In the seventh chapter, the ceremony of twelve begins. The head elder starts off with a welcoming speech. She will then start calling the twelves by their " original numbers". When a baby is born, it is given a number. The head elder starts with one. Number one is named Madeline got a job of Fish Hatchery Attendant. Number two, a female named Inger, got the job of a birthmother. Jonas thought that it was a good job for her because she was strong so the babies wouldn't be much trouble. Then while doing labor, they could use her strength for many things. Next, number three, Isaac, was assigned Instructor of Sixes. Asher was next. Jonas watched as Asher stood next to the Head Elder. The Head Elder talked about how Asher was always messing up and being funny. For example, when Asher was three, he always mixed up snack and smack so the teacher would hit him. In recognition of this, Asher was assigned Assistant Director of Recreation. As usual, the Head Elder said " thank you for your childhood" to every twelve. Jonas sat as many children were assigned many different jobs. Then the Head Elder called 18, Fiona. Jonas was number 19. Fiona was given the assignment of Caretaker of the Old. Jonas thought it was a good job for her. Jonas was about to stand up as the Head Elder skipped him. She never made mistakes but he was clearly skipped. Jonas felt dizzy and wondered what he had cine wrong for the rest of the ceremony.

Summary 7