Tobias's POV
I stand by the net, waiting for the first jumper. For a few minutes, I hear nothing. But that is normal. I expect one of the Dauntless born initiates jump first. It isn't long before I see a flash of movement fall from the sky, and land on the net.
A flash of grey.
A Stiff couldn't possibly jump first, no, it's just my imagination. The blonde girl laughs while looking up and covers her face with her face. She is shaking.
I stretch my hand out to help her.
I recognize her, she is Beatrice. I remember from before I transferred. I used to help her and her family with community service.
She takes my hand, and almost falls onto the wooden floor, but I catch her. I release her and she thanks me.
"Can't believe it." Lauren says. "A Stiff, the first to jump? Unheard of."
I say the first thing that comes to mind, to signify that I don't know her. It might help. "There's a reason why she left them, Lauren." Not good enough. "What's your name?" There, that's better.
"Um…"
She hesitates and I know she wants to change it. "Think about it," I say, trying to suppress a smile. "You don't get to pick again."
"Tris." She says calmly, sternly.
"Tris." Lauren repeats, grinning. "Make the announcement, Four."
I look over my shoulder, shouting "First jumper-Tris!"
The Dauntless come out of the darkness, pumping there fists and shouting. Another initiate falls down the hole in the ceiling, and I roll my eyes.
Her shouts follow her down, and judging by her clothes, I can tell she was Candor. I hate Candor. I force a laugh for Tris's sake, and so does everyone else. Except they might not have had to force it.
I need to take a step, even if it's small. I put my hand on Tris's shoulder. "Welcome to Dauntless." I smile.