Today is the day of the aptitude test and the reality is sinking in. Beatrice sits with the other sixteen-year-old's in the cafeteria, anxiously waiting for her name to be called. They are not allowed to prepare for the test, so she has no idea what to expect. Talk about nerve wrecking. She gazes around the room, observing the kids from other factions. She takes note of what sets them apart from herself; what makes them fit into their faction. Because of her observations, I got my first information on what the other factions are like. It wasn't a whole lot to go off of, but I know more than I did before at least.
Caleb's name is called. Beatrice watches him move confidently towards the testing room. She is envious of his sureness. She only wishes she was set on her decision. She wishes she could fit in as easily as he does. Ever since she can remember, he has been the poster child of the Abnegation faction. She waits until he enters the cafeteria again, only to find him pale and sweating nervously. She is dying to ask him about what happened, but is fully aware of the fact that he isn't allowed to talk about the test or his results. This would kill me, knowing I couldn't even look out for my own brother?
Finally it is Beatrice's turn. The only reassurance she can get is from her neighbor, Susan, who is called to be tested at the same time. However, there is only enough time for Susan to shoot her a nervous smile before the two part and are assigned testing rooms. A Dauntless woman, Tori is her name, is the one who gives Beatrice the aptitude test. Right away Beatrice notices the way Tori looks. From her small, dark eyes, to her almost masculine clothing, Beatrice decides she isn't as afraid of Tori as she is of others from Dauntless she has seen. The hawk tattoo Tori has strikes curiosity within Beatrice, and even though it is against the rules of her home faction, she asks about it anyway, almost in an impulsive manner. I related to Beatrice at this moment because it is impossible for me to go an hour without asking a question. I understand that it is just in her nature.
Tori explains the hawk symbolizes the sun, and it is a technique to overcome her fear of the dark. Another question slips from Beatrice's lips. "You're afraid of the dark?" Tori reiterates that her fear is in the past, and without another moment passing, gets on with her duties. Soon enough, Beatrice feels the vial of clear liquid dripping into her mouth. Her eyes close. I was nervous with anticipation at this point.
Beatrice is thrown into the aptitude test, but refuses to make a decision between taking a knife or cheese. This poses a problem once an angry dog appears. She is unsure of what to do until she remembers she learned lying down is the best option she has. It works out for her, thankfully. This is only the beginning of her problems however, as suddenly a young girl appears. The dog is about to lunge towards the girl, but before it can, Beatrice throws herself toward it. The scene changes again, and now she is on a subway, confronted by a man asking her if she recognizes a murder from a picture in the newspaper. Even though she feels that he looks familiar, she lies to the man, fearing what would happen if she told him the truth. He hysterically begs for her help, saying she could save him, but she stands her ground.
The entire simulation completely threw me off and at this point I have no idea what is going to happen. I am so lost, but in a way that I can't help but read on.
"Behind me, a woman's voice says, 'Choose.' 'Why?' I ask."
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