Because The Hunger Games series is written in Katniss’s perspective, it is easy to understand why most people’s immediate response to “Who is the hero of The Hunger Games?” is Katniss. However, I argue that having the story told by Katniss is precisely why it is that much clearer that she is not the true hero. At a few points in the story, Katniss makes a point to say that she wants to win for her sister. But for the duration of the games, the reader gets the sense that Katniss is focused solely on survival. Meanwhile, Peeta was clear from the very beginning that he wanted Katniss to win. He makes Katniss appear desirable and lovable, an image she was quite incapable of creating herself. Katniss got sponsors because Peeta made her seem likable.
During the games, Peeta joins the Careers in order to protect Katniss. She had been angry at him, thinking that he was trying to save himself when in reality he joined the Careers because he knew the Careers would eventually go after her, and when that time came he could stop them. Finally, at the end of the games, it is announced that only one victor may remain. Peeta moves to throw away his knife, and Katniss immediately draws her bow on him. Her instinct is always self-preservation, and his is to help her.
In later books, Peeta realizes that Katniss is part of a cause that could change society forever. He does everything he can to protect her as the symbol of the resistance and his love, while Katniss is busy griping about loving both Gale and Peeta. Katniss is selfish more often than not, and when Peeta is returned from the Capitol after being tortured, she is terrified that he will not love her the same way. She does not fear for his welfare. She fears that he will blame her for the torture.
Peeta is selfless, through and through. He recognizes the role he plays and acts accordingly. From the very beginning of the games, he tells Katniss that he wants to die as himself. He always seems to look out for Katniss’s best interest, even if it means that he will die.