How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
When Nunke sets it straight up, as it falls a little to the right, I'll charge the net, haul back, and kablam. A hammer slam. My hand's throbbing, from the back of the line. Throbbing. I'm tasting the smack of the ball. The white, soft, hard leather. That feels good against your hand, yo. That sting is so good, your skin turns white, and then the blood comes back. It hurts, but that hard, hard slap is good. (18.10)
Dominique is equating pain with feeling good. And though there's a purity in the simplicity of the physical nature of sports, there's also an edge to it. Why might she think physical hurt is a good thing? Tie this to her feelings of visibility and invisibility.
Quote #5
The Boosters are singing that cheer. That "You going down" cheer. Viv starts singing along with them: "You're going down—with a big crush." And Shayne pipes in "At two forty-five, going down." And it's all to the beat. (21.12)
In the lunchroom, Dominique reiterates her vow to beat Trina, and instead of questioning her decision, her friends egg her on. Viv and Shayne may be followers, but that doesn't make them innocent in the whole equation of Trina getting beaten.
Quote #6
Even worse, not only is Trina flunking rules and history, she doesn't have any people. If everyone knows your brothers, sisters, cousins, and the people you're cool with, you have protection. An invisible ring of your people and their people around you. (22.8)
As Leticia realizes that Dominique is going to jump Trina in the lunchroom, she thinks that Trina has no protection against the attack. Leticia's thoughts about the necessity of protection imply that violent behavior is totally normal.