Whoa, Connor Stoll said. Back up. Zoom in right there.What? Annabeth said nervously. You see invaders?No, right there-Dylan's Candy Bar. Connor grinned at his brother. Dude, it's open. And everyone is asleep. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?Connor! Katie Gardner scolded. She sounded like her mother, Demeter. This is serious. You are not going to loot a candy store in the middle of a war!Sorry, Connor muttered, but he didn't sound very ashamed.
In this excerpt from "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan, Connor Stoll notices that Dylan's Candy Bar is open and jokingly suggests to his brother the idea of looting it while everyone else is asleep. His excitement contrasts sharply with Annabeth's nervousness and Katie Gardner's serious scolding, reflecting the tension between the lightheartedness of Connor's thoughts and the gravity of their situation.
Despite Katie's admonition that the war is more important than candy, Connor's playful attitude demonstrates the escape that humor provides amid chaos. Although he feels a hint of remorse for joking about looting, it highlights the youthfulness and carefree spirit of the characters, even in dire circumstances.