After Jonas watches the video of his father lethally inject a newborn during a release ceremony, he is appalled and disgusted. He struggles to comprehend the fact that his life has been a complete lie and that release is simply a euphemism for death. Jonas refuses to return to his family and spends the night at the Annex, where he and the Giver formulate a plan for his escape during the upcoming December Ceremony. Unfortunately, Jonas is forced to alter their plans when he discovers that Gabriel will be released the next day.

Upon fleeing the community, Jonas commits several serious transgressions, which would surely result in his release. Jonas's first charge would be leaving his dwelling at night without permission, which is a serious offense. His second charge would be for stealing food from the community, even though Jonas simply took the leftovers on the doorsteps that were going to be collected. Jonas would also be charged with stealing his father's bicycle and kidnapping Gabriel. In addition to those charges, Jonas would also be charged with leaving the community without permission. Given the community's strict laws and harsh punishments, one could surmise that Jonas would be released if he were caught by authorities. Fortunately, Jonas is able to avoid the heat-sensing search planes and manages to make it to Elsewhere with Gabriel.