Champion
Chapter 13: Day 7
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with Day waking up in a wheelchair, disoriented and bandaged, as Tess informs him they’ve arrived in Los Angeles. Despite his frustration at his weakened state, he learns that Eden and Lucy are safely settled in a temporary apartment. The city’s familiar yet altered atmosphere strikes him—warm and hazy, but now tinged with a sense of uneasy normalcy. Day’s physical condition weighs heavily on him, as he recalls the doctor’s grim prognosis of only a month or two left to live, a reality that clashes with his identity as a resilient Runner.
As Day is driven through the city, he observes the interactions between soldiers and civilians, noting a shift in dynamics. The soldiers distribute rations and allow protests, while propaganda screens broadcast messages of hope rather than fear. A touching scene of a soldier entertaining refugee children softens Day’s perspective, hinting at a tentative collaboration between the people and the Republic under Anden’s leadership. This newfound optimism is tempered by his lingering distrust, as he grapples with the possibility that the Republic might be changing for the better.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Day is met by a crowd chanting for salvation, a stark reminder of the weight placed on his shoulders. Eden’s silent determination to help adds to Day’s internal conflict, as he fears his brother’s willingness to sacrifice himself. Medical examinations confirm his dire condition, with doctors proposing risky treatments and a potential surgery that may come too late. The urgency of finding a cure for the plague looms large, tied directly to Eden’s fate and the Republic’s survival.
The chapter closes with Day reflecting on the bleak timeline ahead. The doctors’ cautious hope contrasts with his realization that time is running out—both for his survival and the Republic’s stability. The stakes are clear: without a cure, the Colonies’ invasion will proceed unchecked, and Day’s role in securing Antarctica’s aid hinges on Eden’s cooperation. Despite his physical frailty, Day’s resolve lingers, underscored by his quiet determination to test his limits even as the odds stack against him.
FAQs
1. How does Day’s perception of the Republic change in this chapter, and what specific observations lead to this shift?
Answer:
Day’s perception of the Republic begins to soften as he notices subtle but significant changes in their behavior. Initially, he views soldiers as oppressive figures barking orders, but upon closer inspection, he realizes they are distributing rations to refugees. He also observes that protests are allowed without violent intervention, and propaganda messages now seem like attempts to maintain hope rather than fear. Most poignantly, he witnesses a soldier comforting refugee children with a puppet show—a stark contrast to the Republic’s former brutality. These observations suggest that under Anden’s leadership, the Republic may be evolving into a more compassionate regime (Chapter 7).2. Analyze the significance of the crowd’s chant, “SAVE US,” and how it reflects Day’s internal conflict.
Answer:
The crowd’s plea, “SAVE US,” highlights the weight of expectations placed on Day as a symbol of resistance. This creates a profound internal conflict because Day is acutely aware of his declining health and mortality—he describes himself as “a dying boy” rather than the “invincible super-soldier” the people believe him to be. The chant also mirrors Eden’s unspoken determination to help, which terrifies Day. It underscores the tragic irony of their situation: the public sees Day as a savior, while he grapples with his inability to protect them and his fear for Eden’s safety (Chapter 7).3. What does Day’s medical prognosis reveal about the broader stakes for the Republic and Antarctica’s involvement?
Answer:
Day’s prognosis—a possible few months left to live—ties directly to the Republic’s survival. The doctors emphasize that time is their greatest enemy, as the risky surgery he needs may come too late. This personal timeline parallels the Republic’s political crisis: if Day dies before a cure is proven, Antarctica will not intervene to stop the Colonies’ invasion. The urgency of his treatment underscores the fragile interdependence between his survival, Eden’s potential sacrifice for a cure, and the Republic’s fate (Chapter 7).4. How does the author use contrasting imagery to depict Los Angeles upon Day’s return?
Answer:
The author juxtaposes familiar scenes of Los Angeles with new, nuanced details to reflect Day’s shifting perspective. For example, soldiers initially seem to “bark orders” but are later seen handing out rations; protests occur without repression, and JumboTrons broadcast hopeful messages instead of ominous propaganda. Even the warm, hazy light contrasts with Day’s grim physical state (wheelchair, bandages). These contrasts emphasize how Day’s mindset—once hardened by distrust—now allows him to see potential change in the Republic (Chapter 7).5. Evaluate the role of Tess’s brief hug in this chapter. What does it convey about their relationship?
Answer:
Tess’s hug is a fleeting yet powerful moment that underscores their deep, unspoken bond. Day is startled by the warmth, savoring it and lingering on her presence even after the jeep departs. This small gesture humanizes both characters amid the chaos, revealing Tess’s care for Day and his reliance on her for comfort. It also contrasts with the larger, impersonal demands placed on Day (e.g., the crowd’s chants), highlighting how personal connections anchor him in a tumultuous world (Chapter 7).
Quotes
1. “The people and the Republic … are working together.”
This quote marks a pivotal moment where Day observes a shift in the Republic’s behavior under Anden’s leadership, challenging his long-held distrust of the government. It represents a turning point in his perception of the regime’s relationship with civilians.
2. “SAVE US.”
A powerful, desperate plea from the crowd that highlights Day’s symbolic role as a savior figure in the Republic’s crisis. This moment underscores the immense pressure and expectations placed on him despite his deteriorating health.
3. “I can save them, my little brother’s thinking. Let me save them.”
This internal realization reveals Day’s understanding of Eden’s willingness to sacrifice himself, mirroring Day’s own heroic tendencies. It introduces the central moral dilemma about sacrifice and protection between the brothers.
4. “We are fighting hard to prepare you for a very risky surgery, but the time that your medication needs may be longer than the time you have left.”
The doctor’s grim prognosis emphasizes the race against time that defines Day’s personal struggle, creating tension between his physical limitations and the demands placed upon him as a revolutionary figure.
5. “I might actually live long enough to see the Republic fall.”
This haunting reflection captures Day’s existential crisis, blending his personal mortality with the potential collapse of his nation. It represents the intersection of his physical and political battles.