~ Chapter 6, 7, 8 ~

In chapter six, Lois Lowry describes what each age group gains or losses when the time of the ceremonies arrive, for example, when the Eights (eight year old) become Nines (nine year old) they get a bicycle, with there own licence plate type thing on it. Now, the Ceremony of Twelve is where the Elevens whom are to become Twelves, get there assignment or Job in the community. Each person is called up to the stage where the Chief Elder gives them a folder with all the rules and expectations.

Just like in The Giver, there are different signs that show how old you are. In The Giver, it is what you are given. In Gathering Blue It is your name. However many syllables you have in your name determines how old you are, for example, Kira who is about fourteen has a two syllable name where as Annabella who is a very old person, probably in the seventies or older, has a four syllable name.

In chapter seven, it is time for the Elevens to be called to the stage. Jonas is so excited. He can not wait for his assignment. One by one each Eleven goes to the stage of the auditorium. Jonas is number nineteen. Fiona is in front of Jonas and a male named Pierre is behind him. Both Asher and Fiona received assignments that suet their personality, but when it was Jonas' turn, something went wrong.

'Eighteen, Fiona, on his left, was called. Jonas knew she must be nervous, but Fiona was a calm female. She had been sitting quietly, serenely,throughout the Ceremony.

Even the applause, though enthusiastic, seemed serene when Fiona was given the important assignment of Caretaker of the Old. It was perfect for such a sensitive, gentle girl, and her smile was satisfied and pleased when she took her seat behind him again.

Jonas prepared himself to walk to the stage when the applause ended and the Chief Elder picked up the next folder and looked at the group to call forward the next new twelve. He was calm now that his turn had come. He took a deep breath and smoothed his hair with his hand.

"Twenty," he heard her voice say clearly. "Pierre."

She skipped me, Jonas thought, stunned. Had he heard wrong? No. There was a sudden hush in the crowd,and he knew that the entire community had realized the the Chief Elder had moved from Eighteen to Twenty, leaving a gap. On his right, Pierre, with a startled look, rose from he seat and moved to the stage.'

JONAS HAD BEEN SKIPPED! Yet for what reason?

In chapter eight we find out what really happened. The reason why Jonas had been skipped. As it turns out, Jonas had been selected to become a very important and highly honored person in the community. The Receiver.