Quote 4
"The girls put their names in a bag and each guy pulls out a name. The guy who picks the blank is the emcee. He takes the girls out into the forest, hides them, and ties them to a chair. Their eyes and mouths are covered. The guys then have to go out and find their partner, untie her, and carry her back to the bus. The last couple back loses the Game, and they must face the consequences."
Dani looked around at all the faces including mine. "Who on earth came up with that game?"
"Raynesville High kids have been doing it for years," Katrina piped up. "But then last year we stopped after—"
"Enough Katrina," I snapped. (21.8-11)
Ah yes, more traditions that sound pretty darn dangerous. When you're not drinking in an abandoned bus or jumping off a death cliff, you could be tied up and blindfolded alone in the woods at night. Wow. These kids in Raynesville really know how to have fun.
Quote 5
"Come on, Dude, the first meet means the first bonfire. It's tradition." Dani and Blister walked over just then.
"What's tradition?" Dani asked.
"We always have a bonfire at the bus after the first meet," Alex said.
Dani looked at me. "Sounds fun."
"I guess we don't want to break tradition," I said. (25.28-32)
Swimming = bonfires. It makes sense. You're going to want to dry off after all that time in the pool. While Jake's not much for all these old traditions, Dani is game to get involved. After all, these old town customs are still new to her.
Quote 6
I knew the question on her lips. Why'd you do it? I dragged my gaze from hers.
"It was five stupid words. Amy was never supposed to hear them." My thoughts finally broke free, words I'd wanted to say to Dani since she'd walked into class. "I had no idea she was behind me, or I never would have said it." My jaw clenched as I thought about that day. I'd been set up by my own friends. They knew Amy was standing nearby. "It was too late. She'd heard me and when I'd seen the hurt expression on her face, I'd wanted to throw my fist through a wall. It was one of those regretful moments in life you can't take back." (17.33-34)
Jake might not think Amy killed herself over him, but he still feels badly that Amy essentially overheard him calling her fat (and undesirable for being so). Maybe that was what he thought, but he realizes how cruel it was to say it out loud and that's why he feels terrible. Blame is a complicated thing.