Chapters 17 & 18

At the beginning of chapter 17 Kira and Thomas go to look for Matt. They haven't seen him in a couple of days and are worried. Now Matt lives on the bad side of town, where everybody is poor and lives nearly homeless and hungry. They eventually find Matt's house, but only his brother is home. His brother informs Kira and Thomas that Matt went on a journey to find "blue" for "a friend of his". Now obviously the kid has no idea the significance of this to Kira. I'm starting to see that blue is more of a symbol in this story.... What of? I'm not exactly sure yet. I have an idea though. Later on Kira talks with Jamison and he tells her that that the yearly gathering where the song is to be sung is very soon, and whatever last minute changes need to be made should be made so soon. She is also informed that after the gathering she will begin making new pictures on the robe. She is surprised because she though that would come when her skills were better.