I 4. Justin was jealous of his cousin Cassie when she was named valedictorian of her class. "Some people are
just born smart," he told himself later as he watched TV on the couch. He had not been with Cassie all those
times when she studied late into the night. Justin was also jealous when his cousin Victor was elected class
president. "Some people are just more popular than others," Justin told himself as he played video games on
the couch. He had not been with Victor while he tirelessly campaigned. Justin never noticed that Victor
treated everyone he knew with kindness and respect. When Justin's cousin Matthew became the varsity
quarterback, again Justin was envious. "Some people are just more athletic than others," he told himself as he
played on his computer. Justin had not been with Matthew while he trained morning and night. Justin had
never attended the long weekend practices with Matthew: "One day something lucky will happen to me too."
Justin told himself as he snacked on junk food.
What is the theme of the story?
What happens in the story that leads you to believe this?