After lunch with Eric, I lead the group of initiates into the training room. They gasp and look around in wonder.
Every year…
Same old, same old…
I walk up to the board where all of their names are written on and turn to look at the group, crossing my arms. The group lines up behind the punching bag and I walk up the middle, making sure everyone can see me.
"As I said this morning, 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."
Peter yawns, a smirk on his face and I glare at him.
"We will go over technique today, and tomorrow you will start to fight each other. So I recommend that you pay attention. Those who don't learn fast will get hurt."
I glare at Tris before starting to explain some different techniques.
"First you will try a Hook." I explain, showing the punch by jabbing the air with my hand, then punch the punching bag.
"A Rabbit Punch." Swipe, punch.
"Uppercut." Swish, slam.
I breathe heavily, wiping a line of sweat off of my brow and nod towards the group.
"Begin."
Peter, Molly, and Drew attack the punching bags right away, the rusting chains groan from their weight. I look over at Tris to see that she's weakly hitting the punching bag. I sigh, shaking my head and start to wander through the crowd of initiates, watching closely and taking mental notes. Once I get over to Tris, I ignore the stirring in my stomach and cross my arms, staring at her, my eyes following her body from head to feet, not lingering anywhere.
I'm not that perverted.
"You don't have much muscle." I sigh, leaning against a metal supporter beam. "Which means you're better off using your knees and elbows. You can put more power behind them."
She nods and moves back to punch the bag but I reach out and press a hand to her stomach. I vaguely notice that the heel of my hand hits her ribcage and my fingertips touch her other side. I feel her heart pounding and ignore her wide-eyed stare towards me.
"Never forget to keep tension here." I say softly.
I pull my hand away and keep walking, my heart pounding and my fingers tingling where I had touched her.