The central romance of The Hunger Games series is the one between Katniss and Peeta, which spans all four films. But other characters also have their own love stories. Not all of these are based on romance; some characters have companions of the platonic variety, though not everyone ends up with their perfect match.
Gale is just one of the many characters who ends the series heartbroken and alone. Likewise, Annie has just lost Finnick. In fact, many of Panem’s residents have lost someone they love during the revolution, and Katniss and her friends are at the center of the conflict. Even though they willingly descend into battle, their chances of escaping without losing someone are very slim.
10 Cressida – No One
Cressida is introduced in Mockingjay: Part 1 as a member of Katniss’s propo team. She isn’t romantically involved with any other character during her time in the series, and this seems to suit her just fine. She is dedicated to her career as a filmmaker, and she appears to be fulfilled and empowered by her work.
Her work doesn’t bog her down because she’s truly passionate about it. Now that the revolution is over, Cressida might have more time to work on projects that aren’t solely political. Whatever she decides to do next, she seems happy with her current relationship status.
9 Cinna – No One
Like Cressida, Cinna is devoted to his work. His passion is obvious, as he always goes and above and beyond what’s asked of him. Though Cinna’s death is one of the saddest in The Hunger Games and he’s certainly gone too soon, he doesn’t die in vain. His exit from the series is the most fitting ending he could have, given the circumstances.
Had Cinna lived longer, he may have found a romantic partner. However, as it is, he lives a full life, devoting himself not just to fashion, but a much bigger cause. He’s an important ally for Katniss to have and is a big reason for her motivation in the arena. His support continues even in the last movie, where Effie gives Katniss Cinna’s old designs, including her Mockingjay costume. Cinna doesn’t need to end up with somebody to have a happy ending — seeing Katniss start the revolution is enough.
8 Plutarch Heavensbee – Seneca Crane
As two Gamemakers, Plutarch and Seneca have a similar way of thinking. They’re cunning, logical, and both fuel Katniss’s rebellion — whether they know it or not. Like Plutarch Heavensbee, Seneca Crane never agrees with Snow’s ways, though he’s too afraid to act against him.
Had these two characters shared screentime, they could have come up with a more efficient plan to overthrow Snow’s government. Both of them know things about the Capitol that the other probably doesn’t. Even if they don’t make a good romantic pair, they might have been good friends. Heavensbee’s confidence and wry humor balance out Seneca’s uncertain seriousness.
7 Caesar Flickerman – No One
It’s hard to imagine this eccentric character enter a romantic relationship with anyone. However, he’s never seen in any capacity other than his professional one, as garish as it may be. Caesar does demonstrate some important traits when it comes to relationships, like empathy and intuition, but it’s unclear whether this is just for show when he’s interviewing someone.
Caesar’s fate is unknown at the end of the last movie, but if he’s still alive, he’ll probably find some way to continue his work in the media. He certainly has a talent for it, but now that Panem is under new rule, hopefully, he can find a way to use his skills to spread more positive messages.
6 President Snow – President Coin
Like Seneca and Plutarch, these two iconic villains of The Hunger Games could have made quite the match if they’d worked together. Their match wouldn’t have been good for Panem, but because they stand for the same things, it makes sense for them to be paired together.
Neither of these leaders deserves a happy ending after everything they’ve done, but they might’ve been drawn to each other had the circumstances been different. It’s hard to imagine anyone else ending up with such powerful, conniving dictators.
5 Prim – Rue
Katniss doesn’t hide the fact that Rue reminds her of Prim, so when she dies in the Games, Katniss feels the loss deeply. It’s a shame that Rue and Prim never get to meet as they’d likely have become friends. They’re both gentle in nature, yet they understand that a rebellion is necessary. Even before the revolution, Rue helps Katniss dethrone the Careers in the first arena.
Even if they’re a little too young to think about romance, it would have been nice to see these young women become friends. They have a lot in common, from their caring natures to their wordless understanding of people they love — like Katniss.
4 Finnick – Annie
Finnick and Annie never get to spend their lives together like they’d planned to, though their District 13 marriage also suggests that they may have suspected what was coming. After Finnick’s death, Annie is left to raise their son on her own. In this way, Finnick will always be a part of her life.
Annie and Finnick may not have had a lot of screentime together, but it’s easy to see they’re perfect for each other. They aren’t exactly a conventional match, but their personality traits complement each other. Annie is gentle, understanding, and calms Finnick down. As one of the best fighters in The Hunger Games, Finnick needs and appreciates her steadying force.
3 Gale Hawthorne – Johanna Mason
Gale’s last appearance in the series is when he visits Katniss after she recovers from her burns. Having acknowledged that he may have had something to do with the bombs that killed Prim, Gale apologizes for failing to take care of Katniss’s family. He says goodbye to her and begins a new life in District 2.
Meanwhile, Johanna doesn’t have an exit scene like most of the other main characters do. She and Gale could make a great match, given their strong opinions and fiery personalities. Johanna’s sarcasm would tame his headstrong rebelliousness, which Katniss thinks is one of Gale’s worst traits, and even if neither of them needs a romantic partner, they might have a chance at happiness together.
2 Haymitch Abernathy – Effie Trinket
Haymitch and Effie share an entertaining back-and-forth throughout the entire series, though it’s never anything serious. The more time they spend together, though, the more they become a team — even family.
These two characters are on the same page when it comes to protecting Katniss and Peeta. They may have different strategies, but when they come together, Haymitch and Effie are able to pull off some incredible feats. However, after everything, the two part ways in the Capitol, where they share a brief romantic moment. It’s unclear what Effie’s future in the Capitol holds for her, but Haymitch’s life in District 12 could have been less lonely if she’d joined him.
1 Katniss Everdeen – Peeta Mellark
From the beginning of the series, it’s clear that Katniss and Peeta share a connection that nobody else entirely understands. They’ve shared experiences and helped each other through all kinds of trauma, beginning with the bread that saves Katniss’s life.
Even without the Hunger Games, Katniss acknowledges that Peeta is right for her. He balances out her fiery personality with his gentler one, but he still understands her motives and supports her cause. At the end of the series, both of them are content, having come to a point of closure in their relationship. After everything they’ve been through, it makes sense for them to find their peace together.
About The Author
