Darry, his oldest brother
Yes, in the book The Outsiders Ponyboy in fact DOES participate.
Go see ponyboy in the hospital
A rumble
takes 5 asprins
From being kicked in the head by the Soc during the rumble.
He collapsed just after Dallas was shot by the police.
ponyboy fights for
Dallas Winston
Ponyboy calls the other gangs more rough and organized than his.
The hospital to see Johnny because he was dying.
Before the rumble, Ponyboy does not fully prepare himself mentally or emotionally for the fight. He is more focused on the implications of the conflict rather than the actual confrontation. Additionally, he refrains from discussing his feelings about the rumble with his brothers, choosing instead to internalize his concerns. This lack of preparation reflects his inner turmoil and desire for peace over violence.
Ponyboy is feeling sick before the rumble, and swallows five aspirin. He also struggles to eat his dinner. The boys bathe, and make themselves look tuff. They are excited when they left for the rumble.