The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games)
ONE YEAR LATER…
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens with Avery Grambs, a 19-year-old heiress and philanthropist, being interviewed about her extraordinary life. She reflects on her unique position with humility, acknowledging her luck while emphasizing that her wealth still feels surreal. The interview takes place in the Nook, a personalized space in Hawthorne House that symbolizes her journey. Avery shares how her global adventures with Jameson Hawthorne have shaped her worldview, and her tone remains candid as she discusses the balance between gratitude and responsibility.
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Avery’s decision to donate the majority of her inherited fortune. She explains how the Hawthorne brothers initially reacted with shock but eventually embraced her philanthropic mission as a collective challenge. Avery highlights the foundation she established, which prioritizes rapid, impactful giving over slow disbursement. The foundation’s board includes diverse experts and activists, reflecting her commitment to inclusive, innovative solutions for global issues. The interviewer probes Avery’s motivations, leading to a deeper discussion about wealth and power.
Avery dismisses the notion of sainthood, humorously pointing out that she retained two billion dollars for herself—a sum she admits is impossible to spend fully. She argues that excessive wealth inherently concentrates power, which she finds ethically problematic. Her pragmatic yet principled stance challenges conventional views on fortune and legacy. The foundation’s name, “Hannah the Same Backward as Forward,” hints at personal mysteries tied to her family, though Avery leaves this thread unresolved, adding intrigue.
The chapter concludes with Avery’s unflinching critique of wealth inequality. She questions why society doesn’t demand more from billionaires, framing her actions as a logical response to systemic imbalance. Her dialogue with the interviewer blends wit and gravity, revealing her maturity and strategic thinking. The exchange underscores Avery’s transformation from an unexpected heir to a purposeful changemaker, while her relationship with Jameson and the Hawthorne brothers adds emotional depth to her public persona.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the “Nook” in Hawthorne House, and how does it reflect Avery’s character development?
Answer:
The Nook is a small but meaningful space in Hawthorne House that bears Avery’s personal touch, from the repurposed wood floors to the comfortable reading chairs. It serves as a physical manifestation of her growth and identity, filled with keepsakes from her global travels—each item representing an adventure or meaningful experience. This space symbolizes how Avery has made the massive Hawthorne estate her own while maintaining her authentic self. The interviewer notes the awe-inspiring quality of the room, mirroring Avery’s own sense of wonder at her extraordinary life (pp. 361-362).2. How does Avery justify her decision to give away 94% of her inherited fortune, and what philosophical stance does this reveal?
Answer:
Avery defends her choice by emphasizing the impracticality of hoarding wealth, stating that even keeping $2 billion ensures she could never spend it all. She rejects the “saint” label, framing her philanthropy as a pragmatic redistribution of power rather than virtue. Her approach reflects a belief that extreme wealth confers undue influence, and she instead prioritizes systemic impact through her foundation’s time-bound, collaborative model. The “five-year rule” underscores her conviction that transformative change requires bold, immediate action rather than slow disbursement (pp. 363-364).3. Analyze the dynamic between Avery and Jameson Hawthorne as portrayed in the interview. What does their relationship reveal about their shared values?
Answer:
Their dynamic blends adventure and purpose—Avery describes Jameson as both a “risk taker” and an active participant in her philanthropic mission. His initial shock at her wealth redistribution evolves into a collaborative “game,” illustrating their shared competitive spirit channeled toward meaningful ends. The interviewer’s observation that Avery smiles when mentioning Jameson highlights their emotional connection, while Avery’s emphasis on his multifaceted growth (“he was so much more”) suggests their relationship balances excitement with personal evolution (pp. 362-363).4. What makes the Hannah the Same Backward as Forward Foundation unique in its approach to philanthropy?
Answer:
The foundation distinguishes itself through radical inclusivity and urgency. It combines elite experts (Nobel laureates, activists) with marginalized voices (incarcerated individuals, teen activists) to evaluate proposals from anyone worldwide. The five-year mandate forces innovative, large-scale solutions rather than incremental change. Avery stresses that the foundation seeks “the best ideas, not the best credentials,” democratizing access to resources. The mysterious name—linked to Toby and Avery’s mother—hints at personal history driving its mission, though Avery leaves this unexplained, adding narrative intrigue (pp. 363-364).5. How does the interview format shape the reader’s understanding of Avery’s public persona versus her private self?
Answer:
The staged intimacy of the interview—Avery’s prepared yet conversational tone, deliberate hair movement, and strategic sincerity—reveals her media savvy. Landon’s coaching (“make it sound like a conversation”) contrasts with her genuine awe when discussing her journey, creating tension between performance and authenticity. Moments like her unscripted snort at the “saint” question puncture the polished facade, showing a self-aware woman negotiating public scrutiny. The chapter’s framing as a mediated interview underscores themes of perception versus reality central to Avery’s arc (pp. 361-364).
Quotes
1. “I am fully aware that I am pretty much the luckiest person on the planet.”
This quote captures Avery’s humble acknowledgment of her extraordinary privilege as a young heiress. It sets the tone for her reflective perspective on wealth and responsibility throughout the interview.
2. “Everything’s a game, Avery Grambs. The only thing we get to decide in this life is if we play to win.”
A powerful statement revealing the Hawthorne family’s philosophical approach to life and wealth. This quote underscores the competitive yet purposeful mindset driving their philanthropic efforts.
3. “Big changes require big actions. Hoarding the money and doling it out slowly over time never felt like the right call.”
This represents Avery’s radical approach to philanthropy, rejecting traditional wealth preservation in favor of immediate, impactful giving. It’s central to understanding her character development and values.
4. “We want the best ideas and the best people. You can be anyone, from anywhere. You can feel like you’re no one. We want to hear from you.”
A poignant expression of Avery’s inclusive vision for her foundation. This quote demonstrates her commitment to democratizing access to resources and opportunities.
5. “Money made money—and the more of it you had, the higher the rate of return.”
This blunt economic truth reveals Avery’s sophisticated understanding of wealth dynamics. It provides crucial context for her decision to redistribute the majority of her fortune.