The stars blinked in the sky above as Maxon and I leaned against the balcony railing. I could hear a lone owl's call but all I can think about is surprise I still have now that I am an Elite.

"What are your thoughts America?" Maxon asks slowly clearly looking for conversation.

"Why am I still here?"

"America I thought I made myself perfectly clear the first time." He replied

"Yes but you could have chosen any of the girls that would love you forever and instead you chose me." I whispered.

"America I am perfectly happy with my decision," he exclaimed "now drop it" I sighed but did not answer. I looked over at him he leaned against the railing very casually looking out across the garden

"America am I more then your friend or are you just being nice to me. I know I am different but I want the truth"

"Maxon" I sighed thinking my last comment and how this was almost the same thing.

"I am no longer sure of myself, I like you as a friend but sometimes I think we are more"

"I always wished we were more" he said I already knew that he said it often enough. He looked at me curiously.

"Do you ever regret entering the selection," he asked clearly wondering

"I am not sure" I said surprised "I don't think I do, I mean the food here is extraordinary!" He laughed and I giggled he smiled at me.

"It's late, I should go." He said sounding sad but tired. I followed him to the door to say good night when he stopped

"America" he said "I was wondering if I could...if I could kiss you when..." I smiled then sighed,

"I suppose but keep it in moderation, It's not like I'm here for kissing practice," I said he grinned and then kissed my forehead softly and on his way out he nodded his head to Aspen who stood guard and watched his every move until he was gone. "Goodnight Lady America," Aspen said looking at me longingly

"Goodnight Officer Ledger," I said and walked into my room, thinking how hard it must be for Aspen to have to watch this.

I felt as if the moment I fell asleep Annie was gently shaking me awake.

"Wake up Miss" she urged "we are behind schedule!" With that I was out of bed and quickly dressed. I hurried out of my room and down the hall where I nearly tripped over my heels.

"Woah! Slow down!" Kriss came up right beside in no rush at all.

"Why are you running?" She asked

"Oh I thought I was late! Well, then I guess I am not then if your still here." We walked down the hall to breakfast with Celeste and Elise on our heels.

Four left, I thought and hurried down the hall.


I sat in the woman's room reading a magazine Celeste, (Oh sweet Celeste) had wanted me to read, I paged through the "Palace Gossip" until I came to an article. On one page there were pictures of the remaining Elite, on the other, there was a picture of Maxon next to the article,

"As of a week ago on the report, the Elite were asked to do a project on what they would try to do to help our country. While things ranged from what they would do to help our the war in New Asia, to funding for our schools, one project stood out in particular. America Singer, a Five suggested we get rid of our Caste system, the base network of our country, and the order that keeps Illea running. Though at first it seemed she was doing this just to ensure that she and her fellow Fives could be boosted, it was also remembered that once out of the Selection she would be a three. But when we consulted with Palace staff, and guards, we were informed that Lady Singer was quite close to Miss Marlee Tames who had been sentenced to an Eight. We also were told that she had almost been sent home by the King who was against the Idea completely, which made us also wonder if he truly loves us, or his power.

If her idea was taken seriously, all Eights would be able to get jobs, and Twos, though talented, many would suffer new competition from those of lower castes, and loss of jobs, if lower castes proved to be just as skilled. The same would go for other castes also. Sevens could be owning farms, and sixes teaching at schools. At first we felt that many people would be against such an idea, but after interviewing people from different castes 16 of the 20 people interviewed were for the idea.

"I see it as an opportunity for new talents, and new people to work with." a Two said,

"It'll be a chance for everyone to be free of our castes, and be able to do what we want to do, or are good at." a Four said

"My family and I would no longer be stuck living off the scraps, and scraping the bowl empty, we could have a chance at a better life!" a six said.

Though few rejected the idea, many were for it, and this has tilted the scales in favor for which girl who would win. A recent poll came out announcing how favored the girls were. With lady Celeste in the lead, with only 0.001% over Miss America, though many believe this change is due to her recent act of rebellion against the caste system. Lady Kriss placed third with Miss Elise bringing up the rear. Though all the girls are lovely, some stand out more then others, and whoever our beloved Prince Maxon Schreave chooses, we hope he chooses out of thought for his country."

-Article by Arlow Bevlitary

I stared at the article,

I had gone from last to second in a matter of days. I noticed Celeste was staring at me.

"Don't get to comfortable in second, your bound to go down soon, after the buzz from that idiotic stunt you pulled blows over," She then flicked her hair behind her shoulder "And Remember, no matter what you do you'll never pass me," I sighed

"Oh Celeste," I said mockingly "This is only the beginning of my plan," sensing my sarcasm she crossed her arms and sauntered away.


It was late, and I was waiting for Maxon who had given an urgent ear tug at dinner, I was in the garden, sitting on a bench, our bench where we always sat when we came here. I crossed my arms,

What was taking him so long!

I felt agitated, and was about to go to my room when he appeared, running into the garden, his hair an awful mess, and he wasn't even wearing a suit coat. The moment I looked into his eyes, I knew something was wrong.

"It's them, I know it's them," Maxon spilled out of breath, "They recently struck St. George, and there on their way here, we had to get more guards here to ensure security, and the amount of people they've killed... 63 America, 63! that's men, women and children. Children, they've killed children!" Maxon hadn't been this way with me since before the incident with Marlee, but it was a little reassuring that he could still talk these matters over with me.

"Wow Maxon," I said "That's horrible, I really don't know what to say... I think if they are coming, that we should be prepared, and like you said, we have new guards and everything, but... Wow,"

"America, it's worst then ever,"

"I get it Maxon, so why did you want to tell me?"

"I just to get it out, and I think you have the right to know an-"

"Your Majesty, the King had requested to see you!" A guard yelled from the gate, I saw Maxon's face go paler,

"I have to go," he said, and was gone before I could catch my breath.


I was in my room, pacing.

What were the rebels after, besides the books?

I had a feeling that while the Northerners were after the books, the Southerners were after blood, the king's to be exact. With all these thoughts rushing through my head I didn't notice the grappling hook attached to the railing of my balcony, or the the rebel on it, until he was trying to open my door, I stared at him for a moment, before running for my life.


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