It's strange how a word, a phrase, a sentence, can feel like a blow to the head.

Be careful, though." "Aren't I always?" "No, I think the word for how you usually are is 'reckless.

In order to have peace, we must first have trust.

I ignore my fear,” he says. “When I make decisions, I pretend it doesn’t exist.” I stare at him for a second. I can’t help it. To me there’s a difference between not being afraid and acting in spite of fear, as he does.

Then Drew shuffles into the dining hall. I drop my toast, and my mouth drifts open. Calling him “bruised” would be an understatement. His face is swollen and purple. He has a split lip and a cut running through his eyebrow. He keeps his eyes down on the way to his table, not even lifting them to look at me. I glance across the room at Four. He wears the satisfied smile I wish I had on.

I should wonder what courage—which is the virtue they most value—has to do with a metal ring through your nostril.

And sometimes, if you want the truth, you have to demand it.