Lev and Kolya are released from the colonel’s headquarters and begin their quest by walking back to the city. Leningrad is a shadow of its former self, and the only people they see are pale and fragile. Kolya considers escape but realizes they cannot survive without their ration cards. Lev, sensible and rational, suggests they simply focus on finding the eggs. Kolya agrees, and they head to the Haymarket in hope of meeting black market traders.

Lev does not like the arrogant Kolya, who considers himself sexually and intellectually superior, even though he is only three years older than Lev. Kolya suggests that they accept their fate and become friends, claiming that he can teach Lev what he needs to know: “About girls, yes. About literature. About chess” (64). Lev remains skeptical about his new friend.

Since the siege began, the Haymarket has seen its affluent shops close down, and the area is now a haven for buyers and sellers, trading whatever they possess in exchange for the meager food on offer. Kolya approaches the vendors with his usual overconfident and provocative manner, but to no avail: No one has had