Gale Hawthorne is 18 years old at the start of The Hunger Games series. He is two years older than Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of the series. Gale’s age is significant as it places him in the same age group as many of the tributes selected for the Hunger Games, although he is not chosen to participate.
Throughout the series, Gale’s age and maturity play a role in his actions and decisions, especially in his relationship with Katniss and his involvement in the rebellion against the Capitol. His age also highlights the harsh realities faced by the youth in the dystopian world of Panem.