Right then it struck him with a jolt. He was immune. Yes, he had lost everything — mother, father, fox. Everything he’d ever cared about. But having lost everything, he had nothing left to lose. At thirteen, life could never hurt him again.
-- Narrator (Chapter 8)

Importance: Peter has lost so much at 13 that he believes there is nothing else in life that can hurt him. He incorrectly believes life can never hurt him again. To be certain that he will never be hurt again, Peter makes up his mind to live alone and never let anyone emotionally close again.

Right, right,’ he conceded. ‘You know what I mean. Warriors are . . . it’s about power. Not a bunch of do-gooders.
-- Peter’s Grandfather (Chapter 10)

Importance: When Vola is telling Peter’s grandfather what Peter will be doing as a member of the Water Warriors, Peter’s grandfather criticizes the group’s use of military jargon. He argues those terms...