What Would Peeta Mellark Do?
At a time like this, we should only strive to be him.
The political and social climate we are currently in proves that Peeta Mellark is not just the most realistic fictional character in a dystopian society — he also possesses the qualities of an ideal citizen. He bakes, helps the needy and is a hero of an open rebellion against the Capitol. No one deserves this boy, not even Katniss, but I think we can get a few pointers from him on how to be a decent human being in a time of crises.
Do something that you love
Being stuck at home is not the most invigorating thing, especially when you know that it is chaotic out there. This feeling gradually becomes a collective consciousness or understanding for everyone around the world. The good thing, though, is that we are also able to cope with the situation through various indoor activities that keep us occupied. In The Hunger Games, District 12 knows Peeta as the baker’s son. He is very passionate about pastry art and baking, in general. The Coronavirus lockdown proves that Peeta is the most pragmatic character in lockdown, as posts about baking and artistry infiltrated social media sites. Personally, about 65% of my Friends list are baking cookies, cupcakes, and other forms of pastries; then there are the 20% that are either painting or sketching. It’s insane — I feel like everyone suddenly turned into Peeta Mellark. It is good, though, because indoor activities such as these help people stay sane and productive, despite the stressful occurences everywhere.
Peeta grows up in an impoverished neighborhood with not much activities to provide for children. The silver lining of the situation is that they have the luxury of time to brush up on certain survival skills. The Coronavirus pandemic provides us with the same thing. It is true that it left some industries and communities paralyzed. Even so, it does not immobilize us individually. We can still somehow take the situation as an opportunity to improve ourselves. In what way? In any way that may interest you. You can work out, read up, or learn a new skill. Peeta does not realize that his patisserie skills are more than just a home activity until the Games. Likewise, you do not only need to learn something new when you are required to, because what you already know is what helps you respond to situations better. There is always a merit in having an additional skill and knowledge. For the most part, it makes a person interesting, well-rounded and versatile.
In case you’re feeling uninspired, just think about Peeta. In the first book, he says to Haymitch, “I can’t do anything, unless you count baking bread.” He looks down on himself because of his limited skill set and slim chance of survival in the arena. Fortunately, he happens to be very artistic and uses mud and dirt to camouflage himself by the stream. Similarly, Katniss uses her hunting and archery experience as self-defense. They’re not as aggressive as their opponents, but their ingenuity is enough to let them win.
Help those in need
The pandemic paralyzed countless industries and communities. Times like this make it easy and common for people to be self-serving and inconsiderate. It is usually just an initial response to fear and panic. However, once we realize and recognize our privileged position in life, it is only rightful to be of service for others.
The famous saying goes, “If you have more than you need, build a longer table — not a higher fence.” Peeta grows up in an abusive household. His mother watches him meticulously and beats him up with every little mistake he commits. His unfortunate circumstance, however, does not stop him from being the kind person that he is. Peeta intentionally burns a loaf of bread, one day, so he can give it to Katniss. His mother calls him stupid and demands he dispose it immediately, but instead he subtly throws it out to the starving girl in the street.
So, according to the Peeta Mellark vocabulary: Anyone can be selfless. You do not need to be in a specific position in life to learn how to care for others. As you sit comfortably at home, remember that Peeta barely had anything when he gave Katniss and her family something to eat for a week. Contribute and participate in donation drives, share organizational initiatives, and support small businesses. There is a reason why trees don’t eat their own fruits. Nature calls for living creatures to look after one another.
Just when you think Peeta’s nobility stops there, he volunteers in Haymitch’s place for the Quarter Quell in Catching Fire. It is confirmed: there is no other person as selfless, kind and caring as Peeta Mellark. He serves as a good reminder that there is more to life than wealth and individual success. He says, “Our lives aren’t just measured in years. They’re measured in the lives of people we touch around us.”
Fight for what you believe
People all over the world are sandwiched with crises more than the pandemic. The Black Community is yearns for equal rights, the Philippines faces a threat against fascism, and the Chinese citizens demand for liberation. So much is happening out there. It is understandable that the overwhelming events may push us to want to tune out. However, it is important to keep in mind that our silence serves nothing but tolerance to the crooked system. We must continually contribute to the narrative and advocate for radical change.
When The Capitol reaps Peeta from his district, he worries about how they might turn him into someone he’s not. He says to Katniss, “I keep wishing of a way to show the capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their games.” Peeta’s greatest fear comes to life when he is held captive by President Snow during the height of the rebellion. He is only 18 when the Capitol strips his identity down by beating, shocking, and whatever method to put him in a disassociative state. They mainly torture him as an attempt to unsettle Katniss and hinder her insurgence. In an interview, Peeta appears a few pounds thinner and completely ill in appearance. He warns Katniss about an incoming attack and it did not sit well with the Capitol, so he takes a cruel beating for it.
I’m not saying die for your country like Peeta Mellark almost did. Nevertheless, stand for what you believe in and know what is right. Learn to be critical and speak of your grievances. Participate in peaceful protests, voice out your opinions, educate others and influence those that are on the wrong side of the tracks. Rue’s death starts the rebellion and Katniss’ fidelity encourages it. Peeta did not play a major role in the revolution, but he represents the interests and struggles of the people under dismissive rulers.
In conclusion, Suzanne Collins did not write The Hunger Games trilogy for you to just sit there in silence; Peeta Mellark did not get PTSD for you to turn a blind eye on injustices, and; Haymitch did not imply to Katniss that Peeta is the best person ever to exist on the surface of the Earth for you to be unsympathetic of other peoples’ struggles. Just because it does not affect you, does not mean that it is insignificant.
There is a reason why our generation grew up in the existence of literary works such as The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner — and there should also be a benefit from it. They wake us up from an infinite slumber of submissiveness to tyranny. They catalyze a better and less-doomed future. Many people before us grappled against despotism and repression. Necessary violence we read on history books are fruits of a toxic culture and regime that cross the lines of freedom and justice. We are fortunate to live at a time where information is readily available. At this point, the only mistake that we can ever commit is to pretend that a problem does not exist when it is visibly yelling in front of our face.
In a dystopian world — such as the year 2020 — Peeta Mellark would keep his passion and skills intact, look out for those who may need a helping hand, and remain vigilant for injustices, discrimination and suppression. As we all should.
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