After lunch, we're brought to a room with brand new wooden floors, a red circle painted in the center, and a techno board like we always used in schools. The board has each of our names in alphabetical order displayed. There's also some shiny punching bags hanging from the walls. It looks like everything in this room has barely been used. Four steps into the center of the circle with Six as Eric stands by the board.

"As Six said this morning," says Four, "next you will learn how to fight. The purpose of this is to prepare you to act; to prepare your body to respond to threats and challenges —which you will need, if you intend to survive life as a Dauntless." I try to clear my mind of any distractions; I intend to stay here if it kills me. But I can't stop my eyes from continually wandering over to Eric. What is going on with us?

"We will go over technique today, and tomorrow you will start to fight each other," says Six, "Feel honored, you all will be the first initiates to use the refurbished gym."

"Now pay attention," says Four, "Those who don't learn fast will get hurt."

Six and Four start to mock-fight now, announcing different attacks and the appropriate counter-attack. I try to concentrate on each move. Left jab, right straight, hooks, uppercuts, roundhouse, side and front kicks, elbow and knee strikes. I've studied these things before, in books and online, but studying is very different from doing.

"Alright, if you've been paying attention, you can work on these techniques with the bags," says Six. We're all about to head over to the wall of them when Eric speaks up.

"I think they should also have a short demonstration on ground fighting," he says.

"Fine, then," Four says, agitated, "Six, go—"

"No, I think I'll demonstrate this time," Eric says, "You, get in the ring with me." And he's pointing at me.

"Me?"

"Yes, you, get over here," he says, "What better way to learn than hands-on." Eric is smirking at this point and I don't know what to think. As soon as I'm within reach, he sweeps me and I'm lying on my back on the ground. I scowl up at him; what is with him?

"When fighting, your opponent may throw you. They may try to mount you to both keep you on the ground and make you an easy target. Obviously, don't let them. If you can't get up, use your legs to keep them away and find a way to trap them in your legs." Then he gets on his knees and wraps my legs around his waist, pulling them tight. I was not prepared for this.

"This is called a guard. Keep your hips off the ground and you should have substantial control over your opponent. They can try to punch you, but you should be able to hold them back with your legs. It's not the best, but it's better than being mounted." As he's talking, I can't concentrate. My legs are wrapped so tightly around him that I can feel him breath.

"You can submit someone from here but it won't be easy. Instead, it's better to move your opponent into a more ideal position. To do this, pull your ankles to your butt and your knees to your chest." I do as he says and suddenly his face is hovering right on top of mine and his hands are on the floor. My mind is starting to wander into the gutter now.

"Now that your opponent is off-balanced, trap one of their arms with yours, plant your feet, and roll to the side where you've taken their arm." I do as he says. He's heavier, but I get him over and end up on top of him. I try to keep as much of my weight off of him as possible; this is awkward enough as it is without me sitting on him.

"You should have mount, then. You can punch, choke, and do many other things from here. Plant your waist on top of theirs, keep your knees spread to lower your hips, and keep your feet tight against your opponent." He grabs my hips and pushes more of their weight on top of himself. He starts to slide his hands down to my knees, but I got the message at this point; I spread them and keep my feet tight to his body. I hope the redness in my face can be attributed to effort.

"You can stay on the hips or you can move up to the chest; just avoid the stomach or you'll be tossed. Beyond that, you guys can figure it out what to do on your own," he says, "Get off now." I rush off and practically run back to the safety of the herd. I finally look at everyone around me and they're all staring as if I've grown a second head. Coraline just keeps looking at me with a wicked grin on her face; I'll never hear the end of this from her. Even Four and Six are giving me a quizzical look. Four seems to be the one to shake it off the fastest.

"We don't have all day, initiates!" he shouts, "Move!" And we all run over to a bag and start hitting. While I smack my bag, I can't help but think about what just happened. Is he toying around with me? Is this something serious or is he just womanizing like Lynn said? Whatever, I'm just going to unleash my frustration on the bag.

"Nice hits," says Six, "You're doing really well for a transfer. Just hold back a little more; let the others underestimate you." Then she turns so that her back is to everyone, but me.

"Are you okay? That was really unusual," she whispers, "Typically, when Eric demonstrates something, he leaves the initiate more than a little bloody and crying."

"I just don't know what's happening," I whisper back, still hitting the bag, but holding back more like she said, "I don't know if he's toying or serious."

"I'm here for you," she smiles to me, "Personally, I don't like him at all, but this is your life; you control it, no one else does." And I realize she's right. No matter what his intentions are, this is my life and I won't just be his plaything.

It feels like it's only been a few minutes, but Four and Six dismiss us to dinner. As we're heading out, I see Jared run over to Six who's drinking out of her water bottle.

"Hey Six, maybe you and I can do some of those ground techniques together sometime," he says with a smirk. Six simply looks at him like he's some disgusting thing that crawled out of nowhere. Four walks up behind Jared, which makes Six smile. Jared must think it's about his offer because he opens his stupid mouth again.

"I see you like that. Maybe tonight around—"

"So, you want to do ground techniques?" Four says. Jared whips around and looks over Four. Looks like idiots are the bravest because he chooses to talk back.

"Yeah, I was talking to Six about it. What of it?" This guy has a death wish.

Four leans down to Jared with a murderous look on his face, "How about this. You're going to get out of this room and head over to dinner like a good little initiate. If you want to learn ground techniques so badly, I'll work with you. You will not approach Six for anything ever again. If you do, you and I will have a very, very big problem. Do you understand me?" Jared seems to have taken the hint this time. He nods and follows after Elizabeth who somehow managed to miss the exchange. For two people who cheat so often and so openly, it's amazing how neither ever notices; maybe they just don't want to.

"You know, I almost don't mind being hit on if it meant getting to see you be jealous" Six says, wrapping her arms around Four. He smiles at her, but I don't wait to hear his reply; I'd rather let them have their moment. Instead, I run to catch up with Coraline and Alex.

A/N: Fun Fact- I do BJJ, kickboxing, and karate in my spare time, which came in handy this chapter ^_^