The Angel's Half

*Author's note- After reading the series, The Mortal Instruments, I learned a few ways a life form these characters. One, demon try to kill us all everyday in this book. Two, it compares the lives between a human and Shadow Hunter, and finally three, Shadow Hunters aren't human. As always I'm going to prove you all wrong that Shadow Hunters are human!*

              

                The smell of rotten flesh smothers the room, once it appeared. Painful cries erupt from the dying demon as it crouched over, slow vanishing, leaving pieces of decaying flesh and thick, black blood. A normal person would run leaving all their sanity behind them, but these aren’t regular humans. These are Shadow Hunters, part angel part human. Having a life of isolation and death, Shadow Hunters never know if they’re going to live to see the next battle as they kill demon after demon. But, that doesn’t make them any less human. 

                Whole lists of emotions flood the human mind every day.  If it weren’t for emotions, we wouldn’t be considered humans. When someone dies the feeling of grief fills their chest because they are realizing that the person isn’t ever coming back. When a new child is born happiness and love bubble up inside the parents and family. Shadow Hunters have those feelings as well; the only difference between themselves and other humans, is that a Shadow Hunter is trained to not show their emotions. Many humans cover their emotions, but sometimes they slip. In the novel City of Bones Isabelle, a Shadow Hunter and Clary, a normal girl are having a conversation about Shadow Hunter life, when it turns from Clary asking “’Is Alec gay?’ Isabelle’s wrist jerked. The eyeliner skidded, inking a long line of black from the corner of Clary’s eye to her hair line.”(211) Shadow Hunters are suppose to be as emotionless as a statue and yet, Isabelle dropped her mask giving off the impression of how shocked she truly is. Then Isabelle completely loses yourself farther by yelling about the laws of Shadow Hunter life with tears streaming down her face, tears of fear for her older brother. 

                Not only do Shadow Hunters have feelings for one another, but they all have children and families. In America most people get married because of love, along with Shadow Hunters. They marry out of love and have children to prove their love. But one Shadow Hunter loving the other isn’t the only reason they have children, another reason they have children is because they want to keep their family name going. Just as humans, Shadow Hunters have lived for thousands of years, their family name staying the way it was, keeping to the principles of the old life; similar to the medieval times where humans idolized their family crest. Showing their family pride by parading around town swinging their flags, sewing it on their clothing, and even bragging about what each color and symbols within the crest mean, showing the emotions of pride and love for their families. 

                Although Shadow Hunters are ruthless killers, they still have their own social endowments. All humans have social endowments no matter if they are positive or negative. Humans brought up in a positive endowment have a high social status, are very accomplished, and mentally stable. Unfortunately, humans that are brought up with a negative up bringing are the complete opposite. The same goes for Shadow Hunter children, even though they have different standards to live up to. Jace’s up bringing for ten years was very hard: being abused emotionally and physically and constantly told lies by the man he believed was his father. Jace was described emotionless, not giving away what he was really feeling, only standing there wearing that cold mask, becoming a spitting image of his father. While Alec, Jace’s adopted brother, was brought up with love and affection. He showed his emotions and even the fear of the Shadow Hunter community finding out his sexuality. 

                Even though Shadow Hunters slay poisonous demons, weld enchanted swords, and have extra abilities they are still human: leaving to go on family trips, learning about not only their world but the human world as well, mourning over the loss of a fallen comrade, and loving their families with all their heart. Everyone has a little angel in them, but for Shadow Hunters, the human side dominates over, only letting glimpse of that angel appear.

Thought Process (deeper analysis)

“Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.” Means that life isn’t and shouldn’t be easy and for the mother her life was easy. “It’s had tacks in it.” The mother scolds lovingly as she explains all the challenges she faced as the challenges being the tacks in her stair. “And splinters.” She didn’t stop going after she stepped around the tacks she also stepped over the splinters. “And boards torn up.” And when more challenges came her way she always found her way around them. “And places with no carpet on the floor.” Nothing warm was there to help her through, she continued when she was by herself even though it was hard. “Bare.” There was no protection, only herself and the world around her. “But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on.” But although life threw itself hard at her, she kept going through life, not giving up or sitting down. “And reachin' landin's.” When she received awards and gratitude she didn’t let it blind her but she kept climbing until she got closer to the top. “And sometimes goin' in the dark.”Not knowing what will happen to her only made it more possible for her. “Where there ain't been no light.” Still not knowing nor getting knowledge about where she was really heading. “Don't you set down on the steps.” Don’t give up on what your heading for, if you do you’re only going to get farther behind than where you already are. “Don't you fall now.”Don’t let the challenges bring you down, don’t let your foot get caught on those torn up boards. “For I'se still goin', honey.” She is still walking over the challenges and not looking back and neither should the son. He should keep going and follow in the better footsteps of his mother.

Weakness

*Author's Note- I'm about 3/4 ways through the novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. So I might have

gotten to everything yet. But this is my opinion on what's going on and why my title is Weakness.*

It drips, sending shock waves through the pond. Not only do the people not understand that they were only a link to the chain, but that they started the chain to begin with. Not only did the words sting through the girl, but they left scars. Just walking through the halls of her high school, Hannah Baker didn’t feel safe. The novel Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher follows the story of a girl who committed suicide and recorded her story for those who caused her the marks to know the truth and realize their mistakes. But, was Hannah Baker really alone, or was she so caught up in the pain of what others thought that she just ended it?

                

 Sexual harassment is not taken lightly anywhere in America. But hormonal boys will be hormonal boys. Not only are they just boys, they are high school boys. Yes, Hannah was a virgin and her innocence was the only thing left, but being slapped in the behind shouldn’t be such a large reason for ending your life early. Very little suicide cases of sexual harassment were reported in the last six years. The last case was about a man who was constantly attacked by two females. Although the whole student body was unknowingly deepening the gashes and scars Hannah could have asked for help.

               

 Being an outcast doesn’t leave you alone, because there are other outcasts out there. Also, when you’re an outcast it means you aren’t trying to make friends or find people to care about you. It’s not that one action doesn’t make the person hated with passion. Hannah Baker is not Melinda Sordino from the novel Speak. She is actually the complete opposite. Living her life somewhat to the fullest, where as Melinda was hiding from her problems and shutting the world out completely. Melinda lost interest in the world around her, while Hannah still worked hard in school and tried to find ways to save herself. Hannah even tried to hide the signs from the people who did pay attention (not that many people did though.)

              

  After turning into that outcast, Hannah really started believing that ending it would be her best option: not that she couldn’t have talked to her distant parents for help. Just believing that your parents don’t want you isn’t true. No parent would deliberately ignore their child. But Hannah was encouraging it, if she would have demanded more attention from them or even just went out and saying: “My life sucks, I need help!” It would’ve caught and grab the most ignorant and distant parent from the herd and send her to the help she needs. Hannah describes her family working hard just to get by, therefore leaving her last on their priorities. Why didn’t Hannah ask? Repeatedly through the novel Hannah complains how no one noticed or that no one figured it out. How can she blame them if didn’t give and signs? Messages? Or even giving Clay, the boy she connected with, a clue. Maybe telling was more terrifying than death.

                 

Hannah Baker was weak. Saying “I need help,” takes more courage than popping a bottle of pills. She was strong for the first part, but when the wheels began to turn faster and harder Hannah was nothing. She was a speck on one of the wheels that couldn’t do nothing but smudge the appearance. Hannah Baker’s life was horrible. No person wants to be touched inappropriately, have incredible rumors spread about them or even being left in a room all alone after a make out session, but she wasn’t alone and she was weak for giving into the challenges and stopped climbing the rotten, broken up staircase of life.

Life and Its Colors

*Author's Note- I'm currently reading the novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Only half way through the book, I have learned about the way colors, nature, and life is easily corrupted by the world around us. Also, how people miss so many obvious signs and only notice the smallest details that will soon lead to the largest reason. But only being too late to help. While reading, page 175 caught my eye. The last paragraph stating "Did the poet use red to symbolize blood? Anger? Lust? Or is the wheelbarrow simply red because it sounded better than Black?" Now looking down at my writing, can you figure out what I'm trying to portray? Each line means what emotion each colors means. Figure it out. Have fun.*


Red-
A sword with a glistening liquid at its tip.
A child on Christmas morning.
Burning pain. 
Love for something so deep.
Once the fight begins, it will spill.

Purple-
The income stream.
Higher than the highest family.
Book worm of colors.

Blue-
A snail in sand.
Quiet place of peace.
The strength over your opponent.

Black-
The 12 districts from the novel The Hunger Games.

White-
Clean and clear.

Yellow-
Soft heat.
Lights the path.

Green-
New, lively.
Growing of life.

Beautiful Joy

Bright and colorful
Full of joy
Until that neighbor comes
And your mother makes you share
Oh Gummibears
They ate them fast
And now they are gone
That kid better run, run, run

Thought Process

 *Author Note- This my analysis of Mother to Son by Langston Hughes. The words that are italicized are what I'm thinking about what each phrase means to me and what the mother is trying to teach her son.*  

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.- Life isn’t something you clear that you can see through.
It's had tacks in it,- Challenges that you must over come.
And splinters,- Something that will take a while to get over.
And boards torn up,- Watching what you do and say to protect yourself and others you love.
And places with no carpet on the floor – Poverty with no warmth or love.
Bare.- Cold and lonely.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,- She hasn’t let any of the bumps of life hold her back.
And reachin' landin's,- When she reached good points in her life you kept reaching forwards
And turnin' corners,- When something tired to stop her she kept walking
And sometimes goin' in the dark- Going into something not knowing what will happen.
Where there ain't been no light.- Going places that hasn’t been good for anyone.
So boy, don't you turn back.- Don’t stop walking you need to keep going through your life even though there is bumps.
Don't you set down on the steps- Never go back down.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now –Don’t let the challenges push you down into a point where you can’ get back up.
For I'se still goin', honey,- She is still going, why can’t you?
I'se still climbin',- She is still wondering through life not knowing
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.- her life wasn’t easy of handed to her.

Clarisse's Love

Skipping as gracefully as a gazelle, Clarisse's hair a wild hair hurricane. Her smile brightening up the room. Green eyes glistening gleefully as the scent of flowers flowing into the spaces faster than a fan. Just her presents in the room brought joy to others.

Three Lives, Same Situation

*Aurthur Notes- I wrote this essay about the way all different novels, all with the same theme: government control. The three novels "The Giver," "The Hunger Games," and "City of Ember" all deal with the same problem, but different situations.

Dominating the weak and killing the strong, they regret nothing; they just enjoy the suffering of those around them as they live in luxury. The government of Panem causes life or death situations for the citizens of its twelve districts in the novel The Hunger Games. Meanwhile, another government keeps the people of Ember in the dark about a dangerous secret in the book City of Ember. A third government in the classic The Giver runs everything about the citizens' lives and it’s complete normalcy for them. Having a government with too much control never ends well.

The government in the three novels has gained so much authority that no one is safe from their ascendancy. In “The Giver” the citizens in the Utopia have no clear thought about their government controlling their whole lives. In the citizen’s and Elders eyes, their community is perfect, no death, no pain, and not many differences. Not one person really knows the pain and suffering that the world around them is dealing with because the Giver hides the truth from the Elders and citizens. Unlike “The Giver” in the novel “The Hunger Games” the government causes all the pain and suffering by creating an arena where two children from each of the twelve fight to the deaths, with only one survivor. While the government creates the death and poverty, the governor of the classic “City of Ember” hides in luxury, while his citizens are slowly starving and rushing to conserve their resources to remain living. But not only are they in the dark about the room of desirable and “rare” foods that the governor has been living off of for years, but that they are living in a hole that no one can find a way to escape.All three governments are causing the downfalls of their communities.

No matter how much a person hates their government rebelling against their government will always have its consequences. Such as the event The Hunger Games, the 13 districts rebelled against the Capital for their hatred of their control. Only to lose the war and cause the Capital to gain more control than what they already had. Creating The Hunger Games was a symbol that no matter how much you hate us, we will always win and kill along the way. Even though The Giver has punishments, they aren’t as severe as killing one another or wiping their backs until they pass out; but more subtle, gentle punishments, such as slight public humiliation or getting slapped in the leg is a thin, plastic device that corrects mistakes by children. From all the novels, City of Ember has no intense punishment what-so-ever. Aside from the soon living their lives in darkness until they all die from accidents and no light. Until the main characters Lina and Doon are caught finding the truth about living in a hole, they are chased and in hiding from the government holding their lives close and the secrets closer.

Once the control has affected the lives of everyone, a revolution is needed. Once Jonas, the main character from The Giver, has figured that his new little brother was going to be Released, Jonas knew he had to do something. Escaping with Gabriel was his only option, causing the government to panic about another two children being lost and never to be found, proving they can’t always control and protect the citizens of the community. Escaping from the Capital isn’t an option for any of the district people because the Capital will always find them. But when Katniss pulled the out the fatal Night Lock berries, she became the Mockingjay that was meant to defy the Capital. The Giver and The Hunger Games all have life or death mission, City of Ember holds the current lives of their city in their hands. But defeating the governor and getting all the citizens out into the light and real world, isn’t an easy task and if the governor keeps getting in the way they will never make it out alive.

All three novels display a knowing stand point of an overpowering government that has taken too large of a step into controlling. The people of any novel with a over ruling government know that they must take a stand to show they aren’t afraid and won’t let them kill the people they know and love. Although there are different types of a controlling government, there will always be suffering and the one person who will take charge and crash them down!

Ugly

Grey

Blank

Blandness

Nothingness

No color for life

As Jonas lives no real life.

Giver

One of the main characters is The Giver. He is known to give information about the world now and past. He is quiet and contained because his occupation requires him not to explain anything to anyone, including his daughter and wife. He keeps everyone in the dark, aside from Jonas because he is the Receiver in training. His role in the community is the most honored and most secretive. If he told what he knew, he would not only breaking the law but also ruining his perfect community.

Never Will Stop

*Author Note- This a poem I wrote for action steps. I tried to write a haiku, but wrote it backwards. I want to know what your idea about my topic is.*

Water poured from everywhere

Drowning all the life

Rise up high, all the life dies

Uncertain

*Author Note- This a poem I wrote after reading a tragic story. I want to know your interpretation on what my poem is really about.Let me warn you, it's not what you this it is.

Dangling only by a slim thread.

Weaker than a child without any bread.

Each word stung as a knife piercing through her skin.

Words of abuse spewed out his mouth like air bursting from a balloon pop by a pin.

As hugs and the water works start.

No one will know that their relationship is finally falling apart.

Sudden Change

*Author Note- This is a creative piece I wrote from one of three sentences. I want to score high for voice.*

Worst day ever, not only did my baby sister find her way into my school bag and destroy all contents that were my homework. But also, my twin took our car before I could get ready for school, and it was raining. Luke is going to pay. Walking is the worse! With it pouring ice drop soaking through your shirt within seconds. At least I keep extra clothes in my locker. My hair clung to my face as the gusts of wind accelerated.

Every time a car zoomed past me, I would get drenched for the puddles next to the street. I bet they’re laughing at me right now. Groaning, I continued stomping towards the school. Finally when I reached school, I was already late for first period. Sighing I stalked to my locker, avoiding all the bystanders. I couldn’t deal with them, especially when I was already chilled to the bone.

As I was getting my extra clothes from my locker, I felt someone staring at me. Turning around, my breath caught as I saw him standing there, eyes sparking with curiosity. My face heated up as we made eye contact. Not only was the hottest guy is school staring at me, but he was probably texting everyone else about the dork who couldn’t drive herself to school and had to walk.

At once, something warm wrapped around my shoulders. I spun around, only to slap my face into his chest. I looked up to the sparkling blue eyes, rough jaw line, and perfect nose, just staring at him made my heart stop.

“I just thought you would be cold.” He mumbled, his manly face as red as a tomato. I smiled and zipped the sweatshirt up. Warm enveloped me as he walked me to our next class.

Turns out when you’re having a horrible day, just think something will happen and sometimes it really does.

Dead Men's Path. Pregnant woman's POV

*Author’s Note- This is a short story we were suppose to read called, “Dead Men’s Path.” The original point of view of this story is Michael Obi: an ignorant and egocentric man, who blocked a path of the supernatural. This new point of view is of the woman who died giving child birth in the middle of the story.*


I could see through my bedroom window as Obi, the new headmaster of the village school compound blocked the path that our ancestors and our unborn children travel. Fear coursed through my body as realization hit, I might not have my new born child after all. Sadness rained over me as walked out of the house to pray before he began the construction.

I walked through the path, resting my hands on my swallow stomach. I stopped once I reached my mother’s grave and knelt down folding my hands together. I whispered her favorite prayer then began talking to her. We had a find conversation about my soon to be baby and how my life will change in just two days! My mother can see the future now and it is kind of freaking me out because of her confidence. Her insanity must have stayed with her as she passed on.

Walking home, I notice they already had half the fence down, pain hit as I passed through it. How could this man truly be this ignorant about our beliefs? Walking home was very sad, many villagers weep into their husbands shoulder as the final part of the gate was stable, blocking our path to our deceits families.
I went to bed that night wondering what my child will be like and how they will be like my husband and myself. When I rolled over on my side, two strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me into a rock hard body. I giggled like a school girls and turned towards my handsome husband. I could still see his ocean blue eyes glistening down on me.

“You’re going to make a great mother.” He mumbled in my hair and drifted off to sleep.

I slept most the day, my neighbor woke me at three in the afternoon, wondering why I haven’t came over to visit.

“Can’t wait, can you?” she asked placing a cup of tea in my hands. I smiled and nodded. “I remember when Olgi was born. She was a heavy little girl, that’s for sure.”

“Well both my husband and I were pretty small when we were born.” I said smiling.
Suddenly a sharp pain struck into my stomach. I dropped my tea cup vaguely hearing it shatter. Shamari stood to her feet in seconds. “Oh your baby is coming! What a joy!” I tried to smile, but I knew deep down, something was wrong.

I was in labor for 15 hours, I was exhausted, and in horrible pain. My husband was by my side the whole time. This was my first child and I hadn’t a clue how us three would survive.

“You’re doing great Hun, keep going.” Amil announced.

I glared over at him, “You did this to me!” I growled.

He took it in silence until he saw the baby crowing. I pushed harder and finally I felt the pain disappear and my energy.

I sunk back onto the pillow, grateful the pain was gone. My eyes were closing as people rushed around the room. I heard only parts of the conversation. “What’s wrong with her…”

“…It’s a boy”

“He’s a still born…”

“Save my wife!”

It took all my efforts to turn my head towards my miserable looking husband as he held me hand. “You’re going to be okay!” he cried into my hand. I didn’t have the energy to speak, I stared at my broken husband.
“Omisi” I mumbled the name of my dead baby and shut my eyes for a final time, it was blissful; for the first time in my life, something that was supposed to happen.

Fear...

*Author Note- During breakfast at my aunt's house on Christmas day, an event terrified the whole family and left my baby cousin terrified. I want you read and discover the fear and pain my family felt as this event occurred.*



Fear coursed through my family's veins as we heard the strangled coughs of my two year old cousin. The family froze as the color of his face change from normal to beet red. The choking was a sickly piercing through butter. I stared from my spot at the breakfast table being blocked by my mother. My older cousin and my aunt crowded around the high chair as Camren's coughs began to turn into choking. Fear grew as his mom pulled a tiny chunk out of his throat. Just seeing that tiny piece of bacon, made my family and I so relieved. If Kristol wouldn't have pulled the bacon out, Camren wouldn't be with us today.

Cyber Bullies

*Author Note- I just finished watching the movie "Cyber Bulling//" and I wanted to write down some opinions of the bullies, the victims, and bystanders.*



Bully:

Feels powerful, but is truly weak and needs to hurt people they believe are lesser than themselves.

Are cowards for hiding behind a computer screen or phone to insult another person.

Ignorant for believing they would never get caught.

Victim:

Feels lost and depressed.

Doesn't know who to turn to.

Bystander:

Watches and doesn't stand up for the victim nor the bully.

Some bystanders become the bullies because they join in on the bully.

Terrified the bully will turn on them if they help or stand by the victim.

The Government is one of the most powerful and demanding bystander until they do something about it.

Other Facts:

Only 34 states have a law stating that it is against the law to harass minors online.

Nine out of ten students are bullied online.

Females are twice as likely to be bullied through the internet than males.

The death rate has increased in the states that don't have the protection of a law.

*Foot Note- People shouldn't bully others. The result of bullying in anyway is much more a cost than words being flung through the air or read online. Don't be pathetic and don't bully, you're only opening yourself up for a world of hurt.

Ouija Boards True or the Brain

Ghost and spirits have wandered the earth for millions of years. People lost their lives serving their country while other ruined it. The living sometimes just can't let go to the fact that their loved one was no longer with them. Paranormal experts have been trying to ways to connect and communicate with these now past lives. Through the years, people have hypnosis and self meditation as a way of communication. But after the years people wanted more and the in the early 1900's the first Ouija Board was created. The board was used to communicate with dead and those who haven't accepted their death and watches the living live. Stories of horror and fright began to spread as the boards began to become more popular as spirits and demons attacked and possessed their victims. Is this board really a helpful tool to connect with passed loved ones or really the key to the metal door that should have never been opened?

The Ouija Board or also known as "Wigi Board" was first created on May 18, 1890. Paranormal experts believed this would help those who are grieving over their loved ones or help with information on lost history. Not long after this board was introduced into the world, adults and children began to communicate with those who have passed on. Although the people believed they were talking with their relatives and loved ones, others were being tormented by demons and evil spirits. People would be touched and hit by invisible forces, objects moved, and temperature dropped to freezing levels. Shadows manifest themselves, causing fear to course through the veins of the innocent.

As spirits took the Ouija Board as a door. Not only did good spirits enter the door, but also would demons. One of the most dangerous and commonly known demons that makes themselves known, is Zozo. According to hundreds of stories and records, Zozo is a three headed dog demon that guards the gates of Hell. Also, he is apart of many African voodoo. Many stories and videos of Zozo appearing through Ouija Boards baffle paranormal experts. Many believe that all these cases are make believe or a form of a child's imagination. A gentleman named Darren Evans, had is own experience with Zozo, who supposedly attacked him and his one year old daughter. Zozo almost killed the infant by trying to drown her, according to Evans.

Although the mourning try to communicate with their now dead loved ones, they aren’t always speaking with them. Spirits can lie and so can the brain. During a session on an Ouija Board, your brain sends nerve waves into the hand, causing it to unconsciously move around the board, making the person believe they are truly have a intelligent conversation with a poltergeist. To discover if you're truly talking with a ghost or your brain is just enjoy it's self by screwing with you. Place a stack of light cardboard circles on top of the glass, ask your questions: if the cardboard pushes forward, your finger is pulling the glass. If the cardboard is backwards a unknown force is pushing to the letters in the board beginning a conversation.

Ouija Boards are one the most oldest yet still popular games. People believe they are talking to spirits and being haunted by them because of odd things happening that could be easily explained since the 1900's. Demons appearing are even more of a story, but Ouija Boards are doors and when doors are opened they reveal things that shouldn't shown to the world. When the Ouija Board opens the door, a nightmare is unrolled.

SS Comparitive Essay

Her voice rang through the air, as her mother was dragged down the stairs. The pain and fear in her voice echoed through Patsy’s head. Her mother was indeed insane and believes she has the vision. Her mother used to be loving and cared for all the other children, but now after attempting to drown the baby, Patsy knew her mother was a danger to everyone in the large plantation. Similarly,Katniss, from the novel “Hunger Games” has had many family problems along with Patsy. They live the same life, but yet it’s different.

Katniss grew up with her mother, father, and younger sister. They were a loving family until the tragic day: Katniss’ family lost their father in a terrible accident. Katniss’ mother fell into a deep depression and Primrose, Katniss’ little sister was too young and innocent to take care of the family. Katniss had to step up and keep what she cared about the most from tearing apart. Patsy, from the novel “Or Give Me Death” just witnessed her mother dragged into the cellar, where she was suppose to live the rest of her life. With her mother’s absences, Patsy must become the lady of the house and teach the young children how they should live their lives, while their mother was trapped in a cellar and their father always absent.

Patsy needed to learn how to lead a large family at a young age, with the pressure of her mother kidnapping one the younger children, her father being useless as he was away on business, and the colored slaves trying to take advantage of Patsy, her world has crumbled down from above her.KAtniss' world also began to crumble as Primrose's name rang through the air, Katniss knew what she had to do. Nothing was going through her head, except keeping her baby sister safe as she marched her way onto the stage in front of her entire district. When Katniss turned to looked towards her mother and sister, she knew she needed to do the right thing, and that was she couldn’t die and live to come home and save them from the poverty they live in now.

The pressure for succeeding was high on both Katniss’ and Patsy’s priority list. Patsy needed to keep her home going even though her family was being torn apart from the colored slaves taking control and her nosy sister Anne sneaking down to the cellar to visit her mother. Her father was getting further and further away from their family and the younger children are beginning to ask questions. Katniss on the other hand, has survived the travel to the city, earned herself one of the highest scores in the Hunger Games and lasted her first week. Now that the competition has gotten thicker, more competitors are dying, and she has to keep not only herself, but Peeta alive as well. If Katniss can’t get the medicine that is critical for Peeta’s survival, he’ll die along with Katniss’ spirit.

Even though these two characters are from two different novels and two different concepts, they both share challenges through their live. Living with loss, pain, and loneliness Patsy and Katniss learned to coupe their different ways. Patsy: ordering around the slaves and taking control over her siblings. While Katniss fought her way through the Hunger Games with the dream of living with the love of her life. Both lived the same life, but yet it was so different.

Social Studies Book- Problem/ Solve

In the novel "Or Give Me Death" by Ann Renaldi, young Patsy is forced to take care of her rather large family as her mother is losing her sanity and her father being away on business for weeks at a time. Patsy is only 16 years old and is already the head lady of the household, caring for her younger sibling with her fiancé and servants. But when her mother attempted to drown her newly born son, the family began to fall apart, Patsy lived with the fear that she will inherit her mother's bad blood, her father claims that marriage too early would cause Patsy to lose her own self as a result, her father moved her marriage to MyJohn back another year. With Patsy being extremely distraught and her mother beginning to predict the future, Patsy must make to choice of staying with her family or running off and marrying MyJohn with the knowledge of being killed for marriage runaways. What would you do if you knew your life would fall apart either choice you had?

POV Essay

Crash! The sound filled me ears. I should have known leaving them alone in their room wouldn’t end well. I sighed and walked up the stair slowly. As I ascended up the stairs, I heard my twin saying “You know when Jen sees this you guys are dead” then “Don’t do that!” Another thud.

Great I thought. I walked down the hall to the source of the noise. The door was open slightly as I approached. Reluctantly, I pushed the door open, revealing Luke on the floor with my two five year old brothers. They were twins and sadly they were identical. Except Jace had one small piece of hair that was white, otherwise they were the exact same.

Our family consists of two parents and seven kids. Luke is the oldest at 16 with me. Then there’s Jill who just turned 13, Tommy at the age of ten, the twins Jace and Jack who are five, and little Molly who was born a few months ago. We all shared our father’s ocean blue eyes and our mother’s raven black hair. Aside from that we all had different facial structures, besides the five years trouble makers.

“Jennie! Jennie! “ They chanted and ran over to me. I noticed that this wasn’t their room. I picked Jace up and looked down at Luke who looked like he just passed out. “Look what Luke did!” they pointed around the room to show the damage. The curtain was half way hanging off the window, the lamp shade was torn, and something wet was sprayed all over the floor and walls.

They bring the most trouble out of all the kids. Luke started to sit up looking around. “Devil spawn.” He grumbled, rubbing his head. I smirked and played along with the kids.

“Wow! Luke what did you do to your room!?” I faked shock. “You know it’s my turn to be in charge and you had to destroy your room. I made fresh cookies too…” I trailed off. Luke’s face was priceless, his mouth was resting on the floor.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Luke stammered.

“Yeah you made cookies and didn’t tell us.” Jack said sounding hurt. I knelt down in front of him.

I looked straight into his blue eyes, “come one Jackie, your brother and I will go get cookies while Luke cleans up his mess.” I grinned and picked him up as well.

“You have to be kidding me!” Luke screamed as I slammed his door.

When we reached the kitchen I sat Jack and Jace on the counter as I got glasses for milk out.

“Jennie?” Jack asked hesitantly. “Can we invite Blaze over?” he asked with more voice.

Blaze was their friend from kindergarten; he also had an older brother in my class. Who was hot. But he didn’t know I existed.

I turned from the fridge, with a gallon of milk in my hand. “Sure why not.” I shrugged my shoulder while pouring the two small glasses. As I was putting the milk away I heard the doorbell ring. Both Jack and Jace’s faces paled.

“Stay” I pointed to both of them and walked to the front door. I opened it, showing Parker and his little brother Blaze. What are they doing here? I just told the twins they could have him over, did they bug our house? “Um, hey.” I blushed, my cheeks probably as red as cherries.

“Hi, um. Laura? Isn’t it?” He asked looking at me.
Oh he’s so wonderful, but he doesn’t even know I exist. I thought. “No, it’s Jennie. What are you guys doing here?” I asked.

Parker looked down at his little brother. “Play date?” He asked again.
I turned to see the two boys tip toeing away from behind me, almost getting away. “Halt!” I commanded. “Did you guys invite your friend before you asked?” They looked terrified.

“Um… I…” Jack started.

“Yes” Jace finished. He was always the straight forward one.

I sighed. “Next time, please ask me before you invite, alright?” I asked nicely.

“Okay!” they cheered and a ran up the stairs with Blaze close behind. I smiled and turned back to the door. “Sorry about that, I should have called and double checked.” He said.

“No, it’s fine. Would you like to in and see what they to Luke’s room?” I laughed remembering the mess.

He shrugged, “sure why not.” He walked in and I closed the door behind him.