Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Page 420 Review
A Glimmer of Hope in the Dark: A Review of a Heart-Pounding Scene
This excerpt plunges the reader into a moment of intense vulnerability and resourcefulness, as our protagonist navigates a precarious situation. Stranded high in a tree, with a storm brewing and the well-being of Wellie hanging in the balance, the character’s determination shines through. Let’s delve into the elements that make this scene so compelling.
Immersive Setting and Rising Tension
The opening lines immediately establish a palpable sense of unease: “The moon slips behind a cloud, leaving us momentarily in darkness, and I hug the trunk for stability until the pale light returns.” This simple description effectively sets the scene, highlighting the character’s precarious position and the unpredictable nature of the environment. The phrase “The air seems to be growing heavier in general” hints at the impending storm, amplifying the tension. The reader can almost feel the character’s fear as they contemplate being “trapped up this high in the pitch black while the bark gets slippery.”
The Weight of Responsibility
Despite the character’s own fear, their primary concern remains Wellie’s safety. This selfless act underscores the protagonist’s inherent goodness and reinforces the stakes: “I can’t abandon Wellie.” This single line speaks volumes about their bond and the lengths to which they are willing to go to protect their companion.
Desperate Measures and Ingenuity
Faced with limited options, the character’s resourcefulness comes to the fore. The immediate consideration of using “my flint striker” demonstrates a quick-thinking mind, quickly followed by the practical assessment of its limitations: “but how would I build a fire up here?” This internal dialogue reveals the character’s analytical approach to problem-solving under pressure.
A Spark of Hope with the Potato Battery
The discovery of the potato battery kit provides a glimmer of hope in the darkness: “I fumble around in Maysilee’s pack, looking for something to use as fuel, when I come upon the potato battery kit. Theoretically, I could make my own light.” The reader shares the character’s sense of anticipation and cautious optimism, knowing that the outcome is uncertain. The practical constraint, “Beetee said that a potato shouldn’t be eaten after it was a battery, so I restrict myself to using one, saving the last for Wellie’s breakfast,” adds a layer of realism and highlights the scarcity of resources.
The Struggle for Illumination
The description of the process of creating the potato battery is both tense and engaging: “I cut a potato in half, remove each component from the plastic bag, and strain to replicate Beetee’s demonstration. Wrap the copper coins and zinc nails in wire, leaving a tail, and stick them in the potato halves. This takes a while given the limited light.” The detailed description of the steps, combined with the phrase “This takes a while given the limited light,” emphasizes the difficulty of the task and the character’s perseverance.
Overcoming Obstacles
The moment of near-defeat, “There’s a bad moment when one of the coins slips through my fingers and escapes to the forest floor. I’m about to give up…” illustrates the fragility of hope and the constant struggle against adversity. However, the character’s resilience shines through with the inspired substitution of “Maysilee’s medallion.” This moment of ingenuity is both satisfying and believable, further endearing the character to the reader.
A Triumphant, Albeit Small, Victory
The final lines offer a small but significant victory: “After more than a few false starts, I attach the final wire to a tiny light bulb and am rewarded with a dim glow. In most circumstances, it would be negligible, but…” The “dim glow” represents more than just light; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the protagonist. The implied continuation suggests that even the smallest glimmer can make a world of difference in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Conclusion
This excerpt masterfully combines suspense, character development, and realistic problem-solving to create a captivating reading experience. The vivid descriptions, coupled with the character’s inner struggles and unwavering determination, leave the reader eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Buy full ebook for only $15: https://www.lulu.com/shop/suzanne-collins/sunrise-on-the-reaping-a-hunger-games-novel-the-hunger-games/ebook/product-e7496ww.html?page=1&pageSize=4