defends her; their exchange reflects class resentment rather than a close personal relationship.
Mrs. Everdeenfamily friend
Gale has a pact with Katniss to bring her family game and will supply Mrs. Everdeen with herbs she does not grow herself.