Tris POV

"And for our last performance of the night, 'The History of Dauntless Cake'!"

I hate that name.

I take in a deep breath as I look out at the huge audience gathered at the Pit for the talent show. I don't even why I agreed to this. I was seriously considering backing out, but I knew I couldn't.

---

A supervisor comes and hands us each a pamphlet of the performances of the night. I look over it, and there at least 25 entries. I know that I'm not one to judge, but most of these are just plain stupid. And you can add our act to that category.

"Why are all these people so willing to humiliate themselves?" Four asks coming up to me.

"'Cause we're dauntless," I reply smiling, "We're not supposed to be afraid of anything, we take risks. It's just what we do."

---

"Don't worry, you'll be fine." Four says walking up behind me.

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time with Four. And because of Marlene's unfortunate accident, I've had to fill in for her role the main character, who in this play's love interest, is Four. But it's not just that we have to pretend to be in love with each other, oh nuh-uh. Uriah thinks that our connection isn't strong enough so he basically forced us to hang out with each other.

But it's surprisingly not that bad, I actually really enjoy spending time with Four. Even though he always acts intimidating all the time, he does have a soft side. We'd talk and laugh, and just enjoy each other's company. I've even shown him my secret hiding place in the chasm, as a place we can hide from Uriah.

But nothing serious has happened with us, and probably never will. There's no way a guy like Four would go for a girl like me.

"Earth to Tris," Four says, waving a hand in front of my face.

"Huh, what?" I asked confused.

"The play's starting!" He exclaims pointing towards the stage. The spotlight shines on Shauna as she starts us off.

I take a deep breath. Time to get into character.

---

Scene 1

"Back in days of old," Shauna begins, "there was a legend of a great king, who was known to be a god. He was very powerful but was seen to be very cruel by others. His name was Ezekiel."

Zeke (King Ezekiel) steps onto the stage. He waves his hand in a large gesture, showing off his brilliant red cape. The one that took a whole day for us to make. I still have wounds from accidentally stabbing myself with the needle.

"No matter how cruel, King Ezekiel loved his son."

Zeke gently rocks a baby doll back and forth. I hear a laughing noise from the baby, I glance over and see Lynn working the sound machine.

"Using his power, the king was able to provide the best childhood possible for the baby."

On the back wall, pictures of a baby boy growing up flash across. Year after year, as the once baby turns into the best soldier in the kingdom.

---

Scene 2 (Forest)

Four (Son of King Ezekiel) runs onto the stage playing with a sword. He twirls it around, before taking a step back. He waits as he is greeted by a beast. I push the mannequin, completely covered with hair to look like a beast, out onto the stage. I watch as it rolls over, with small wheels attached to the bottom of the stand.

A loud roar erupts, covering any sound of rolling wheels. Four takes his sword back and stabs the beast in the stomach. It topples over, as Four puts his foot on the beast, victorious.

The sound of a bell rings through the air, Four glances into the distance. The bell rings four times through the air, before completely ceasing.

"Ahh, it is time for dinner. I best not be late, Father has informed me that he has important news." Four announces. He climbs onto his (wooden) horse and rides away.

---

Scene 3 (Dining Room)

"Welcome home son! Right on time!" Zeke announces, he laughs a loud hearty laugh. He waves a hand, and Uriah (another soldier) takes out a chair for Four to sit on.

"So father," Four says (pretending) to cut meat, "what is this important news that you had to tell me?"

Zeke smiles. "Bring her in," he calls out Uriah.

I take one more deep breath, this is it. It's either do or die.

Uriah walks into the curtains. He grabs my hands behind me, "Don't worry", he whispers to me. He can see my nervousness plain as day.

He pushes me forward and I stumble. I squint at the bright lights suddenly shining on me. I hold my head down, as I slowly step forward. My iron shackles drag across the floor, my ripped-up clothing falling.

"What is the meaning of this?" Four shouts across to Zeke.

Zeke smiles even bigger, "Well son, you've always told me how tired you get. So, I got you your own personal maid for your birthday."

Four steps from his chair and walks towards me. He grabs my chin, and my skin sparks at his touch. I try my best not to meet his eyes. He smiles at me, his words are laced with greed and evil.

"This will do."

---

Scene 4 (Bedroom)

"After many miserable days, she has no hope of escaping anymore," Shauna gestures towards me.

I (Four's Personal Maid) glance out from my window, at the war waging far off in the distance. The shouts of soldiers fill the air, most of them are from agony.

"I see it's scenery you like."

I whip my head around, Four stands at the entrance to my bedchamber.

"I didn't hear you master, what is it you want?" I bow my head down.

"Stand up," he orders me. I (pretend to) have trouble standing up. My knees wobble from lack of strength, and my legs can barely hold my body weight from food deprivation.

Four walks out and I follow him. He leads me into a garden, where the sounds of war can no longer be heard. Instead, there are the songs of birds and the rush of water. I smile at the scent of flowers, filling the air. Jasmine, my favorite.

"Sit." I obey.

I look down for it is rude to meet the eyes of your masters. I feel the presence of Four next to me as he sits down.

"What is your name?" There is a certain gentleness to his name.

I look up, and meet his soft eyes with a steely gaze.

"Why would you want to know? I'm nothing but your slave." I spit out the last words at him. Four looks genuinely taken aback. "I've heard the rumors, I know of you and your whole family's cruelness."

Four does nothing to defend himself, he only shakes his head. "The rumors, are nothing but rumors."

I feel myself soften at his words, he gently puts his hand on my knee. My first instinct is to swat it away, but I force myself to stay still. I visibly stiffen.

There are cameras on all sides, from different perspectives, zooming on our every move. So the audience can have a clear picture, especially for the people in the back.

"Dauntless," I murmur softly.

"What?" Four asks confused, leaning in.

"My name, Dauntless." My steely gaze returns as I face him head on. He smiles at me.

"What a beautiful name, for a beautiful girl."

---

Scene 5 (Kitchen)

"I'm back!"

I turn around from the oven to see Four dressed in full armor. I laugh. "How was it?" I ask.

Four plops onto the couch, and shrugs. "It was okay."

I walk over and sit down next to him. I smooth my old rags. "Here," I say leaning forward, "try this."

He sits up and grabs the spoon, and takes a bite. He puts the spoon in his mouth and smiles. "This is delicious!" He exclaims, jumping up and out of his seat. I laugh and take a bite myself.

"I'm glad you liked it, it's my own invention."

Four sits down next to me again and shoves the whole thing in his mouth. "What do you call it?" He asks through a mouthful of food. I wait for him to finish, as he licks his fingers clean.

"I'm not sure yet," I admit, "but I think I'll call it-"

"Cake."

I smile, "Look at us, finishing each other's-"

"Cake?" Four guesses. We both start laughing.

We continue to whisper as Shauna walks onto the stage. "Cake," she explains, "in their language at the time meant love. For they were secret lovers at night."

Four leans in and engulfs me in a hug, and I don't hesitate, to hug back.

---

Scene 6 (Tent)

Four walks into the tent, and I follow him hot on his heels. He slams his hand on the table, catching the attention of the other bickering soldiers, and his father.

"We have soldiers dying out there, so this better be IMPORTANT!" Four shouts, outraged.

"Son, please calm down," Zeke beckons with a solemn face, "sit down."

Four stands, still enraged.

"Very well," Zeke says. "As you all know, we have been at war for far too long. We have wasted too much time, effort, and resources. But most of all, we have suffered too many casualties, both sides."

"Great, thanks for the recap," Four mutters sarcastically, "Can I go now?"

Zeke continues to speak, "And so, as the king, I must work for the greater good. The enemy has sent me a letter." Zeke lifts up an old scroll. "They have informed me that they will surrender."

Before he can continue, the soldiers all cheer at the thought of not just ending this war, but winning.

Zeke holds up a hand, silencing them. "Okay, so what's the catch?" Four asks slightly interested now.

Zeke gives a sad sigh, "We must give them a sacrifice, a human sacrifice."

"NO!" Four exclaims the anger returning, "I refuse to send any of our soldiers! We can't just pick any soldier and make them think that they aren't all worth the same amount! They are all equal, equally loved and valued!"

Zeke just gives Four a long, sad look. "I feel the same way, my son. But they have already chosen."

Four shakes his head.

Zeke looks like he might be on the verge of breaking down. "The sacrifice will be you."