Battle of the Fictional Characters Round 1

As you may, or may not know, Lauren and I never agree on whose "team" we are when it comes to fictional characters. The only character we can agree on is adoring Ian from The Host. I decided it might be fun if I put up whose team each of us is on and let ya'll decide who would win in a fight. Geeky, I know. But still. So here's round one. Please note there are humongo spoilers!!

Peeta Mellark -v- Gale Hawthorne of The Hunger Games

Here's a "borrowed" description from each on Wikipedia.

Peeta: The 16-year-old male tribute from District 12. He is described as being "medium height with a stocky build"[3] and has "ashy blond hair that falls in waves over his forehead" with blue eyes. He is the town baker's son and is talented in baking breads, cakes and icing cakes, which proves to be an unexpected boon to him in the arena. Upon arriving in the Capitol, it is discovered that Peeta has an instinctive ability to perform on camera and manipulate public sentiment. He has harbored a secret liking for Katniss since they were five that continues through the Games. He is rarely moody or upset and generally takes things lightly. Peeta saved Katniss's life when she was 11 years old by giving her bread when her family was starving, but the two never talked until the Games. At the end of Catching Fire, Peeta is captured by the Capitol.

Gale: An 18-year-old who is Katniss's best friend and hunting partner. Like Katniss, he has dark hair and gray eyes. His father died in the same explosion that killed Katniss's father. The pair have combined their respective talents, his at trapping and hers at archery, to become a highly effective team. Their success makes them fixtures at District 12's black market, the Hob, where they trade their illegal game for other valuable items. Gale has three siblings: Rory, Vick and Posy. Gale is less resigned than Katniss to the authority of the Capitol and even suggests half-seriously that the two flee to escape selection for the Hunger Games. Gale is in love with and fiercely devoted to Katniss, although she doesn't know it at the time. During the tightened security in the second book, Gale is caught with a turkey he shot in the woods. Though he claims he found it in the district, he is beaten severely, but Katniss's mother heals him. He returns at the end of Catching Fire to tell Katniss that District 12 was destroyed, but he managed to get her family out okay.

So basically, Peeta is the baker next door who totally stole my heart, and Gale is the hunter who shot Lauren's heart. Who'd win in a fight? I'd totally put all my money on Peeta (picturing Lauren yelling at me while I write this). Even though he isn't a natural born hunter like Gale, he has the wit about him to survive. He's made it through two Hunger Games so far...that's not too shabby. What do ya'll think?

XX
~E