Question

but...” sparrow trails off so it sounds like a chirpy threat. \but if you dont, youll look like a punk,\ says vijay.... i cant let them do this to me. \okay, ill do the show,\ i say too loudly. \start rolling, or action, or whatever you guys say.\ \were already taping,\ says sparrow. ruthie grabs me. \this is stupid, reggie, lets....\ sparrow turns to me. \so, pu—reggie, why do you think you should be president?\ i clear my throat and try to stand up straight. \well, i—\ faintly familiar music blasts behind me. real heavy bass and a thumping beat. my locker pops open. i turn around and its the justin party train again. \jws house!\ yells donovan. \join us at justins place after school for a rally—free food, good music, and prizes! become a part of justins crew and learn more about justins plan for a new, feel - good clarke! say no to outdated letter grades and useless testing! say yes to justin!\ what does the underlined sentence suggest about reggie at this point in the story? he is growing careless. he is losing confidence. he is gaining courage.

Explanation:

The underlined action "I clear my throat and try to stand up straight" shows Reggie making a small, deliberate effort to compose himself before speaking to answer the question about being president. This physical adjustment indicates he is trying to project confidence and push through his nerves, meaning he is gathering the courage to proceed.

Answer:

He is gaining courage.