How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"If I say he gets no soup, he gets no soup," said Peter angrily. "If you are staying here, you must know that what I say is the law." (4.20)
Peter's rule is simple: If you work hard, you'll eat well. We're using the word "well" relatively speaking, of course. Still, you have to give Peter props for running such a tight ship, especially because it would be really easy for him to act like a jerk and hoard all of the food for himself. Nom nom nom.
Quote #5
In the dim light he could see that all the boys were in piles like bundles of trash […] giving each other the only thing they had—the little warmth of their bodies (4.46)
At first Alex is scared when he sees homeless boys huddled up in the street, but now that he's one of them, he realizes there's a reason why these kids huddle up like they're in the NFL—they're giving each other body warmth, which is a true lifesaver in the brutal Russian winter.
Quote #6
Where did Peter's authority come from? Alex wondered. He was not older or even as big as Boris. They were all in rags. And yet [...] there was something different about Peter. (5.22)
Peter is a born leader. He's a strong authority figure, but never allows his power to get to his head. He's dedicated to doing his best to help his friends survive, but is unwilling to do anything immoral along the way. Simply put, Peter puts the needs of the group—his community—above his own. These kids would be in much worse shape without his guidance.