54 pages 1 hour read

Stephen King

The Running Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982

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Chapters 21-40Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 21 Summary: “…Minus 080 and Counting…”

Killian is delighted by Ben’s stage presence. He gives Ben a camera, along with clips for recording, and announces that he has 12 minutes of freedom left. He tells Ben that he collects artifacts and that he wishes he could preserve Ben as a memento of the times. He encourages Ben to choose movement over weapons and reminds him again that he should stick near his own people. The crowd truly hates him, and Ben hates them equally. At the last moment, Ben asks who he could kill if he went all the way up to the top floor of the Games building. Killian laughs and says he likes people who think big.

Chapter 22 Summary: “…Minus 079 and Counting…”

Ben takes a taxi to Robard Street. The excited driver recognizes him. He asks Ben to leave a note for his wife, who loves the Games. Ben refuses. He leaves him $1.

Chapter 23 Summary: “…Minus 078 and Counting…”

Ben goes to Molie Jernigan’s hockshop. Molie is like Robin Hood and will work for anyone with money. However, Ben knows this is a special situation and Molie will be taking on more risk than usual. When Ben asks for ID papers, Molie says he’ll do it for Ben’s wife.