Prodigy

January 4. 1932 Hours. Ocean Standard Time. 35 Days after Metias’s death.

Nine days after escaping Day’s execution with the help of the Patriots, June and Day travel to Las Vegas, where they hope to officially join the rebellion and reunite with Day’s friend, Tess. The worsening gunshot wound in Day’s leg, acquired during his escape, is in dire need of medical attention. June and Day suffer from nightmares due to grief over their families’ deaths. Despite their mutual feelings, Day is distant from June. June believes the divide is her fault for many reasons: June comes from a wealthy family, whereas Day has only ever known poverty; she’s been overly loyal to the Republic until recently, while Day has always rebelled; and June is to blame for Day’s capture and, subsequently, the deaths of his mother and older brother. June struggles with permanently leaving “the comforts of her old life” and with deciding where her loyalties lie (6). While she no longer trusts the Republic, she harbors a level of distrust toward the Patriots as well, despite Day’s willingness to trust them.

After arriving in Las Vegas, Day and June disguise themselves as a Republic soldier and a sex worker to avoid being identified by their pictures, which flash on the JumboTrons above.