Глава 1. My first story! Hope it doesn't disappoint

My first story! Hope it doesn't disappoint...

Two years ago today, I was one of many standing at the Choosing Ceremony. For some, it was the day they returned to their own faction as adults. For others, it was the day they followed their instincts and stepped foot into another faction in hopes of pursuing their own beliefs. For me, it was the day I shed my gray clothes and left my father. My father, the reason for my fears, my insecurities. I often wonder why I was punished with the cruel parent; why out of hundreds of happy, loving families, I was left with the one that, well, wasn't. I now think of it as a blessing rather than a curse. " Faction before blood", they always say. I have grown to believe that saying.

Two years ago today, I was a Dauntless initiate. I was good - very good. I ranked first, and naturally, was offered a government position. However, power isn't something I seek. Those who have it tend to lose themselves to it. Power turns people into addicts without them ever realizing. I've seen it happen, and it's not a path I intend to explore. So I declined the job, opting for something more suitable for me, like training Dauntless initiates - and here they come.

Above me, I hear Max, one of the Dauntless leader, shouting instructions to the initiates gathered around the ledge of the building that leads to the entrance of our compound.

" Who do you think will be the first jumper? " asks Lauren.

This really isn't a difficult question. " A Dauntless born or an Erudite. Dauntless borns know our compound inside and out. They know no real danger poses for them at the bottom. Erudites will be the next to figure that out. It all comes down to who has the guts to make the first move."

" Good guess. Very educated guess."

I grin at her and shrug.

" Looks like we'll find out soon."

I follow her gaze up to the ledge of the building. A dark shape has unattached itself from the crowd and now stands at the ledge. It jumps, without even a moment of hesitation, and lands on the net seconds later.

A laugh escapes her. Half relieved, half hysterical.

I reach a hand out to help her up onto the platform. She stumbles, and I grip her arms to stop her from falling. I notice she's wearing gray clothes. An Abnegation.

" I can't believe it, " remarks Lauren, smirking. " A Stiff, the first to jump? Unheard of."

" There's a reason why she left them, Lauren." And the knowledge of this gives me the satisfaction that no government job is ever capable of. The knowledge that someone else, much like myself, is able to find their place here and fit in whereas they couldn't with their old faction.

" What's your name? " I ask.

" Um..."

Hesitation.

" Think about it." I say, a faint smile curling my lips. " You don't get to pick again."

" Tris." she tells me, an edge of confidence now evident in her voice.

" Tris." Lauren repeats, grinning. " Make the announcement, Four."

I look over my shoulder at the crowd hiding in the shadows and announce, " First jumper - Tris! "

Everyone erupts into cheers and pumps their fists. Just then, another jumper drops onto the net, screaming, which sends the crowd into fits of laughter followed by more cheering. I tear my eyes away from the crowd and turn my attention back to Tris, placing a hand on her back.

" Welcome to Dauntless."