Josh Hutcherson Talks About Peeta

Hunger Games Interview with Josh Hutcherson!

Some people disagree with me, but I think the most important character in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (for ages 12 and up) is Peeta. Therefore, I also think that the actor who plays Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) has the most important role in The Hunger Games movie (rated PG-13), in theaters March 23. In my eyes, for the movie to really work, Peeta has to be just right. That's why I am so excited to read this interview with Josh talking about Peeta because it sounds like he really gets him. It makes me even more excited to see the movie!

Q: How did you prepare for the role of Peeta, a baker who becomes a fighter? Did you have to train in baking and fighting before the movie?

Josh: [Laughs] Actually, one of the things that drew me to The Hunger Games so much is how much I felt like myself and Peeta had in common. I think we’re very much the same person. We have a very similar outlook on life . . . about being genuine with people. I think that’s something that Peeta always is. He’s very good at working with people. He’s very outgoing, and he really believes in not letting anything change you. You always need to make sure that you are true to yourself and you’re being the truest version of you. For me, that’s kind of how I’ve been throughout the movie business. People can really change you and you can sort of lose who you are. But I’ve always believed in maintaining myself as a person.
As far as preparing for the role, I felt like I was really already there mentally. You know, the books give a lot of insight into the characters, which is really great. So, having that as a reference was awesome. And Suzanne Collins was great. I had a great conversation with her. She asked me if I had any question about motivations, to just give her a call and she would happily talk it out with me.
As far as the baking and fighting goes, I actually love to bake, funnily enough. That’s another thing Peeta and I have in common. I’ve always been into cooking and baking. And with the fighting element, Peeta doesn’t fight a whole lot in the first Hunger Games. So, I didn’t have too much training for that. I did, however, put on 15 pounds of muscle weight for the role to get that beefier, been-lifting-bags-of-flour sort of look. Basically, I was eating a ton of protein and working out every day, lifting a lot of weights and stuff like that. Peeta is “farm boy” kind of strong, so he’s not like the cut surfer model type. He’s a little bulkier and a little bit bigger, so that’s what we were going for with the look.

Q: Do you think Peeta would be a friend of yours in real life?
Josh: I definitely think so. We’d definitely get along because we’d pretty much have the exact same view about life, and our demeanor would be very similar.

What do you think? Isn't he perfect? Leave a Comment! And if The Hunger Games is your favorite book, don't forget to vote for it in the Kids' Choice Awards!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Interview by Marie Morreale

Comments

[Comment #51]

this book was so good because my 4th grade teacher read it to my whole in tired class have of it was sad and some was like was like wats going to happen.

[Comment #52]

for about some weeks my teacher had finshied it in about 2 weeks and 2 days.

[Comment #53]

This is the best book ever!!!!! Can't wait to see the movie!!!!!

[Comment #54]

I read the Hunger games and it is fantastic and I am going to see the movie soon. =) I can't wait and I am gong to go crazy just waiting for the movie come out. =( (sad face to waiting for the movie to come out.

[Comment #55]

I think Katniss is far more important, because the book wouldn't really be AMAZINGLY SPECTACULAR when she takes Prim's place in the Games. What I mean is that, if the books' main topic was Peeta in the games, it would lose that charm and affect it leaves on readers. No Offense!

[Comment #56]

i love the way the hunger games is and my favorite girl katnis and boy PEETA love you <3

[Comment #57]

loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee josh hucherson and peeta loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
sooooooooooooooooooo
muchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Comment #58]

I realy,realy,realy,much love this book,hope to see the movie!so exited p.s.reacomend u to read it if u did not read it.u will love it!

[Comment #59]

I wonder how Katniss (Jennifer Lawrece) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) will interact with each other. o_O

[Comment #60]

I can't wait to see the movie Saturday!

[Comment #61]

how much is the book

[Comment #62]

NEED TO WATCH MOVIE!!!!! I luv the hunger games so so so much

[Comment #63]

I love the Hunger Games!

[Comment #64]

I love the hunger games and it was such a great movie! I went the premiere and saw all the people including Suzanne Collins. I also saw Josh there. :).

[Comment #65]

:) I convinced my teacher to make the class read the Hunger Games for novel studies instead of Rules :) Hehe, we even planned a field trip to go see the movie!

[Comment #66]

my brother is reading this book is it boring?

[Comment #67]

hey guys.get the book and see the movie.you will enjoy it.it is my guranteed.

[Comment #68]

HG is awesome! Gonna go see it tonight!

[Comment #69]

OMG!! I AM SOOOOO EXCITED 4 THE HUNGER GAMES!! Josh is like the perfect Peeta!!!! OMG'S!!
:)
FUNNYCHEETAH

[Comment #70]

Mostly everyone in my school LOVES this book!

[Comment #71]

I already saw it yesterday it was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Comment #72]

I loved the movie and my sister booboo loves the books

[Comment #73]

Peeta is the best character in the book and movie!

[Comment #74]

i love the hunger games and peeta and josh hutcherson. he is amazing! i saw the midnight showing and it was packed!!! i think it was the best movie ever!

[Comment #75]

hunger games book and movie rock!!!!!!!!!