The Treasure

Author's Note: This is an alternate ending for the story read in the Reading Lab. I ended it this way because based on the story it sounded like people weren't very fond of Cody. Hurting Cody to get to his treasure just seemed like something the people would do.  

As the sun set, Cody walked down the street. The only sound was Cody’s breathing. All of a sudden there were footsteps behind him. Turning around, Cody scanned the darkening street. There was no one there. Turning around and starting to walk again, Cody started to be paranoid. It sounded like the footsteps were getting closer but when he turned around there was no one there. Getting frustrated, Cody started to walk faster. All of a sudden there was a sharp pain in the back of his leg. His vision blurred and he started to get dizzy. Crumpling to the ground Cody grabbed the back of his leg and pulled out a dart. He had been shot. As he blacked out, he thought, “What will happen to my treasure now?”.

A Change for the Better

Author's Note: This is a character development about Katniss in the Hunger Games. This just proves that people can change for the better.

In the beginning of the Hunger Games, Katniss is an independent girl who only cares about the safety of her family. As her family’s safety takes a turn for the worst, Katniss volunteers herself as tribute to the Hunger Games. Once distance lies between Katniss and her sister, Katniss separates herself from other people and won’t listen to anyone but herself. As the games get closer, her independence level rises causing other tributes to think of plans to eliminate her first.

During the games, Katniss meets Rue. A little girl who reminds Katniss of her sister. Katniss then realizes that helping Rue survive is her new priority. Like Hollis, in Pictures of Hollis Woods, Katniss overcomes her selfishness and uses her knowledge and skills to help another person. As Katniss protects Rue, her independence dissolves leaving a completely changed girl in its place. The once independent Katniss is now a loving girl who would do anything to protect people that mean a lot to her.