It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you.
-- Maxon (chapter 1)

Importance: Maxon says this as America gets him to tell her things that he is bad at doing in the first chapter. The quote sets the stage for readers to let them know that Maxon is drawn to America. In the context of the Selection, this is important because it means that he is romantically interested in her which means she stand a chance of becoming his wife.

If there's one thing I've learned from being in the Selection, it's that some girls have a frightening killer instinct. Don't let the ball gowns fool you.
-- Kriss (chapter 5)

Importance: Kriss says this during the girls' discussion about the draft when she suggests that a voluntary draft be opened to women as well as men. Her comment addresses the level of competition that has gone on during the Selection and shows one of the ways...