WARNING: SPOILERS
If you have not seen Bridge to Tarabithia or The Hunger Games, DO NOT READ ON unless you never plan to watch these. Ever.
Theory #2
Jesse Aarons was an introverted, yet imaginative and artistic boy. He lived in Panem, near his friend Leslie and ran off with her into the woods almost every day after school. The same place that Katniss Everdeen would hunt a few years later.
After Leslie dies in a tragic accident in these woods, Jesse tries to stay away from them because of the memories they bring. With all of his free time he develops his interest in art and begins to bake with his mother. Jesse grows apart from his unsupportive and temperamental father, and goes by his mother's maiden name to dissociate himself from his dad. Jesse Mellark.
All his baking earns him the nickname Peeta, after the bread. His two older sisters, Brenda and Ellie, marry and move away. His two younger sisters, Joyce and May Belle, die of starvation one particularly scarce winter. Peeta's two older brothers moved away long before Bridge to Tarabithia takes place.
Peeta's past of loss and grief is why he was so ready to eat those berries in The Hunger Games and end all the pain, and why he was so determined to keep Katniss alive in Catching Fire; he can't stand to lose anyone else he cares about.
YOU ARE READING
Diving Deeper: A Book of Fan Theories, Easter Eggs and Running Gags
FanfictionThis is a compilation of the most mind-blowing fan theories imaginable. If I didn't come up with a theory myself, it will be specified. Otherwise it's mine. If I put a link in the chapter, there really won't be that much text, so click the link and...
