Mockingjay Chapter 20 Quotes
Mockingjay Chapter 20 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote 1
Boggs forces the Holo into my hand. His lips are moving, but I can't make out what he's saying. I lean my ear down to his mouth to catch his harsh whisper. "Don't trust them. Don't go back. Kill Peeta. Do what you came to do." (20.18)
Who should Katniss "trust"? Boggs's last words are a warning to her that she shouldn't "trust" anyone. But can she even trust <em>him</em>? Everyone and anyone could be playing her false and be looking out for their own gains. She can't tell who "them" refers to or what manipulations Boggs was trying to make her aware of.
Quote 2
He says, "Unfit for command. Transfer of prime security clearance to Squad Four-Five-One Soldier Katniss Everdeen." It's all he can do to turn the Holo toward my face. "Say your name." (20.6)
Boggs breaks the rules here by "transfer[ing]" his power of command – through the Holo and his "clearance" – to Katniss. He should have given it to Jackson, who's the official next in line. But he disobeys, in what can be seen as a real final moment of authority, and makes the decision that Katniss should have his power instead.
"Don't be ridiculous," she snaps. Of course, she thinks it's hers. She's second in command.
"It's true," says Homes. "He transferred the prime security clearance to her while he was dying. I saw it." (20.25-26)
Here Jackson demands the power that is rightfully hers, since she's the person who is "second in command." The Holo should have gone straight to her. But Boggs has outsmarted her. Katniss has control over the Holo until she releases it or until she dies – and she's determined not to give it to Jackson.