Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Chapter 26
by Suzanne, Collins,After a taxing council meeting, Luxa, Gregor, and their companions retreat to a nearby chamber to rest. Luxa, visibly exhausted and emotionally drained, expresses her fears about impending retaliations and the weight of their collective shame to Vikus, who reassures her with a plan of reconciliation and learning from past mistakes. Nerissa, Luxa’s cousin, lightens the mood by returning the crown, humorously acknowledging the burdens of leadership. Meanwhile, Hazard, a young boy newly adopted by Luxa, tentatively adjusts to his unfamiliar surroundings, and the group mourns the loss of Hamnet, a fallen comrade.
Gregor and Luxa, accompanied by Vikus, visit the hospital to check on their friends and family recovering from the plague. Gregor warns Luxa about the distressing appearance of the patients, particularly Ares, whose severe condition initially shocks her. Despite his own injuries, Gregor supports Luxa as they witness the slow but steady recovery of Ares, Howard, Andromeda, and Gregor’s mother. Vikus provides updates on the plague’s toll, revealing the devastating loss of lives in both Regalia and the Fount, while emphasizing the newfound hope brought by the cure.
The chapter highlights the emotional and physical toll on the characters, as Luxa and Gregor grapple with the aftermath of their struggles. Luxa’s vulnerability surfaces as she clings to Gregor’s hand for comfort, while Gregor, though injured himself, prioritizes her well-being. Their bond strengthens as they face the harrowing sight of their loved ones in recovery, underscoring the theme of resilience amidst adversity. Vikus’s leadership and optimism offer a counterbalance to their grief, as he focuses on healing and unity.
The chapter concludes with Gregor receiving medical treatment for his extensive wounds, including stitches and a dose of the plague cure as a precaution. Mareth, keeping watch over Gregor, reveals the shocking discovery of thousands of unused cure vials in Neveeve’s lab, hinting at deeper betrayals. Gregor’s brief moment of humor about his mummy-like bandages contrasts with the gravity of the situation, leaving readers with a sense of cautious hope as the characters begin their journey toward recovery and reckoning.
FAQs
1. How does Luxa demonstrate leadership and compassion in this chapter, despite her fatigue and emotional distress?
Answer:
Despite her visible exhaustion and emotional turmoil, Luxa exhibits strong leadership by immediately addressing Hazard’s needs, ordering food for him, and comforting him about Hamnet’s death. She also shows compassion by reassuring Hazard he can stay as her brother and by physically supporting Gregor when visiting the sick, despite her own shock at their condition. Her ability to prioritize others’ needs—even making self-deprecating jokes about crowns with Nerissa—while grappling with personal grief and political consequences demonstrates her maturing leadership (e.g., “It seems I only lose one of these to find another”).2. Analyze the significance of Gregor and Luxa’s hand-holding during the hospital visit. What does this reveal about their relationship and individual vulnerabilities?
Answer:
The prolonged hand-holding symbolizes their mutual reliance and emotional bond. Gregor initiates it as practical support, anticipating Luxa’s shock at the patients’ conditions—a reversal of their usual dynamic where Luxa is the resilient one. Her crushing grip and green-tinged skin reveal uncharacteristic vulnerability, while Gregor’s tolerance of pain to comfort her shows growth in empathy. Their intertwined fingers (noted twice) reflect shared trauma and trust, especially when Luxa later thanks him for the warning. This physical connection underscores how their partnership balances strength and fragility.3. How does Vikus’ response to Luxa’s question about survival (“How will we survive this?”) encapsulate the chapter’s themes of accountability and healing?
Answer:
Vikus’ three-part response—defending against attacks, offering reparations (“Give back land, supply food and medicine”), and learning from shame—mirrors the chapter’s dual focus on accountability and recovery. His pragmatic approach acknowledges the consequences of their actions (retaliation) while advocating for restorative justice. This aligns with Luxa’s political burden, the medical healing underway (Neveeve’s cure), and Gregor’s mother’s emotional recovery upon learning Boots is safe. Vikus’ emphasis on collective survival (“together”) also contrasts with earlier isolation, reinforcing unity as a healing mechanism.4. What literary techniques does the author use to emphasize the physical and emotional toll of the plague, particularly in the hospital scene?
Answer:
The author employs visceral imagery (Ares’ “wreck of a head,” Howard’s bursting purple bump), tactile details (Luxa’s bone-crushing grip, Gregor’s lost finger sensation), and deliberate pacing (pauses for rest, silent communication with Gregor’s mom) to amplify the plague’s impact. Gregor’s vomit warning and Luxa’s greenish pallor use bodily reactions to convey emotional horror without exposition. The glass walls physically separate observers from patients, mirroring the characters’ psychological barriers in processing trauma. Even the “light-green liquid” Gregor drinks later echoes this sickly imagery, creating continuity in suffering and treatment.5. How does Hazard’s presence serve as a narrative device to highlight key aspects of other characters’ development?
Answer:
Hazard acts as a lens for others’ growth: Luxa’s protective instincts reveal her capacity for familial love beyond duty; Gregor’s awareness that Hazard “had probably never even been in a building” shows his increasing perceptiveness about others’ backgrounds. Vikus’ immediate welcome contrasts with earlier political tensions, emphasizing reconciliation. Hazard’s bluntness about Hamnet’s death (“He died. He won’t come back now”) forces characters to confront grief directly, catalyzing Luxa’s advice to “hold him carefully in our hearts”—a metaphor for the chapter’s broader theme of tenderly carrying forward past wounds while healing.
Quotes
1. “‘How will we survive this, Vikus? The retaliations from our enemies … and our shame,’ said Luxa.”
This quote captures Luxa’s vulnerability and the weight of leadership as she grapples with the consequences of past actions. It represents a key moment of emotional honesty about the challenges facing their society.
2. “‘As for our shame, we can only hope to learn from it.’ He lifted her chin. ‘It is so very good to see you again.’”
Vikus’s response combines wisdom about moving forward from mistakes with deep personal care for Luxa. This moment shows the intergenerational support system and the theme of learning from failures.
3. “‘No, he will not. So we shall have to hold him very carefully in our hearts,’ she said, wrapping an arm around him.”
Luxa’s tender words to Hazard about Hamnet’s death demonstrate her growth in dealing with grief and comforting others. The poetic phrasing makes this particularly memorable.
4. “‘They’re going to look really bad. Just so you know.’ ‘I have seen many disturbing things, Gregor.’ ‘Okay, but the first time I saw Ares … I threw up.’”
This exchange between Gregor and Luxa before seeing the plague victims combines dark humor with genuine concern, revealing their deepening friendship and shared trauma.
5. “‘They just stared at each other, as if no one else existed. After a long time he saw her lips form the word, “Boots?“’”
This powerful nonverbal moment between Gregor and his sick mother captures the intensity of their family bond and shared concern for Boots, showing communication beyond words.