Ray Garraty’s mother drops him off in a guarded parking lot in Maine. Other boys are assembling, and Ray worries that he should have brought a pack similar to theirs. His mother, clearly distressed, urges him to change his mind, and he worries that if she becomes more emotional, she’ll get in trouble with the guards. She gives him cookies, and he forces himself to stay stoic.

After she drives away, he introduces himself to another boy, Peter McVries. They compare their weights and briefly discuss strategy. Garraty and McVries introduce themselves to Hank Olson and Art Baker, and Ray privately evaluates their appearances, comforting himself that Olson will burn out faster than he will. Olson points out a spot near the starting line and tells the other boys that last year a boy who was too terrified to begin the Walk received three tickets there.

A jeep full of soldiers approaches. The Major—a tall and intimidating man with sunglasses and a pistol in his belt—tells the boys to remember “Hint Thirteen:” Always try to “conserve energy.” Garraty reflects that he admires the Major and remembers that his father, though a political dissident, also admired the man.

The Major takes roll, and the boys take their numbers when their name is called.