Thomas is almost sad to see that the Gathering has ended. Newt meets up with him and Teresa at the Box, and says that all of the Keepers have agreed to the plan to go through the Griever Hole. The hard part, says Newt, will be convincing the other Gladers. Thomas asks about Alby, and Newt says he will convince Alby to go by telling him that they can all start a new life together outside the Glade. Thomas says that perhaps they can, and that he has promised to find Chuck a home. They watch the Keepers trying to explain the plan to the Gladers. Though some boys storm off, most seem to be agreeing to, or at least considering the plan. Newt says that they need to find out who will stay and who will go, and then stock up on food and supplies. He says that, while Thomas might make a good leader, it would make matters worse to put him in charge. Newt tells Thomas that he and Teresa can stay behind the scenes and handle the code portion of the plan.