And I provide much- needed eye candy.

All I can do is stand still- I feel like if I just stand still, I can stop it from being true, I can pretend that everything is all right.

You know, there's a word for big, strong men who attack women, and it's coward.

Don’t worry about me handling the pain," I say. "I’ve had a lot of practice.

Eric called Al's suicide brave, and he was wrong. My mother's death was brave. I remember how calm she was, how determined. It isn't just brave that she died for me; it is brave that she did it without announcing it, without hesitation, and without appearing to consider another option.

Uriah drops his tray next to me. It is loaded with beef stew and chocolate cake. I stare at the cake pile. “There was cake?” I say, looking at my own plate, which is more sensibly stocked than Uriah’s. “Yeah, someone just brought it out. Found a couple boxes of the mix in the back and baked it,” he says. “You can have a few bites of mine.” “A few bites? So you’re planning on eating that mountain of cake by yourself?” “Yes.” He looks confused. “Why?” “Never mind.

He pus his lips next to my ear and says, “You look good, Tris.