Gale’s fails: The number of times he can't kiss Katniss in 'Mockingjay'

As one of two of Katniss' potential, lovestruck suitors, Gale has not had much romantic luck in the first two Hunger Games movies: He was stuck taking care of Katniss' family while Katniss, twice, teamed up with Peeta (the other third of the Katniss love triangle) to compete in the Hunger Games. If that wasn't bad enough, he also had to watch Katniss kiss Peeta on TV, and pretend to carry Peeta's baby. Tough break.

But that's all in the first two movies, in which Gale doesn't get a whole lot of screen time. Come movie three (of four), Hunger Games - Mockingjay, Part 1, Gale is actually with Katniss way more than Peeta is. You'd think this would be the perfect time for the hunky hunter-turned-soldier to make his move, right?

You would think. Warning: Some spoilers ahead!

Instead, Gale fails. He only gets one pity kiss from Katniss in the entire film. We counted the number of times he almost/could have/was close to having a romantic moment with Katniss, were it not for something completely ruining the mood. That something was usually Katniss, herself:

1. Katniss wants to see what's left of District 12. A concerned Gale asks, "Can I come with you?" Nope, denied.


2. Effie comments on Gale's new outfit, saying to Katniss, "Doesn't your comrade look handsome?" Gale looks over to Katniss, lovingly. Katniss has no response.


3. Gale impressively shoots a bullseye with his new, fiery weapon. Katniss is mildly impressed, then moves on.


4. Gale uses his body to protect Katniss from an explosion. She says nothing.


5. Gale gets special permission from President Coin to hunt outside with Katniss, their favorite activity. She joins, but doesn't thank him. Then, she gently rests his head on his shoulder before the moment is interrupted by the ring of Gale's beeper-like device.


6. Katniss actually does kiss Gale back at her old house, but he doesn't think the move is genuine. "I'm in pain. That's the only way I can get your attention," he says. "Don't worry, it'll pass."


7. Gale goes back to save Katniss' sister, Prim. Katniss hardly acknowledges it.


8. Gale volunteers to help rescue Peeta. When Gale returns, he hugs Katniss, and tells her to go to Peeta. "You should be there when he wakes up," he says.