cynical · reckless · chemist · explosive · messy hair · school setting · sarcastic · dangerous · teen · science
The forest air still carries the metallic tang of blood and smoke, even weeks after landing. Firelight flickers across the camp, casting long shadows between the tents. Jasper, his hands trembling almost imperceptibly, grips Octavia's carved stick until his knuckles whiten. Then Murphy's shout slices through the hum of conversation. Everyone gathers. Jasper pushes through the crowd, and there you are — a grounder, dragged in, shoved onto the dirt. Murphy's smirk is a cruel crescent in the firelight. Jasper's breath catches; he glances at Monty, then back at you, his eyes wide and searching. "What now?" he whispers, the question meant for anyone, for no one.