Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Chapter 12
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with the group recovering from an avalanche that sends waves crashing into their refuge, leaving everyone drenched. Howard focuses on reviving Hazard, who nearly drowns, while the others watch anxiously. Luxa, initially resigned to Hazard’s fate, springs to life when Howard successfully restarts the boy’s heart. Hazard vomits water, and Howard tends to him with a first-aid kit, stitching a head wound and administering pain relief. The group, though shaken, finds momentary relief in Hazard’s recovery, and Howard lightens the mood with humor, prompting laughter from everyone.
With the immediate danger over, the group confronts their larger predicament: the avalanche has blocked their only known exit, the Swag, trapping them in Hades Hall. Howard explains that the only other way out is through the Firelands, a journey of five days. Gregor worries about the lack of light, as their flashlights won’t last the entire trip, and Hazard expresses fear of the dark. Howard insists they rest and recover before moving, especially for Hazard’s sake, though no one feels like eating due to the river water’s effects on their stomachs.
Luxa takes the first watch, overwhelmed by concern for Hazard and the missing mice. Gregor joins her, recognizing her emotional strain and reflecting on how loving someone makes one vulnerable. As the others sleep, Gregor reviews their dire situation: his family will panic when he and Boots don’t return, and their unauthorized trip has led them into a dangerous, inescapable tunnel. He hopes Regalia might deduce their whereabouts from the river’s altered flow, but Luxa doubts it, noting the flood could erase all traces of their presence.
The chapter highlights the group’s resilience amid disaster, their camaraderie, and the looming challenge of navigating Hades Hall. Gregor’s guilt and worry for his family underscore the stakes, while Luxa’s emotional vulnerability adds depth to her character. The chapter ends on an uncertain note, emphasizing the perilous journey ahead and the group’s reliance on each other to survive.
FAQs
1. What emergency medical situation occurs in this chapter, and how does Howard demonstrate his medical skills?
Answer:
The chapter features a critical emergency where Hazard nearly drowns after being caught in the floodwaters. Howard performs CPR (chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) to revive him, successfully restarting Hazard’s heartbeat. He then cleans and stitches Hazard’s forehead wound, checks his pupils with a flashlight, administers painkillers, and monitors his condition. Howard’s preparedness is highlighted by his first-aid kit, and his calm, skilled response contrasts with others’ panic, showcasing his medical expertise and leadership in crises.2. How does Luxa’s character development manifest in this chapter, particularly regarding her relationship with Hazard?
Answer:
Luxa’s emotional growth is evident through her deep concern for Hazard, whom she comforts and protects throughout the ordeal. Initially frozen with fear when Hazard appears lifeless, she later clings to him, insisting on keeping watch as he recovers. Her vulnerability contrasts with her usual stoicism, revealing how loving Hazard has made her more emotionally exposed. The chapter also highlights her gratitude toward Howard, as she hugs him—a rare display of affection—showing how Hazard’s near-death experience softens her guarded demeanor.3. What logistical challenges does the group face after surviving the avalanche, and what does their plan reveal about their priorities?
Answer:
The avalanche blocks their exit via the Swag, forcing them to traverse Hades Hall, a five-day journey to the Firelands. With limited light (only Gregor’s flashlight), injuries, and Hazard’s fragile condition, their immediate priorities shift to rest and recovery. Howard insists on delaying travel to stabilize Hazard, and the group conserves resources, using minimal light. This reflects their pragmatic focus on survival: prioritizing medical needs and energy conservation over haste, despite the looming anxiety about their families’ worry in Regalia.4. Analyze Gregor’s reflection on his “transgressions.” What does this reveal about his sense of responsibility and his role in the group?
Answer:
Gregor mentally catalogs his mistakes—secretly visiting the mouse colony, bringing Boots, and underestimating the Swag’s dangers—which now endanger everyone. His guilt stems from knowing his family will panic during their five-day absence, amplifying his responsibility as both a brother and a leader. This introspection shows his maturity: he recognizes his recklessness but channels it into problem-solving (e.g., speculating about Regalia’s awareness of their path). His role balances protector (watching Luxa) and pragmatist, though he still defers to Howard’s expertise.5. How does the chapter use humor to alleviate tension, and what purpose does it serve in the narrative?
Answer:
Dark humor punctuates the trauma, such as Howard’s quip about Hazard “drinking a river” instead of water, and his joke about Luxa’s rare hug requiring disasters. Boots’ melodramatic finger “injury” also lightens the mood. These moments serve to release collective stress, reinforcing group cohesion. The laughter shared by all, including the bats and Temp, underscores resilience. Humor humanizes the characters, making their bonds palpable and providing emotional relief without diminishing the gravity of their situation.
Quotes
1. “Only when Howard cried out, ‘His heart beats!’ did everyone come to life.”
This pivotal moment marks the successful resuscitation of Hazard after a near-drowning, releasing the group from their frozen anxiety and restoring hope. It represents a key turning point where the immediate physical danger passes, allowing the characters to shift focus to survival.
2. “Next time you are thirsty, Hazard, you might try a cup instead of a river.”
Howard’s dark humor while treating Hazard demonstrates the Underlanders’ resilience in crisis and their use of wit to diffuse tension. This moment of levity contrasts with the preceding life-or-death struggle, showing how characters cope with trauma.
3. “I would like that to be carved in stone. For when you are deciding who to invite on future picnics.”
Howard’s sarcastic remark to Luxa about her gratitude humorously underscores the extreme dangers they’ve faced together. It reveals the deep bonds between characters forged through shared adversity while commenting on their disastrous expedition.
4. “It was unbearable to think about losing anyone you loved, but that time Gregor had thought he’d lost Boots it was as if the world had ended. Little kids … you just loved them in a special way.”
This introspective moment from Gregor’s perspective reveals the emotional core of the chapter - how love creates vulnerability. It connects Hazard’s near-death experience to Gregor’s own fears about Boots, showing how caring for children heightens both joy and terror.
5. “Boy, was he ever in trouble now. The list of his transgressions was quite impressive.”
Gregor’s realization about the consequences of his actions introduces the chapter’s secondary crisis - the fallout awaiting them in Regalia. This internal monologue shifts focus from physical survival to social consequences, expanding the narrative stakes.