Champion
Chapter 3: Day 2
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with Day arriving in Denver for an “emergency banquet” on Independence Day, which he finds ironic given the frivolity of a feast during a crisis. After settling into a government apartment with his younger brother Eden, he leaves Eden under Lucy’s care, expressing his usual paranoia about his brother’s safety. Day then meets Faline, a Senator’s daughter assigned to help him dress for the event. Her polished appearance contrasts sharply with his rough street attire, and she humorously critiques his outfit before guiding him through the upscale shopping district. Day notices an unusually heavy military presence, sparking his suspicions about the Republic’s motives.
As Faline takes Day to prepare for the banquet, he observes the opulent surroundings and the wealthy citizens, feeling out of place. The excessive number of soldiers patrolling the streets unsettles him, and Faline’s vague reassurance does little to ease his mind. Day reflects on June’s sudden request for his presence at the event, wondering what the Republic truly wants from him. His thoughts turn to fleeing the country with Eden, questioning why he remains in a place that clearly distrusts him. The chapter highlights Day’s internal conflict and growing unease about the political climate.
Later, Day arrives at Colburn Hall amidst chaotic celebrations, where crowds cheer for him despite his discomfort. Faline, now dressed in gold, greets him and hints that someone other than the Elector is eager to see him, causing Day’s heart to race. As they navigate the lavish hall, Day attempts to blend in with the elite but feels overwhelmed by the artificiality of the environment. His attention is drawn to the nervous undercurrent among the Senators and guests, mirroring his own anxiety. The opulence of the setting contrasts sharply with Day’s street-born skepticism, emphasizing his alienation from this world.
The chapter culminates in Day spotting June across the room, stunning in a scarlet gown but appearing uncharacteristically restrained. His momentary awe turns to discomfort when he notices Anden by her side, seemingly engrossed in conversation with her. The encounter leaves Day conflicted, torn between his lingering feelings for June and his distrust of the Republic’s leadership. The chapter ends with Day silently turning away, his emotions unresolved, as Faline observes his reaction with concern. The scene underscores the tension between personal loyalties and political intrigue.
FAQs
1. How does Day’s initial reaction to the “emergency banquet” reflect his perspective on the Republic’s leadership?
Answer:
Day’s sarcastic internal monologue about the “emergency banquet” reveals his deep skepticism toward the Republic’s elite. He finds the concept absurd—associating banquets with excessive feasting rather than crisis management—and criticizes the Senators for potentially indulging while ignoring real issues (“stuffing their fat faces”). This highlights his street-born distrust of authority figures and their priorities, contrasting his survivalist mindset with their apparent opulence. The irony of celebrating Independence Day amid heightened military presence further underscores his unease about the Republic’s true motives.2. Analyze the significance of the heightened military presence in Denver. What might it imply about the Republic’s political climate?
Answer:
The unusual number of soldiers patrolling Denver suggests underlying instability. Faline’s evasion and Day’s observation of nervous elites hint at unrest, possibly tied to divided public opinion about Elector Anden (evidenced by conflicting graffiti). The militarization could foreshadow impending conflict or a crackdown on dissent, aligning with Day’s suspicion that June summoned him for a hidden agenda. The juxtaposition of festive decorations with armed guards creates tension, implying the Republic is masking turmoil with propaganda—a theme reinforced by the live-streamed festivities on JumboTrons.3. How does the description of June’s appearance and demeanor reveal her emotional state and relationship with power?
Answer:
June’s striking scarlet gown and regal posture project authority, yet Day notices her uncharacteristic restraint—a departure from her usual confidence. This subtle vulnerability suggests internal conflict, possibly due to her proximity to Anden and political pressures. The Elector’s focused attention on her (ignoring other admirers) hints at their close, possibly strategic relationship. Day’s visceral reaction to her beauty contrasts with his unease about her alignment with power, symbolizing his torn feelings between personal attachment and distrust of the system she represents.4. Why might Day’s concern for Eden’s safety persist despite Lucy’s assurances?
Answer:
Day’s lingering anxiety (“Eden will disappear if I blink”) stems from trauma—his past experiences with the Republic’s exploitation of his brother’s illness. Lucy’s reassurance, while comforting, doesn’t erase his ingrained paranoia. The chapter emphasizes his protective instincts, especially amid suspicions of renewed war (“maybe I should get Eden out”). His reluctance to trust reflects broader themes of institutional betrayal; even with newfound freedom, he questions why he stays, revealing unresolved trauma and the weight of responsibility as Eden’s guardian.5. Evaluate the role of propaganda in this chapter. How does it shape public perception and Day’s observations?
Answer:
Propaganda permeates the scene: giant Republic seals, Anden’s portrait, and controlled JumboTron footage create a facade of unity. Day acknowledges reduced overt propaganda but notes the absence of external news—a form of censorship. The public’s performative patriotism (wearing red/gold) contrasts with graffiti divisions, revealing societal fractures. Day’s sarcasm (“guess you can’t have everything”) underscores his awareness of manipulation. This duality—spectacle versus hidden tension—mirrors the Republic’s attempt to manufacture loyalty while suppressing dissent, a dynamic Day navigates as both insider and critic.
Quotes
1. “Is that how these Senators deal with crises—by stuffing their fat faces?”
This sarcastic inner monologue from Day critiques the hypocrisy of political elites hosting lavish banquets during emergencies, setting the tone for his distrust of the Republic’s leadership.
2. “If the Republic really is going back to war, then maybe I should find a way to get Eden out of the country. We have the power to leave now, after all. Don’t know what’s keeping me here.”
This vulnerable reflection reveals Day’s protective instincts toward his brother and his growing disillusionment with the Republic, hinting at his internal conflict about staying or fleeing.
3. “She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, easily the most breathtaking girl in the room… Almost perfection. At closer look, I notice something that makes me frown. There’s an air of restraint about her, something uncertain and unconfident. Not like the June I know.”
Day’s poignant observation of June captures both his enduring admiration and his sharp perception of her changed demeanor, highlighting their complicated relationship and the political tensions affecting her.
4. “Where am I? What am I doing here?”
This existential questioning marks a key moment of disorientation for Day as he navigates the opulent but alien world of Republic elites, emphasizing his outsider status and internal conflict.
5. “Behind their cheerful masks are signs of nervousness, flickering eyes, and furrowed brows.”
This description of the banquet attendees reveals the underlying tension in the Republic’s leadership, foreshadowing political unrest despite the surface-level celebrations.