Welcome Back!! It’s time for another Swoony Boy Alert!
So it’s been a little crazy around here. For those of you that missed this post, WE GOT AN AGENT!!! *hands you a sparkly party hat* And to put it mildly, we are… a little excited. OK, we’re THRILLED. Like running around screaming and kissing strangers thrilled (only a few protested). And as you might have guessed, it’s thrown our scheduling off a bit but NEVER FEAR, we’re back to our A-game and ready to share the swoon.
This weeks swoony boy was supposed to be Étienne St. Clair, because he is lovely and delicious and pronounces her name Ah-na. BUT BUT BUT…THEN. I. SAW. THIS.
And OMG I DIED A LITTLE. *presses replay* *presses replay again* *Lo comes in and takes away my YouTube privileges* Can you say fangirl scream? Yeah. So we’ll just ask Étienne to scootch over to next week while we make room for Peeeeeeeta. Don’t worry, Étienne doesn’t mind.
[And a note (because this is srsly too lulzy to keep all too myself): when my husband watched the trailer, his first words were,” THAT’S NOT THE RIGHT BACKPACK! OMG IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE ORANGE!” Someone get that man a cookie.] [Lo dies of giggles and her love for Mr. PQ just ratcheted up abouuuuut 5,000 points]
OKAY. For the newcomers: What are Swoony Boy Alerts, you ask? SBA’s are reoccurring posts in which we, and you, YES YOU, pretty, smart reader, gather around a cup of tea/coffee/something with whipped cream on it, and swoon over our favorite male characters in fiction. They can be old faves (Gilbert Blythe -why yes, I went there), or new boys we’re meeting for the first time.
For the five people in the universe that don’t know about The Hunger Games, here’s some background: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
To Katniss, Peeta has always been the boy with the bread. He’s the son of the towns only baker, which makes him wealthier and better fed than most people in District 12. When Katniss is 11, sitting in the mud and on the verge of starvation, Peeta throws her two loaves of burned bread. It’s only later that she discovers he burned the loaves on purpose (earning a beating for doing so), because he knew that the loaves would be discarded. It is this single act of kindness that saves both Katniss and her family, changing the way she views survival.
And this sums up so much of Peeta’s character because he’s just. so. good. That seems like such a crazy simple way of saying it, but it’s true. Peeta is pure and love and all that is good. He’s not your typical swoony boy – he’s not a bad boy with a sexy smirk and tons of one-liners – it’s just the entirety of who he is that makes him SWOONY.
I’m coming back into focus when Caesar asks him if he has a girlfriend back home. Peeta hesitates, then gives an unconvincing shake of his head.
“Handsome lad like you. There must be some special girl. Come on, what’s her name?” says Caesar.
Peeta sighs. “Well, there is this one girl. I’ve had a crush on her ever since I can remember. But I’m pretty sure she didn’t know I was alive until the reaping.”
Sounds of sympathy from the crowd. Unrequited love they can relate to.
“She have another fellow?” asks Caesar.
“I don’t know, but a lot of boys like her,” says Peeta.
“So, here’s what you do. You win, you go home. She can’t turn you down then, eh?” says Caesar encouraging-ly.
“I don’t think it’s going to work out. Winning…won’t help in my case,” says Peeta.
“Why ever not?” says Caesar, mystified.
Peeta blushes beet red and stammers out. “Because…because…she came here with me.”
And because it seems to be the perfect plan, Peeta and Katniss pretend to be in love, hoping it will earn them favor with the sponsors. BUT, we the reader know that it isn’t just a show for Peeta, who has in fact been in love with Katniss since the age of 5. OMG AWWWWW, RIGHT?
“I remember everything about you. You’re the one who wasn’t paying attention.”
And did I mention that he’s a blonde? Because that’s sort of my kryptonite. I’m beginning to realize I have a lot of those…
SOOO, I know there is a LOT more to say, but we want to know what YOU love about Peeta. Or even Gale because TRUST, he will have his own post. What are your favorite scenes? What did you think of the trailer? Did it make you more or less excited? Will you be in the ticket line next to me on March 23rd? Leave us your thoughts, your questions, your giggles over my husband’s flailing, or even your cookie recipes.
We’ll select one lucky winner who gets a copy of Peeta, er… I mean a book of YOUR choice. That’s right, any YA book ($25 or under, please) You could totally pick SHATTER ME, if you wanted, which is ON SALE NOW. Just sayin’. [Lo reminds the world that she gets to see Tahereh tonight and dole out BIG GIANT HUGGLES]. I know Josh Hutcherson isn’t the perfect Peeta for some readers, but he’s really growing on me. THOUGHTS?
sarabara081 says
I loved the trailer! It was the prefect intro to the series for those who have not read the books or know what it is about. It was just enough to get us so excited and craving more! Josh seems really sweet and I think that is an important Peeta trait to have. I will definitely be waiting in line to see the movie when it opens! 🙂
Mel says
Now he sounds like my kind of boy! (I love the good boys.) I should really read these…
Ashley says
The trailer was awesome! Cant wait! So excited *jumpy claps*
Also, I would like to recommend a book to you ladies. Its called Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. It is a wonderful, powerful book. Check it out!
Also! I would love to win a book! 🙂
Rachel says
I have replaying the trailer obsessively and running around saying "OMG LOOK AT THIS TRAILER OMG WHEN CAN I BUY TICKETS" to all my family and friends. Needless to say, I am very excited. And I personally love Josh as Peeta. Of course, I've had a crush on him since I was like, ten, and I saw him in Bridge to Terabithia. But still. He will be an amazing Peeta!
Christina2227 says
Yay! I'm still so happy you sweet ladies have an agent!
I was so anxious for the trailer and ended up loving it. I also had the same reaction about the backpack, but I think it was simply because it seems like they stayed so true to everything else! I also loved that (as of right now), they've still kept most of the bigger scenes a mystery. I get teary-eyed around 2:11 *cough*Ihaven'twatcheditthatmuch*cough* every time and when the countdown starts and Katniss is on the platform in the arena, I get chills. I'm beyond excited for this movie.
As for a particular scene, it's always hard to choose just one and it's been a long while since I've read them (planning on rereading before the movie, though). I do remember this one scene that made me giggle-swoon.Peeta is camouflaged by the riverbank and has a serious leg wound when Katniss finally finds him.
"Lean down a minute first," he says. "Need to tell you something." I lean over and put my good ear to his lips, which tickle as he whispers. "Remember, we're madly in love, so it's all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it."
It's such an adorable thing to say!!!
~Christina
P.S. I live for the gifs that you post. Stop being so damn cute!
Jennifer C says
I've only read the first book of THG series and about to start Catching Fire next but all I can say is, swooooooooon! Over Peeta AND Gale.
(Oh I'm currently waiting for my copy of Shatter Me to finally get delivered. I knew I should have brought in-store.)
Christina says
I agree! The moment when they start the countdown I got chills!
Christina says
Wait… you haven't read??? Oh, Mel, Mel, Mel!. I guess I know what I'm bugging you with this week.
Christina says
Twenty Boy Summer. Check! And thank you so much, I LOVE when I get good book recommendations. Will I be flailing?
Christina says
Yay! He's just too adorable and has totally won me over.
Christina says
C, I totally forgot that part! And I totally agree, that's my fave part of the trailer. ~soulmates~
And thank you so much! We're beyond the moon happy. <3
Stacee says
I don't remember thinking Peeta was swoony while reading HG. I might have to read them again because the sections you posted here proved that he is. Not Étienne St. Clair level, because in my world he's in a category all his own.
I looooooooove the trailer. I can't wait for the movie and I'm hoping to scrounge up some people to go to a midnight show. Major points for your husband realizing the color of the backpack. I didn't notice that at all. *facepalm*
I'll definitely be reading and watching the trailer again. And again. And maybe again.
Stages
@Ivygirl_702
Stacee says
And stupid auto correct changed my name to stages.
WTMF?
Justine says
What's your husband's favorite cookie? Because the man does deserve a cookie!
Watching the trailer for the first time was a strange experience for me. I wasn't prepared to see The Hunger Games story as a slick Hollywood live action film. Now that I've seen the trailer more than once, I don't feel so unsettled. I do wish Rue's 4-note tune (at the end of the trailer) wasn't so mournful, though.
Tyra says
I read THG recently. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I have a feeling the trailer will make me run to my bookshelf! 🙂
kristina shields says
I just started reading the book a little while ago (and just read the previous scene) and it seems like a good read. can't wait for the movie with all the actiony and swoon worthy boys! 🙂
Ashley says
O yes m'am. Expect flailing and you may need some Kleenex. But please dont let that detour you. Very Pretty words. In fact here is a quote I love
“Every story is part of a whole, entire life, you know? Happy and sad and tragic and whatever, but an entire life. And books let you know them.”
Lisa says
I freaking love Peeta. This is probably corny but I was able to read The WHOLE Hunger Games Series from Seattle to San Diego for CC2011. Thank you for rec'ing this story. I will most definitely be in line to see that movie on 3/23 =D
Jill says
Congrats on the agent. I am very excited to be able to read your first published book together, hopefully soon. I actually watched the trailer with my kids, and they loved it, too, but for different reasons. Peeta and Gale are both worthy of swoon, but Peeta just has that protector/sweet-boy quality that is so appealing.
Evie says
I wasn't sold on Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, but after watching the trailer, I totally think he can pull it off.
The trailer made me shiver, and tears welled up when Katniss volunteers for Prim. Rue's haunting four notes at the end give me chest pain. I need this movie NOW!
Christina says
Same! Lo took mine to Tahereh's book release to be signed and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
Christina says
Lulz. Thanks, Stacee! It was hilarious, like he was seriously offended that they didn't think he'd notice.
Christina says
Chocolate Chip! And you know, I've watched it several times and I don't think I ever noticed that that's Rue's tune. YOU DESERVE A COOKIE!
Christina says
YAY! Rereads are sometimes more fun!!
Christina says
eep! Ignore my spoilers *dives to cover your eyes*
Christina says
Thanks hon! Be sure to find me for CC2012!
Christina says
Totally agree and THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Jordan says
I had my issues with Mockingjay, mostly how much i cried, but when the trailer started rolling, it all came back to me. Why I love this book, why, when I got it for Christmas,I read it in a day, and then read it four times that year, flipping it over and starting again each time I finished it. This looks like it might be one of the best movie adaptations ever. I am SO PUMPED!