The Divergent Games

Chapter 5

I wake up before Tobias and smile to find he still has his arm around me. I turn over and his eyes open, he smiles sleepily.

“Morning.” I whisper

“Morning, Tris.” He replies quietly. His hair is all ruffled and he runs his hand through it.

“I’m gonna go change.” I say, reluctantly getting out of bed.

“Ok.” He murmurs and goes back to sleep.

I walk into my room and see someone has left a towel and some clothes on the bed. I pick them up and go into the bathroom. I take a bath and dry myself off, leaving my short hair dripping. I turn to look at the pile of clothes. I pick up a green shirt and a black cardigan and pull them on. I unfold the trousers but, wait, no. The little black, velvety bundle is a skirt. I tug it on and wonder if Tobias has ever seen me in a skirt. Actually, have I ever even worn one?

 I unlock the door and go back to my room. I sit down on the bed and pull my black boots on. I bend down to lace them up but I just can’t be bothered. I put my head in my hands, thinking.  After a while I hear the floorboards creak as someone comes in.

“Shall I tie them?” A voice asks and I see Delly, kneeling at my feet.

“No, it’s ok. I’ll do them. I can do-“ But I never finish my sentence as Delly ties them in neat double knots anyway.

“Thanks.” I say and reach a hand down to pull her to her feet. She grins at me and takes my hand.

“Breakfast’s in the kitchen.” She says. I nod and walk through to the kitchen where Beetee sits alone.

“Hello Beetee.” I say, getting an apple and sitting down opposite him.

“Hello Tris.” He says, looking worried. I did think he looked jumpy yesterday. I flash a smile that I hope is reassuring. I bite into the apple and taste the sweet juice in my mouth. Katniss and Peeta come in, hand in hand and Katniss goes to the kettle.

“Tea?” She asks and I nod. She looks at Peeta.

“No sugar?” She asks and he smiles, yes.

Beetee gets up and walks over to where Katniss is getting mugs out. Tobias walks in and I nod to the seat next to me. He sits down and looks at my outfit.

“You look nice.” He says and I squeeze his hand under the table.

I hear Katniss shout “WHAT?!?” in a panicked voice and Peeta jumps up.

“Say it again!” Katniss orders Beetee and this time I lean in towards where they stand, listening hard.

“It’s being reintroduced. The government has agreed. The peacekeepers are coming and it’s back.” Beetee says in a rush of panic.

“What is?” Peeta asks, though by his face, which is terrified and drained of colour, it looks as if he already has an idea. I stand up but Tobias puts a hand on my shoulder, forcing me back into my seat. He walks over.

“Explain.” He says, calm amid the chaos.

“They’re back. The hunger games are back.” Beetee whispers.

Katniss makes a pained noise and Peeta holds her against him as he did when I saw him last night. Comforting her.

“Wait,” Tobias says, obviously as confused as I am. “What are the hunger games?”