Third-Wheel Hunger Games Character We All Decided to Loathe Deserves Justice

If there's anyone who deserves all the hate in the Hunger Games franchise, it's the Capitol.

The most technologically advanced, the richest, feared by all the districts.

The only power that keeps the Hunger Games going, forcing kids to fight for their lives in the deadliest competition possible.

However, many would agree that Gale Hawthorne easily takes second place in a ranking of the very worst.

This is not exactly unexpected: when any show, movie, or book suggests a love triangle, chances are that one of the three will be left out by the fans and hated rather than loved.

This is what happened to Gale, who, despite his fierce loyalty to Katniss, could not compete with Peeta. This devotion to a single couple is probably what turned the fandom against him as a character.

But the deciding factor that made the fandom absolutely despise Gale would be his involvement in Primrose's death. Just as Katniss never found the strength to forgive him and reconnect with him, neither did the fans.

But since book readers and moviegoers have more perspective than the character herself, is it really fair to blame Gale for what happened?

Some people think Gale is overhated. People can forgive characters like Cato and Clove, but when it comes to him, they're always very adamant.

However, his actions were nothing more than a desperate measure that the desperate times the characters were in called for.

Without civilian support, the Capitol's army wouldn't be as powerful as it was, and destroying civilian morale was necessary for the war effort.

That is, of course, if you are willing to look at the situation strategically. Emotionally, it doesn't change much.

As many fans point out, and even admit, their feelings toward Gale are biased. It still comes down to his treatment of Katniss and the initial claim he seemed to have of her love.

It's easy to sympathize and forgive a character whose story has already made you like them, but when a character most people don't like does something bad again, it becomes another nail in their coffin.

If you're up for a Hunger Games rewatch party to see if you can change your mind about Gale's behavior, you can stream all the parts on Netflix, MAX, or Peacock TV.