Gale orients his life toward changing things. He does whatever he must do, whether or not other people like it, to ensure the survival of the people he loves.

Katniss's focus on survival and her family's safety prevented her from fully considering romance, but her feelings for Peeta and Gale diverged in the end. Katniss ultimately chose Peeta because he understood her trauma and she didn't want to lose him, proving her love for him.