Back in 2012, Josh Hutcherson got cast as lead star Peeta Mellark in "The Hunger Games" series. The actor was only 19 years old then, and he literally grew up together with the character he portrayed.
Now, the franchise will come to a close with "Mockingjay: Part 2." Hutcherson, who plays baker's son Peeta Mellark in the franchise inevitably knows everything there is to know about his character. As Katniss Everdeen's love interest and constant ally, Hutcherson said that he is really lucky to have played such a "genuine" character. However, the actor notes that the franchise's leading man has his own weaknesses too.
"Most favorite thing is his loyalty. He's very genuine," he told Entertainment Weekly. "He's a guy who from the beginning fought for what he believed in and didn't want to become a pawn in the game happening around him. I definitely identify with that and feel the same way."
On the other hand, Hutcherson thinks that Peeta is way too slow in pursuing the girl he loves.
"The thing I like the least about him... probably that it took so long to tell Katniss that he had feelings for her. That wasted a long time. Should have made that move sooner," he said.
"The Hunger Games" franchise has definitely made a huge impact on Hutcherson's life, and it feels both wonderful and sad now that they have completed the story.
"It is bittersweet," he admitted. "It's been a huge part of my life for four years now. It's kind of weird that there's not going to be anymore. At the same time, it's been a big part of my life for a long time. I'm ready to move on to the next stuff, but I'm excited about it."
Peeta did little in "Mockingjay: Part 1," and he looked extremely unwell as he delivered President Snow's message to Katniss and her crew during the last pivotal minutes.
However, before ending the delivery of his message, he comes to his senses and issues them a warning, telling them that a bomb is on its way there. His warning saves their lives, although the bomb still causes a lot of damage.
In the new trailer for Part 2, Katniss and her best friend Gale were seen fighting over Peeta. Gale thinks Peeta is a "coward" for being Snow's messenger, but Katniss is quick to defend Peeta, especially since he has clearly been malnourished and abused.
"Mockingjay: Part 2" will be released on November 20, 2015.
