Amir has entered this year's annual kite-fighting tournament, a prestigious competition he hopes will give him a great opportunity to please his father, Baba.

However, it is by no means certain that Amir will win this winter. One thing is certain, though, and that's that Hassan is the best kite runner around. If Amir should win the competition, Hassan will bring back the defeated kite, which will become a trophy for his good friend.

As it is, Amir is supremely confident of victory. The tournament has now reached its final stage, and there's just Amir and another competitor left. All that Amir can think about as the tension builds is victory. In fact, he doesn't just think about it; he can smell it in the air.

As far as Amir's concerned, winning the tournament isn't a matter of hope anymore, but of knowledge. In other words, he doesn't hope to win; he knows that he will, so certain is he of victory. That being the case, it's just a matter of time before he prevails over his one remaining competitor.

In due course, that's precisely what happens, and Amir is crowned the victor of this year's kite-fighting tournament. After giving Amir a congratulatory hug, Hassan promises to head off and track down the losing kite.