How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Last year, I'd left my dad in the heat of an argument. I threw despicable words at him and then walked out and never came back. This time, I was determined to do things better. (2.8)
Nikki knows she done messed up before the Feed, and her determination to do better during her Return is pretty strong. She promises her dad she'll at least try to make it through the first day of high school, and from there, she'll keep her grades up and pee in a cup every so often. No doubt that last part is kind of humiliating, but Nikki's determination to do the right thing is pretty strong.
Quote #2
"I would never do to someone else what you did to me. I'd rather be a battery in the Tunnels." (3.61)
When Cole shows up to offer Nikki eternal life—again—she refuses. Why? Because she knows she'd have to drain other people's emotions, the same way Cole drained hers. And she refuses to inflict that on another person, even if it means immortality for her. Turning down eternal life because you feel what you have to do to obtain it is wrong sure signals strong principles to us.
Quote #3
I took a breath. "I came to see my family again." Jack was family too. "And to say good-bye… better. Last time, I left during a fight, with no explanation. At least this time I can leave them a note, so they don't waste their time thinking I was kidnapped or something." (3.81)
Nikki's desire to make amends is strong, revealing just how sturdy her sense of principles is… but even here, she's weaving in a bit of half-truth. She doesn't want to tell Cole that Jack was a huge part of why she Returned, so she rationalizes the lie-by-omission by thinking that Jack is like family, too. Nikki's mix of principles and deceit is weird, but let's keep in mind that she's pretty emotionally messed up at this point.