Today on Twitter, Writer's Digest asked everyone to tell them our favorite scene of heightened suspense for a chance to win a copy of James Scott Bell's new writing instruction book, Elements of Fiction Writing: Conflict & Suspense.

This caused me to reflect on some of my favorite reads, both recent and long-past. One scene that came racing to the forefront was that moment in Mockingjay, when Peeta finally awakens from his hijacking and sees Katniss for the first time. I remember holding my breath, wondering what he would say, do, think, and feel. Would he remember Katniss? Would he declare his undying love for her? Would he know he had been hijacked? Would he remember anything?

These are the moments in literature that I live for: moments that take my breath away. These are the moments when the gritty realities of life fall away and I am enveloped in another world that was born at the tip of a pen.

~ ~ ~

"Your favorite color...it's green?"

"That's right." Then I think of something to add. "And yours is orange."

"Orange?" He seems unconvinced.

"Not bright orange. But soft. Like the sunset," I say. "At least, that's what you told me once."

"Oh." He closes his eyes briefly, maybe trying to conjure up that sunset, then nods his head. "Thank you."

But more words tumble out. "You're a painter. You're a baker. You like to sleep with the windows open. And you always double-knot your shoelaces."

 

- Mockingjay, pg. 271