The Unlucky Ones

[11] - Dauntless

[Tobias]

THE CRASHING OF FAST-PACED WATER ON ROCKS gives me a thrill, yet a sense of nausea all at once. I'm scared of what's beyond the rocks. But also know that there is only one outcome and that's what gives me a thrill. Knowing the outcome takes away any and all fear I have. It's the height that scares me.

" This chasm reminds us that there is a fine line between bravery and idiocy! " Four shouts, fighting with the water for my voice. " A daredevil jump off this ledge will end your life. It has happened before and it will happen again. You’ve been warned. "

Each initiate walks to the ledge, leaning against the railing to watch the water.

" This is incredible, " Christina says, backing away.

Tris sighs, nodding.

" Incredible is the word, "

I lead them down from the chasm, toward the dining hall. We reach the giant hole in the wall that roars with hungry Dauntless men and women. The Dauntless look our way, all standing. Applause echoes from wall to wall, reaching our ears. I applaud with them. These few initiates are going to be put through the wringer and dragged back. With Eric's new rules finally coming into play, they've got a lot coming to them. The Dauntless sit down, signaling for us to find our seats. I sit at the usual table, across from Shauna and Zeke. Tris, Christina, Will, and Al all walk over. Tris and I make eye contact.

" Is it okay if we sit by you? " She asks.

I smirk, nodding.

" So that's a yes then? " She asks.

Christina scoffs.

" Tris, just sit down. " She says.

She does, sitting in between Christina and I. I can feel the heat radiate off of her skin. Tris stares at the center of the table. She's staring at the burgers. She grabs one, pinching it between her fingers, not quite sure what it is or what to do with it. I've been in that boat before. I elbow her gently.

" It's beef. Here, " I say, sliding a cup of Ketchup over to her. " Put some of this on it. It'll make it better. "

She still stares at the burger in her hand. She sets it on the plate in front of her, grabbing the Ketchup to put on the burger.

" What, you've never had a burger before? " Christina asks, wide-eyed.

Tris shakes her head, placing some sauce onto the burger, placing the bun hack atop it.

" No, " She says, licking a droplet of sauce off of her finger. " Is that what they're called? "

I take a sip of my water, clearing my throat.

" Stiffs eat plain food. " I say, looking at Christina.

I hope I don't get caught because of that statement. They might ask how I know this. Then I'm caught for sure. She stares at Tris in confusion.

" Why? " She asks.

Tris shrugs, sighing.

" Extravagance is considered self-indulgent and unnecessary. " She says.

Christina smirks, taking a bite of food.

" No wonder you left. " She says.

I cock an eyebrow.

" Yeah, " Tris says. " It was just because of the food. "

Her remark makes the corner of my mouth twitch. She notices, looking at me slightly. The doors open and a hush falls over everyone. Tris looks over my shoulder to try and see what's happening.