DIVERGENT

Written by

Richard

Based on, Divergent by Veronica Roth

Private Information

NIGHT

Pitch darkness surrounds, a narrow faced, long, thin nosed, blue round eyed girl, dressed in grey robes TRIS, 16. Around her are 5 doors, glowing, pulsing.

VOICE(Hissed)

Choose! Choose now my dear. Choose wisely, you’ll live the rest of your life there. Don’t regret it.

TRIS(Panicked)

No.. Not now, I need time, I don’t want to choose yet.

VOICE(Angrier)

CHOOSE.

TRIS(Pleaing)

Please, I can’t.

VOICEBe that way, and suffer the consequences

Suddenly TRIS was falling, and falling. Looking around her she doesn’t see the bottom, and screams.

INT. TRIS’ BEDROOM - MORNING

TRIS jolts up in her bed, and rubs her eyes. She checks her watch, a simple watch with no adornments, and sleepily gets out of bed.

TRIS(To Herself)

Today is the day, Testing day.

She dresses in a simple grey robe, and exits the room.

INT. CANTEEN - NOON

TRIS sits around a table with her brother CALEB, and neighbour SUSAN. In the b.g. people gather in groups around the canteen. One group plays cards, laughing, and shouting. One group chats over books. One group of all girls play hand-slapping games. One group debates.

The people at TRIS’ table sit quietly. A lady dressed identically to TRIS steps into the room.

LADY #1(Shouting)

From Abnegation: Caleb Prior

CALEB stands up, and walks to the lady, but hesitates, and turns around to face TRIS

CALEBGood Luck, TRIS You’ll be fine. And Susan as well.

SUSAN nods her head in acknowledgement.

SUSANThank-you Caleb, I’m sure you’ll be fine as well.

TRIS opens and closes her mouth several times, wanting to speak.

TRISThanks, brother.

CALEB walks away, and TRIS looks like she wants to say more to CALEB.

TIME CUT

INT. CANTEEN - NOON

LADY #1 (O.S.)From Abnegation: Susan Black and Beatrice Prior.

SUSAN and TRIS walk to the exit, and outside the cafeteria, and a row of ten rooms. The rooms are separated by mirrors. SUSAN walks to room 5, and TRIS walks to room 6, SUSAN grins at TRIS TRIS walks into room 6, and a dauntless woman with small, dark, eyes, wearing a black blazer, TORI, waits inside. TORI has a tattoo on her neck.

INT. TESTING ROOM - NOON

TORIDon’t worry, dear. It doesn’t hurt. My name’s Tori, now have a seat and get comfortable.

2.

TRIS sits in the chair gracelessly, and TORI attaches wires to TRIS’ head.

TRISWhy the hawk?

TRIS looks ashamed the moment she finishes asking. TORI laughs softly, and looks amused.

TORII’ve never met a curious Abnegation before, most certainly strange for your faction. I thought questioning was considered vain, and unnecessary.

Tris opens her mouth, and closes it again, like a fish. TORI looks at TRIS and just laughs, gently, not scornfully, but amused.

TRISI’m just, just taken back by the tattoo. We’ve never been allowed them, or anything else besides the basics.

TORIThat’s quite all right. The hawk on my tattoo in some parts of the ancient world, symbolized the sun. Back when I got this, I figured if I always had the sun on me, I wouldn’t be afraid not even in the darkest of times.

TORI passes TRIS a clear vial of liquid.

TORI (CONT’D)Now Drink.

TRISWhat’s this?

TORICan’t tell you, just trust me.

TRIS tilts her head back, and drinks.

EXTREME CLOSE UP - TRIS’ EYES

TRIS’ eyes snap close.

3.

INT. CANTEEN - NOON

TRIS stands in the empty canteen, it is now snowing outside. There are two tables in front of her, one holds a hunk of cheese. The other a knife over one feet long.

WOMAN’S VOICE (O.S.)Choose.

TRIS tenses up.

TRISWhy? Why should I choose?

WOMAN’S VOICE (O.S.)Choose.

TRIS looks around her, no one is there. TRIS relaxes a little, and scowls.

WOMAN’S VOICE (CONT’D)Fine, Have it your way.

The canteen disappears.

DARK NOTHINGNESS

A dog with a pointed nose stands yards from her. It crouches, growls, and snarls. TRIS stays absolutely still, and proceeds to bow. The dog accepts the gesture, and TRIS proceeds to stroke the dog. A girl appears dressed in white.

GIRL WHITE DRESSPuppy!

The dog growls, snaps, and pounces towards the girl. TRIS hurls her body, and pins the dog. The scene dissolves.

INT. BUS - DAY

TRIS stands on a bus, and looks around. All the seats are taken but one in the back. TRIS moves towards the seat, and is stopped by a man reading a newspaper as he grabs TRIS’ arm, and clenches the paper.

MAN WITH NEWSPAPERDo you know this guy?

The Man taps the front page of the newspaper. The headline reads “Brutal Murderer Finally Apprehended!” TRIS stares at the paper blankly, and shows signs of recognition.

4.

MAN WITH NEWSPAPER (CONT’D)(Angrily)

Well? Do you?

TRIS looks thoughtful for a moment, and seems scared. TRIS’ expression changes to a blank one, as she makes her decision.

TRISNope. No idea who he is.

The man snarls, and leans close to TRIS’ face.

MAN WITH NEWSPAPER(Escalating)

You’re Lying. You’re Lying. YOU LIAR!

TRIS is visibly shaken

TRIS(Shaking)

I am not.

MAN WITH NEWSPAPERI CAN SEE IT IN YOUR EYES!

TRISNope.

MAN WITH NEWSPAPER(Whispering)

If you know him, you could save me. You could save ME!

TRIS(Hesitantly)

Well... I Do Not Know Him.

INT. TESTING ROOM - NOON

EXTREME CLOSE UP - TRIS’ EYES

TRIS’ eyes snap open. TORI is standing beside her, with a strange look.

TORI(slowly)

That... was well... perplexing.

TORI stand slowly and leaves the room. TRIS ponders at TORI’S mysterious words. The minutes drag on, and TRIS becomes worried. TORI comes back in.

5.

TORI (CONT’D)Sorry to worry you.

TORI’s expression changes, and her posture tenses up.

TORI (CONT’D)(Cautiously)

Beatrice, your results were inconclusive. Typically, the factions would be eliminated stage by stage. You only eliminated 2 out of 5.

TRIS(Surprised)

Two?

TORIChoosing the cheese would’ve confirmed your aptitude for peace, and therefore Amity. Choosing the knife would’ve confirmed otherwise. You lied to the man on the bus, and your dishonestly ruled out Candor, only they tell the truth on that one. But that leaves us a problem, people who tell truth, are Candor, and Abnegation.

TRIS looks confused.

TORI (CONT’D)But, you threw yourself at the dog in selflessness for the girl. That confirms Abnegation, but on the bus when the man said that you could save him you didn’t tell the truth. Which rules out Abnegation.

TRIS(Interrupting)

Wait, what does this mean for my aptitude.

TORIYes, and No. My conclusion is that you display aptitude for Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite. They are called....

TORI tenses up, and leans very closely to TRIS

6.

TORI (CONT’D)(Very Very Softly)

Divergent.

TORI rights herself back up.

TORI (CONT’D)Under no circumstance are you to share that information with anyone. Absolutely no one, never in your life, forever. You understand?

TRIS looks confused for a moment, but nods.

TORI (CONT’D)I suggest you go home, and do some thinking.

TORI tenses up, and grabs TRIS’ wrists as TRIS turns to leave.

TORI (CONT’D)(Desperately)

Choose wisely, TRIS Wisely. Choose where you think you belong, sometimes YOU have to come FIRST, no one else, YOU. Choose for YOURSELF, and above all, DON’T TELL ANYONE.

TORI lets go slowly, as TRIS’ hesitantly turns, and leaves.

INT. THE HUB’S LOBBY - DAY

TRIS, CALEB, and SUSAN stand together in a group of Abnegation members. They dress identically in gray shirts, and gray slacks. The group enters the elevator taking up most of the space. The Amity dressed in bright colours, attempt to enter the crowded elevator, and the Abnegation led by a Man who looks like TRIS and CALEB, their father offers Amity the elevator. The Abnegation walking in uniform follows TRIS’ FATHER up the stairs.

INT. CHOOSING ROOM - DAY

The room is arranged in concentric circles with a podium and 5 bowls in the middle, and the 16 year olds stand on the edges in alphabetical order. The factions sit together in groups (Amity/Peace, Candor/Truth, Erudite/Knowledge, Abnegation/Selflessness, Dauntless/Bravery). TRIS’ FATHER and MOTHER come up to her and CALEB.

7.

TRIS’ FATHER(confidently)

Good Luck. See you soon.

TRISThank-you father.

TRIS’ PARENTS turn to CALEB, but then TRIS’ MOTHER turns back, and clutch’s TRIS

TRIS’ MOTHER(Whispered)

I love you, Beatrice, No matter what. Remember, I love you.

TRIS’ MOTHER forlornly turns away. In the b.g. TRIS’ PARENTS do the same to CALEB. Then an Abnegation member stands up to the podium and clears his throat.

MARCUSWelcome to the Choosing Ceremony. Today we honour the philosophy of our ancestors, which dictates we each have our right to choose his own way. It was centuries ago that our ancestors realized that war was not born of ideology, or beliefs, but the facets of mankind’s personality, of mankind’s nature. Factions were born of the belief, separated by the qualities they believed responsible for the world’s disarray.

MARCUS waves to the bowl of earth.

MARCUS (CONT’D)Those who blamed aggression formed Amity.

The brightly clothes group smiles as MARCUS waves to the bowl of water.

MARCUS (CONT’D)Those who blamed ignorance became Erudite.

The ______ group shifts as MARCUS waves to the bowl of glass.

MARCUS (CONT’D)Those who blamed duplicity created Candor.

8.

The black and white dressed group looks to one another as MARCUS waves to the bowl of grey stones.

MARCUS (CONT’D)Those who blamed selfishness made Abnegation.

TRIS moves and shifts in nervousness as her faction is mentioned. CALEB grabs her arms to steady TRIS, and reassure her. MARCUS waves to the bowl of lit coals.

MARCUS (CONT’D)Those who blamed cowardice were the Dauntless.

A group of tattooed and pierced people smiles.

MARCUS (CONT’D)These five factions have lived in peace for many years coexisted in harmony. Abnegation provided the selfless leaders in government. Candor provided the trustworthy leaders in law. Erudite provided teachers, and researchers. Amity has given us counselors and caretakers, and Dauntless supplies us with protection from the outside...

MARCUS deliberately speaks the next words with emphasis.

MARCUS (CONT’D)And from the Enemy Within. But the factions provided us also with family, purpose, meaning, and life. Apart from them, we would not survive, for Faction before Blood. Therefore may this day bring new initiates, for a happier, brighter, better future.

The room erupts into applause. MARCUS proceeds to read names as the initiates proceed one by one to the bowls choosing their faction.

MARCUS (CONT’D)Caleb Prior.

CALEB squeezes TRIS’ hand, and hugs her one last time. CALEB brings his mouth very close to TRIS’ ear.

9.

CALEB(Very softly)

Beatrice, we should think of family. But... But.. Sometimes we must also think of ourselves.

CALEB walks to the bowls, and TRIS stands confused. CALEB takes the knife from MARCUS, and presses it into his hand drawing blood. He stands over the bowls, and very slowly, and hesitantly moves his hand to the bowl of water. His blood drops slowly into the bowl turning the water even redder. The room erupts into mutters led by the Abnegation, CALEB is the first Abnegation to transfer. The Erudite looks smug, and the Abnegation tense.

MARCUS(Shouting)

Quiet! Quiet Please!.

MARCUS looks down to the list.

MARCUS (CONT’D)Beatrice Prior.

TRIS walks very slowly, and hesitantly over to the bowls. The room dead silent, with indecision showing in TRIS’ eyes. The Abnegation tense up even more. TRIS takes the knife, and draws blood from her hand, shivering a little at the pain.

EXTREME CLOSE UP - TRIS’ HAND

The blood wells up on Tris’ hand, as her hand hesitates between two bowls. The blood drips onto the floor. TRIS’ Hand moves jerkily to one bowl, and one drop of blood drips.

TORI (V.O.)(Desperately, echoing)

Sometimes YOU have to come FIRST.... CHOOSE for YOURSELF. Choose wisely.

EXTREME CLOSE UP - DROP OF BLOOD

The drop of blood falls, and falls, and hits burning coals. The fire envelopes the drop of blood, and burns stronger.

TRIS turns to leave the podium, and spots TRIS’ FATHER’S EYES’ burning, looking accusingly. TRIS’ tenses up. TRIS’ MOTHER smiles, with tears in her eyes.

10.

EXT. ROOFTOP - AFTERNOON

A train suspended on tracks 7 stories up roars by, and a stream of DAUNTLESS INITIATES jump out. TRIS jumps out last. The Group walks to the opposite side of the roof where a wrinkled, dark-skinned, gray haired Dauntless Leader, MAX, waits for them.

MAXSeveral stories below, is the member’s entrance. If you can’t jump, you don’t belong here. Initiates first.

An ERUDITE GIRL gapes.

ERUDITE GIRL(Incredulously)

You want us to jump of a LEDGE??

MAX curls his lips, and looks amused.

MAXYes.

ERUDITE GIRLIs there something down there to catch us? Water? Mats?

MAX(Offhandedly)

Maybe. Who Knows? Volunteers?

MAX steps aside, and no one moves. TRIS slowly, and hesitantly moves to the edge, and looks down. It’s 7 stories high, and at the bottom is a huge hole, encircled by buildings on all sides. She looks up, and at the hole again, and slowly bends her knees and jump. It’s pitch black as TRIS falls. TRIS hits a net after a few seconds. TRIS looks relieved, and shakily climbs off. A Dauntless member, with deep-set dark blue eyes, FOUR, grabs TRIS’ hand, and pulls her up. TRIS stands on a platform in an open cavern.

FOURCan’t believe it, A stiff, first? Miraculous. Probably why you left in the first place. What’s your name?

TRIS hesitates, and FOUR faintly smiles.

FOUR (CONT’D)Choose carefully, you’ll only pick once.

11.

TRIS considers for a moment.

TRIS(with certainty)

Tris, my name is TRIS

FOUR holds up TRIS’s hand.

FOUR(Shouting)

First Jumper - TRIS!

The crowd of Dauntless appear out of the darkness, and cheer. FOUR pulls TRIS away as the next Jumper is heard.

FOUR (CONT’D)Welcome to Dauntless.

INT. THE PIT - AFTERNOON

The initiates stand at the bottom of a huge underground pit rising several stories high. Caves are carved into the walls for food, clothing, etc. Narrow paths connect them with no barriers. The non-Dauntless initiates stand awed.

FOURThis is where we divide. Dauntless-born initiates, Lauren, is waiting for you at the top of the Pit. I trust you do not need a tour of this place.

The Dauntless-born all hurry away, and climb the pit with deft skill. TRIS looks around, counting the initiates left, there are 9. TRIS’ abnegation uniform stands out from the rest are Erudite, and candor.

FOUR (CONT’D)I normally work in Control, but I will be your instructor for the next few weeks. My name is FOUR.

There’s a general murmur in the crowd at the name.

FOUR (CONT’D)Is there a problem?

The crowd silences immediately.

FOUR (CONT’D)Now, this is the Pit, you will learn to enjoy it.

12.

TRIS looks around, there are no elderly Dauntless. FOUR moves into the light, and his back is covered in a tattoo peaking out from the collar of his shirt. FOUR waves to the pitch black right side of the Pit.

FOUR (CONT’D)That, will be the chasm. Follow me, I will show you.

The sound of fast moving water breaks the sound of footfalls. The initiates arrive at the edge, and the floor drops off at nearly vertically several stories. There’s a river at the bottom .

FOUR (CONT’D)(Shouting)

Let this be the reminder that the line between bravery, and idiocy is very fine. One jump will end it all. It’s happened before, and it will happen again.

The initiates murmur, as they are led to the dining call across the Pit. The dining hall is full of people, and clattering silverware. The Dauntless notice the initiates, and make noise, applause, stomps, and shouts, welcoming the initiates.

INT. DINING HALL - DINNER

The initiates sit around a side table, FOUR sits with them. The tables are laden with hamburgers. TRIS looks at the food confused.

FOURIt’s beef, put this on it.

FOUR passes tris a small container of red sauce, ketchup. A Candor girl beside TRIS tall, dark brown skinned, with short hair, CHRISTINA, looks surprised.

CHRISTINAYou’ve never had hamburgers?

TRIS(Slightly Amused and Curious)

No. .... (beat)

So, that’s what it’s called.

CHRISTINA eyes widen ever furthur, and looks shocked.

13.

FOUR(simply)

Stiffs eat plain food, extravagance is apparently considered self-indulgent, and unnecessary, food, clothing, adornments, everything.

CHRISTINA’s expression changes from shocked to smirky.

CHRISTINANo wonder you left.

TRIS rolls her eyes, and giggles, the sound still a bit foreign.

TRISYup, because of the food.

CHRISTINA smiles, and giggles, and extends her hand.

CHRISTINAChristina, from Erudite.

TRIS accepts the hand, and shakes it.

TRISTris, from Abnegation.

CHRISTINAI can tell.

INT. OUTSIDE THE DORMITORIES - NIGHT

FOUR arrives leading the initiates. He stops abruptly, and turns to face them.

FOURWe take initiation very seriously, so training is everything. Some rules: you have to be in the training room by 8 o’clock every day. Training is from 8 to 6 each day with a break for lunch. After that, it’s free to do whatever that you transfers do. There’s break time between each stage.

TRIS seems shocked by the concept of time off, and free to do whatever you want.

FOUR (CONT’D)This will happen, each and every day! Understood!!

14.

The initiates all nod.

FOUR (CONT’D)You can only leave the compound with a Dauntless, and beyond those doors

FOUR gestures to the sturdy wooden door behind him.

FOUR (CONT’D)Is where you will be sleeping for the initiation. There are 10 beds, and only 9 of you. Evidently we were expecting more to make it.

CHRISTINA, looks confused.

CHRISTINABut we started with 12...

FOUR(casually)

There are always at least one transfer who doesn’t make it. Continuing on, in the first stage of initiation you are kept separate from the Dauntless born, but you will be evaluated and ranked together. You will train together starting in Stage Two. They will be better than you, so you must--

A Mousy haired Erudite girl cuts FOUR off.

ERUDITE GIRLRankings? Why are we ranked?

FOURYour ranking serves two purposes. One, only the top 10 are made members. Two, the rankings will be the order of your job selection. There are very few DESIRABLE positions; rank 5 or below, and you’ll end up guarding the fence, with little chance of advancement. There are 11 Dauntless born, and 9 of you. 4 will be cut at the end of the first stage, the rest at the end of the final test. Those who are cut must leave immediately, and be factionless.

15.

There is a murmur among the initiates at the word factionless. A broad shouldered Candor girl, Molly, interrupts.

MOLLYThat’s no fair. The Dauntless born have the advantage. If we had known---

FOUR(dangerously)

If you had known, If you had known what? You wouldn’t have chosen us? If that’s the case, then GET OUT NOW! If you really are us, it doesn’t matter, you’re brave. BRAVE!

FOUR turns around wordlessly, and pushes open the dormitory doors.

FOUR (CONT’D)Enjoy. Remember, you chose us, now we have to choose you.

INT. DORMITORY - MIDNIGHT

TRIS lies awake staring at the ceiling, the sound of 8 others breathing in the background. TRIS looks pensive, and her eyes tear up, TRIS quickly dabs the tears out of her eye. There’s a soft strangled sob in the distance, TRIS snaps out of her daze, and turns.

EXTREME CLOSE UP - AL’S TEAR

A large, and broad Candor boy’s, AL, eyes glaze. A single tear drips down his wet face, slowly, and very slowly falls off his face, and onto the ground.

INT. TRAINING ROOM - MORNING

FOUR stands at the front of the room containing shooting targets, punching bags, sparring areas, and different varieties of fighting instruments and practice areas. Another DAUNTLESS with long, dark, and greasy hair, cold eyes, and a face pierced in too many different places stands beside FOUR, the tension between them is very thick, both standing tense. The initiates arrive and stand in a very straight line in front of the two, some of them nervous, and others excited.

16.

FOURThis is Eric, he is a Dauntless leader.

FOUR gestures towards ERIC, who just stands there with no reaction.

FOUR (CONT’D)You will learn how to fight, to prepare yourself to respond to challenges. For Dauntless, it is unthinkable to refuse to meet the challenge. That is life as a Dauntless, meeting the challenges ahead., head on. Technique today, tomorrow you’ll fight. Learn fast, and you won’t get hurt.

The initiates each practice on a black faded punching bag spaced 3 feet apart from each other. TRIS tries out punch #1.

INT. TRAINING ROOM - EARLIER

FOUR demonstrates punch #1.

FOUR (V.O.)Punch like you mean it, imagine your worst enemy, and punch like you mean it.

INT. TRAINING ROOM - PRESENT

TRIS practices punch #2, FOUR watches her from a distance. ERIC in the b.g. leaves the training room.

INTERCUT BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT

FOUR demonstrates punch #2.

FOUR (V.O.)For those who don’t have much muscle, use your knees and elbows.

TRIS practices punch #3, her skin now reddening, and cracking.

FOUR demonstrates punch #3, the punching bag thrown around like a toy.

TRIS practices kick #1, the punching bag barely moves.

17.

FOUR demonstrates kick #1 with an explosive kick, sending the punching bag up, and hits the roof.

FOUR (V.O.)Keep the tension in your abdomen as you kick.

INT. TRAINING ROOM - PRESENT

TRIS tries kick #1 again, the punching bag still barely moves. FOUR comes over, and eyes her methodically, and calculatingly. FOUR moves behind TRIS and suddenly puts a hand to her stomach, and pauses. TRIS tenses.

FOUR(quietly)

Remember, keep the tension here, always.

(2 Beats)Never forget that.

FOUR retracts his hand, and turns to walk away, TRIS still stands unmoving, forgetting to breathe.

FOUR (CONT’D)(beat)

Use your elbows, and your knees.

INT. THE PIT - DINNER

CHRISTINA elbows TRIS gently, TRIS turns her head and looks at CHRISTINA.

CHRISTINAThat was insane, He scares the hell out of me; that quiet voice he uses.

TRISYeah, he’s definitely very...

TRIS looks for words.

TRIS (CONT’D)Intimidating.

CHRISTINA accepts that answer, and nods. A very large, and broad boy, AL, approaches them. CHRISTINA spots him, and waves.

18.

CHRISTINATris, this is my, uh.., friend from my faction....

CHRISTINA notices her mistake, and quickly corrects herself.

CHRISTINA (CONT’D)My old faction, Candor, Al.

AL reaches them, and offers his had to TRIS

TRISNice to meet you Al. I’m TRIS

TRIS takes Al’s hand.

ALNice to meet you as well, TRIS

They let go, and AL ponders, and opens his mouth to say something, and closes it again, and opens it once again.

AL (CONT’D)I want to get a tattoo, you guys coming with me?

TRIS looks bewildered at this concept.

TRISA tattoo of what?

ALI don’t know, I just want to feel like I’ve actually left my old faction. Stop crying about it.

TRIS and CHRISTINA quickly look at the floor at the mention of AL crying.

AL (CONT’D)What? I know you both heard me.

TRIS and CHRISTINA smile at AL’s words, and CHRISTINA punches Al playfully in the arm.

CHRISTINAYeah, learn to quiet down, will you? But, you know, you’re right if we want to go all the way we’ve got to really be the part.

CHRISTINA specifically looks at TRIS when she says be the part.

19.

TRIS(defensively)

No, I will not cut my hair, dye my hair, or pierce my face, or do any of that sort of stuff.

CHRISTINA drags TRIS by her wrist, and pulls her into the pit swarming with people. AL follows them. An erudite boy, Will, approaches them, and taps AL on the shoulder.

WILLMind if I join you guys?

AL looks suspicious.

ALAren’t you supposed to be with your Erudite buddies?

AL points at EDWARD, and MYRA.

WILLNah, they’re dating.

WILL points at EDWARD, and MYRA again, they’re kissing now.

WILL (CONT’D)I don’t want to be the third wheel.

CHRISTINA looks at TRIS, and sighs.

CHRISTINA(mumbled)

Your clothes.....

TRIS(curious)

What’s wrong with my clothes? They’re not grey anymore....

CHRISTINACome, I’ll show you.

TRIS opens her mouth to protest, but CHRISTINA silences TRIS, and drags her in a new direction.

INT. CLOTHING SHOP IN THE PIT - NIGHT

TRIS’ POV

TRIS’ eyes are closed, as CHRISTINA is heard moving, mumbling.

20.

CHRISTINAEyeliner, close your eyes tight.

TRISYou know, you aren’t able to make me look pretty.

CHRISTINAWatch me! Besides, who cares about pretty, I’m going to make you noticeable.

The sound of eyeliner being applied is heard.

CHRISTINA (CONT’D)Okay, open your eyes now.

TRIS opens her eyes, and in the mirror stands TRIS in a floor-length black dress, shimmering. TRIS’ hair is now loose, hanging over her shoulders. Her eyes are now piercing blue, not grayish dull blue. Her features now fuller. CHRISTINA looks extremely proud of her work, and gestures to TRIS

CHRISTINA (CONT’D)(excitedly)

See... Striking. You like?

TRISDefinitely, I look....

(beat)Different, like a different person.

CHRISTINA gives her a funny look.

TRIS (CONT’D)(hurriedly)

It’s a good thing. Sorry, it’s just I’ve never been allowed to stare at my reflection for this long.

CHRISTINA looks shocked.

CHRISTINAThat’s a real strange faction, come let’s go watch Al get tattooed.

TRIS looks relieved at the change of subject, and follows CHRISTINA out of the shop.

21.

INT. TATTOO PARLOUR - NIGHT

TRIS looks at Al’s tattoo of a spider with intrigue, TORI comes up to her and taps her on the arm. TRIS jumps, and turns.

TORINice to see you again, I thought we’d never meet again.

TRIS’ expression suddenly changes as if she remembered the importance of what TORI said to her testing day, and the fact that she seemed to be hiding something. TRIS moves very close to TORI, and puts her mouth to TORI’s ear.

TRIS(Whispered)

I think we should talk, sometime.

TORI tenses, and looks around her seeing no one of interest.

TORI(whispered)

I don’t think that would be wise. I can’t help you anymore.

TORI’s posture changes.

TORI (CONT’D)(normal)

Want a tattoo?

TRIS looks around, and spots a flying dove design. TRIS points to it.

TRISI want three of those. Tattoos to represent starting a new life, three to represent family I left behind.

INT. TRAINING ROOM - DAY

ERIC and FOUR stand at the front of the training room, the initiates gather in front of them.

FOUROver the next few days, you will learn to fight each other. There’s an odd number of you, one of you won’t fight each day.

22.

The initiates all look at the list, TRIS’ name is by itself. The rest are paired: AL and WILL, MOLLY and CHRISTINA, PETER and EDWARD, DREW and MYRA.

CHRISTINALooks like I’m paired with the tank.

CHRISTINA sights, and TRIS looks at the list. TRIS’ eyes fall on the name beside CHRISTINA’s MOLLY.

CHRISTINA (CONT’D)Yup, Molly, Peter’s slightly more feminine-looking minion.

CHRISTINA and TRIS look to CHRISTINA, CHRISTINA in a group with PETER, and DREW. They are all tall, broad shouldered, bronze skinned, and bulb nosed.

MONTAGE

1. AL and WILL Fight, punches exchanged, AL wins

2. PETER and EDWARD fight, evenly matched, EDWARD wins in the end.

3. DREW and MYRA Fight, DREW wins easily.

4. MOLLY and CHRISTINA fight, CHRISTINA is easily kicked to the side by MOLLY as MOLLY assaults CHRISTINA over, and over again. AL looks nervous as he watches the match, TRIS is intensely focused. CHRISTINA attempts to move out of MOLLY’s way, but MOLLY pins CHRISTINA down, and punches again, and again, CHRISTINA’s jaw, nose, and mouth. CHRISTINA screams, and screams as MOLLY continues to assault her.

CHRISTINA (CONT’D)(wailed)

STOP(beat)

Please, I’m done.

ERIC walks over to CHRISTINA furious.

ERICYou’re done? Done?

CHRISTINA weakly nods.

ERIC (CONT’D)GET UP!

FOUR walks up, and grab’s ERIC’s shoulder.

23.

FOURAccording to Dauntless rules, one could also concede, she did concede.

ERIC’s eyes narrow, as does FOUR’s.

ERICAccording to the OLD RULES. In the NEW RULES no one concedes.

FOURA brave man acknowledges the strength of his enemies.

ERICA brave man never surrenders.

ERIC and FOUR eye each other for minutes, as a clash of different Dauntless ideals. ERIC wins as he’s a Dauntless leader. ERIC motions to the entire group.

ERIC (CONT’D)Follow me.

INT. THE RIVER BY THE PIT

ERIC shoves CHRISTINA against the railing.

ERICClimb over it.

CHRISTINA looks dumbfounded.

ERIC (CONT’D)(pronouncing deliberately, and slowly)

I said, climb over the railing.

CHRISTINA hesitantly begins to climb over the narrow, metal, railing, slippery with the spray of the river. ERIC gives her a shove, and CHRISTINA speeds up.

ERIC (CONT’D)If you hang over the chasm for 5 minutes, your cowardice will be forgiven. If not, well, you better hope the river makes a soft landing.

CHRISTINA gets to the top, and slowly moves over, shaking.

24.

CHRISTINA(softly, shaking)

Fine.

INSERT - AL’S WATCH

AL sets his watch, and the needle ticks. TRIS, AL, and WILL watch, lips pressed together, anticipation showing on their faces. The watch ticks to a minute and a half, CHRISTINA’s hands begin slipping just a little due to the water. The watch ticks to three minutes, CHRISTINA’s slips even more. The watch ticks to four minutes thirty seconds, and the river hits the wall. The white water sprays against CHRISTINA’s back, her face strikes the barrier, and she cries out. Her hands slip, and she’s just holding on by the fingertips of her right hand. CHRISTINA tries to get a better grip, but fails. The watch ticks to 4 minutes 55 seconds.

ALCome on, Christina. Only 5 seconds, 4, 3.

CHRISTINA cries out again as her wet hands slip even more.

AL (CONT’D)1 second.

AL turns to ERIC as the watch ticks to 5 minutes.

AL (CONT’D)Time’s up.

ERIC takes his time, very slowly checking his watch.

ERICFine, you can come up. Christina.

AL walks towards the railing.

ERIC (CONT’D)NO. Let her do it.

ALNo she doesn’t her punishment is up.

ERIC doesn’t respond, and walks away. AL reaches over the railing, and grabs CHRISTINA’s wrists, and pulls her up. CHRISTINA looks traumatized, and her eyes skan our faces.

CHRISTINA(quietly)

Thanks.

25.

INT. DORMITORY - MORNING

TRIS wakes up, her face, and body is covered in purple-blue bruises. TRIS rolls out of bed, and sees that the word “STIFF” has been spray painted in bright red paint on the floor in front of her bed. PETER, the burly bulky, transfer from Candor walks in, flanked by his two henchmen, Molly, and Drew.

PETERNice decorations. Still a bit stifffrom our fight the other day are we?

TRIS quickly advances on PETER, but winces because of her injuries.

TRIS(dangerously)

Did I do something to you, that I’m unaware of? If you haven’t noticed yet,

(beat)Which I don’t expect you to, we’re in the same faction now.

PETER(lightly)

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

(tightly)And you and I will never be in the same faction. I thought you’d learn that after our fight, I distinctly remember knocking you out.

PETER leaves, followed by his henchmen. AL, and CHRISTINA walk in after a few seconds. AL sees the paint, and quickly walks to TRIS followed by CHRISTINA.

ALDon’t worry about that, we’ll clean it up. Peter’s an Idiot, if you don’t get angry, he’ll stop eventually.

TRIS looks unconvinced.

TRISYeah...

26.

CHRISTINAPeter’s just evil spirited, don’t mind him, he’ll give up if he doesn’t get his fun. He used to do bad things, and pick fights with the children from school, and when the teachers came he’d say that they started it. And, everyone believed him because he was in Candor. Despicable really.

TRIS looks more convinced.

TRISYeah.. Al, did you talk to Will? After, well you know...

ALYeah, he’s fine, not angry, we all know that if it wasn’t him, it was me.

(Sighs)Now, I’ll always be remembered as the first guy who knocked someone out cold.

TRIS smiles.

TRISThere are worse ways, at least they won’t antagonized you.

ALThere are better ways... First jumper.

AL nudges TRIS TRIS, AL, and CHRISTINA notice the time, and quickly walks to the training room door. They look at the chalkboard, and beside TRIS’ name is MOLLY.

CHRISTINAOh no.... They’re making you fight her?

ALMaybe you can just take a few hits, and pretend to go unconscious. No one could blame you.

TRISNo, I can’t, I already lost to Peter, I can’t loose again. I’ll get cut, and be factionless.

27.

(MORE)

(determined)I won’t be factionless. I can’t.

FOUR moves to the arena.

FOURUp first, Tris, and Molly.

MOLLY walks confidently to the arena. TRIS takes a deapbreathe, and walks shakily to the area. FOUR grabs her arm.

FOUR (CONT’D)(quietly)

Attack first. (beat)

You’re fast.

FOUR lets go of TRIS’ arm, and TRIS continues shakily to the arena.

FOUR (CONT’D)(quietly)

You could win, if only you could learn to get them before they get you.

MOLLY smirks at TRIS

MOLLYReady to lose, stiff? Is that a birth mark I saw on your ass this morning?

TRIS looks murderous, and MOLLY suddenly makes the first move, TRIS ducks, and drives her fist into her stomach. MOLLY doesn’t react to the punch, and attempts to grab TRIS, but TRIS ducks, and slips away. TRIS punches MOLLY in the back, MOLLY doesn’t react to the blow. TRIS sees FOUR standing beside the arena, right elbow bent at a right angle, left hand casually tapping it.

FOUR (V.O.)For those who don’t have much muscle, use your elbows, and knees.

MOLLY punches TRIS, TRIS blocks with her forearms. MOLLY groans frustratingly, and sloppily kicks at TRIS’ side. TRIS dodges, and MOLLY loses balance. TRIS rushes forward, and drives her elbow into MOLLY’s face. MOLLY punches TRIS in the ribs, and TRIS stumbles. MOLLY stands with her hands high, stomach, and ribs exposed. TRIS stands with her hands high, stomach, and ribs exposed. TRIS and MOLLY eye each other, TRIS rams her elbow into TRIS’ stomach. MOLLY falls to the ground, and TRIS kneads her knee into MOLLY’s side.

28.

TRIS (CONT'D)

TRIS continues to beat MOLLY. MOLLY moves to protect her side, and curls up.

MOLLY(whispered)

Please stop...

TRIS(angry)

NO, HELL NO, NOT after what you did to me yesterday.

INT. DORMITORY - MORNING

TRIS enters the dormitory wearing only a towel, she freezes at the door. PETER, MOLLY, and DREW stand in the back corner laughing, they turn, and look at TRIS TRIS quickly walks to her bed, and fumbles at the drawer. TRIS extracts a dress. PETER and MOLLY walk up behind TRIS, and snicker. TRIS turns around, and jumps. TRIS tries to leave, but PETER blocks her way.

PETERDidn’t realize you were so skinny, Stiff.

TRISGET AWAY from me.

MOLLYYou look like a child, Stiff. No one’s following your orders, you aren’t with your corrupt, government faction anymore. Look at you, you are a child.

DREWI dunno, maybe she could be hiding something. Let’s look and see under the towel shall we?

TRIS makes a run for it, but PETER grabs on to the back of her towel, and yanks it off revealing TRIS’ naked body. PETER, DREW, an MOLLY laugh, TRIS runs out.

INT. TRAINING ROOM - DAY

FOUR wraps his arms around TRIS, and TRIS punches MOLLY again. MOLLY gurgles. TRIS struggles against FOUR’s arms.

FOURStop it. You’ve won.

29.

TRIS relaxes, but glares at FOUR. FOUR looks alarmed.

FOUR (CONT’D)I think you should leave. Take a walk.

TRISI’m fine. I really am fine.

TRIS walks away.

TRIS (CONT’D)(to herself)

I’m fine, I don’t feel guilty, so I’m fine.

INT. PIT - DAY

Parents, and Adults mill around, mostly Dauntless a few from other factions. The initiates all walk in, Transfers, and Dauntless-Born. They scatter to look for their parents.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Peter stands with a tall man with busy eyebrows, and a short meek-looking lady both dressed in black pants, and white shirts.

A Dauntless-born initiate with purple hair stands with a woman with a pierced eyebrow, and a tattooed father.

Will stands with a woman in a blue dress, very young, similar looking, his sister.

Christina hugs a dark-skinned woman in black and white, a younger sister stands beside them.

TRIS’ POV

As she scans the crowd. She sees initiates standing with parents, and Drew and Molly standing off to the side, with no family beside them. Then, Tris’ mother appears with gray slacks, and grey jacket buttoned at the throat. Hair in a simple twist, and expression placid. TRIS’ mother turns and sees her, and moves towards her.

TRIS runs towards her mother, tears jumping out of her eyes, she hugs her mother, and collapses into her arms.

30.

TRIS’ MOTHER(Whispered, as she runs her had over TRIS’ hair)

Beatrice.

TRIS blinks, and hugs her mother tighter.

TRIS’ MOTHER (CONT’D)Well, look at you. You’ve certainly filled out. Tell me how you are.

TRISYou First.

TRIS’ MOTHER(laughs)

Today is a special occasion, I came to see you, so let’s talk mostly about you. It is my gift to you.

TRISOne question, where’s Dad? Is he visiting Caleb?

TRIS’ MOTHER shakes her head.

TRIS’ MOTHERSadly, no. Your father had to be at work.

TRIS(Looking Down)

You can tell me if he didn’t want to come.

TRIS’ MOTHERYour father has been selfish lately. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. I promise.

TRIS looks shocked.

TRISWhat about Caleb? What about visiting him?

TRIS’ MOTHERI wish I could, but the Erudite have been prohibiting Abnegation visitors, I would be removed from the premises if I tried. The tension have never been higher.

(sigh)

31.

(MORE)

I wish it wasn’t this way, but there isn’t anything I can do. The lies they spread are greater than ever now.

TRISThat’s terrible.

TRIS’ mother looks around and sees Four. She points at him.

TRIS’ MOTHERWho is that?

TRISOh, just one of my instructors. Rather intimidating.

TRIS’ MOTHERHe’s HANDSOME.

TRISYeah.........

FOUR moves down, and heads over to TRIS and her Mother. His eyes widen at the sigh of TRIS’ mother, TRIS’ mother seems to recognize him . TRIS’ mother offers her hand.

TRIS (CONT’D)Hello. My name is Natalie. I’m Beatrice’s mother.

FOUR accepts the time, and shakes it twice, stiffly. Both, stiff.

FOURFour, It’s nice to meet you.

TRIS’ MOTHERFour, is that a nickname?

FOURYeas. Your daughter is doing well here. I’ve been overseeing her.

TRIS’ MOTHERThat’s good to hear. I know a few things about Dauntless initiation, and I was worried about her.

FOURYou shouldn’t worry.

32.

TRIS’ MOTHER (CONT'D)

TRIS’ MOTHERThat’s excellent, You look familiar for some reason Four.

FOURI can’t imagine why.

(Coldly)I don’t make a habit of associating with the Abnegation.

TRIS’ MOTHERIf you say so, but don’t we all know the truth.

(Beat)Few people do associate us these days, I don’t take it personally.

FOUR(Relaxing)

Well, I’ll leave you to your reunion.

FOUR walks off, and WILL arrives. WILL’s SISTER, CARA, gives TRIS and her MOTHER a withering look.

CARAI can’t believe you associate with THEM, Will.

TRIS’ mother, NATALIE, purses her lips.

WILLCara, no need to be rude.

CARAOh, certainly not. Do you know what

(points at NATALIE)She is? She’s a council member’s wife is what she is. She runs the volunteer agency

(air quotes)That supposedly helps the factionless. You think I don’t know that you’re just hoarding goods to distribute to your own faction while WE DON’T GET FRESH FOOD FOR A MONTH, huh? Food for the factionless, my eye.

NATALIEI’m sorry, I believe you are mistaken.

33.

CARAMistaken. Ha. Hilarious. I’m sure you’re exactly what you seem. A faction of happy-go-lucky do-gooders without a selfish bone in their bodies. Oh definitely. Right. I mean look at this new article from Erudite.

CARA waves a piece of paper around.

CARA (CONT’D)The mass exodus of the children of Abnegation leaders cannot be ignored or attributed to coincidence. The recent transfer of Beatrice and Caleb Prior, the children of Andrew Prior, coupled with the transfer of Tobias Field, the child of Marcus Field on the suspicion of violence, and cruelty calls into question the soundness of Abnegation’s values and teachers. Why else would the children of such an important man decide that the lifestyle he has set out for them is not an admirable one? Molly Atwood, a fellow Dauntless transfer suggests a disturbed and abusive upbringing might be to blame. I heard her talking in her sleep once Molly says, She was telling her father to stop doing something. I don’t know what it was, but it gave her nightmares.

(beat)I mean look at that, tell me that you guys don’t have a selfish bone in you bodies, and I swear I beat you.

TRIS(Angry)

DON’T YOU DARE SPEAK TO MY MOTHER THAT WAY. OR I SWEAR I WILL BREAK YOUR NOSE.

WILLBack off TRIS

(beat)You’re not going to punch my sister.

34.

TRISTry me.

(beat)If you expect me to listen to people who spread the lies of the Erudite, and of that hag Jeanine, then you will mistake me.

CARANow, how are you so sure they are lies? You haven’t personally gotten involved with this government yet, you know nothing.

TRISI may not know anything, but I HAVE MY CERTAINTY. AND WITH THAT I WILL PROVE YOU WRONG, AND ON WITH THAT I WILL GO UNTIL I PROVE ALL OF YOU WRONG, ESPECIALLY JEANINE. Now, I suggest you move away and shut your mouth, before I seriously hurt you.

NATALIETris, you’re not. Come on, Beatrice. We wouldn’t want to bother your friend’s sister.

NATALIE leads tris through the halls, towards the dining hall, but turns suddenly into a side hall, and rapidly moves. She stops, and crouches near TRIS

NATALIE (CONT’D)I said no questions about me. I meant it. How are you really doing, Beatrice? How have the fights been? How are you ranked?

TRISRanked? You know that I’ve been fighting? You know that I’m ranked?

NATALIEIt’s not top-secret information, how the Dauntless initiation works.

TRISI’m I’m close to the bottom, Mom.

TRIS looks down in shame.

NATALIEGood.

(nods)

35.

(MORE)

No one looks too closely at the bottom. Now, this is very good news. What’s more important was, what’s your aptitude results?

TRIS looks conflicted, and opens and closes her mouth.

TORI (V.O.)Don’t tell anyone.....

TRIS opens and closes her mouth again.

TRIS(hesitantly, and softly)

They were, inconclusive.

NATALIE(sighs)

I thought as much. Many children who are raised Abnegation receive that result. No reason, they just do. You must be very careful during the next stage of initiation, Beatrice. Stay in the middle, no matter what you do, no attention to yourself. Understand?

TRIS(surprised)

What’s going on?

NATALIEI don’t have much time, but remember I don’t care what faction you chose, I am you mother, and I want to keep you safe.

TRISIs this because I’m D-

NATALIE cuts TRIS off immediately.

NATALIEDon’t ever say that word, ever.

TRISWhy?

NATALIEI can’t say.

Footsteps shuffle in the distance.

36.

NATALIE (CONT'D)

NATALIE (CONT’D)I don’t have time now, Visitng day is over, but there’s something you should do. If you see your brother, go find him, and tell him to research the simulation serum. Okay? Can you do that?

TRISNot unless you EXPLAIN some of this to me, Mom. You want me to go to the Erudites, at least give me a reason.

NATALIEI’m sorry, I can’t. I have to leave, but tell your brother, and don’t seem attached to me, or your brother.

TRISI don’t care what I look to them.

NATALIEBut you have to. YOU MUST. I suspect they are already monitoring you. Have a piece of cake for me, all right? The chocolate. It’s delicious, baked by Tori, we had a good long history.

NATALIE runs off into the distance, and TRIS follows. NATALIE climbs up the wall with ease, and on the ankle of foot, a tattoo. TRIS sees, and her eyes widen, and she runs after NATALIE.

TRISMom? Were you Dauntless?

NATALIE is no where to be seen.

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

ERIC stands holding the list of rankings for stage one of the initiation, in the shadows invisible to eyes stands Jeanine.

JEANINEEric. I trust you know what to do with the next section of the initiation. Watch for the signs.

ERICAnd, if I find them?

37.

JEANINEContact me, and we will figure out a PERMANENT solution to the problems. Especially her, her result was manually logged, and Abnegation.

ERICBut, she displays perfect Dauntless principles, I expected much less than what I have seen from her. I don’t think she will be a problem, she is not a problem to us, I don’t think she displays the attributes. Her slugging of Molly was particularly brutal, and Dauntless.

JEANINETrust me, remember my IQ is so much higher than yours. I got you this job, you know why we selected you to carry out the Erudite collaboration with the Dauntless. Don’t forget why I had Max appoint you. Your first priority is always finding them. Always. I trust I know where your loyalties lie.

ERICYes, ma’am.

JEANINE(tightly)

Good.

JEANINE leaves, heels clicking. ERIC goes in the opposite direction, and takes a left going up to the wall outside the dormitories. He posts the list up on the board, and the transfer initiates all crowd around it. TRIS, AL, WILL, and CHRISTINA stand near the back. ERIC leaves as FOUR enters the room and takes ERIC’s place in front of the list.

FOURThe ranks are here, before you see them, there are some things that need to be explained. After the first round of fights, we ranked you according to your skill level. The points you got are determined by how you did relative to your opponent. You got more points for improving, and for beating someone stronger.

38.

(MORE)

If you have a high rank you lose points for losing to a lower ranked opponent.

MOLLY coughs in the background.

FOUR (CONT’D)Those who prey on the weak are not rewarded. THAT IS COWARDICE.

FOUR glances at Peter.

FOUR (CONT’D)Your rankings are separated by Dauntless-born and Tranfers, cuts are announced tomorrow.

TRIS, AL, CHRISTINA, and WILL rush up to see the rankings. THey read: 1. Edward 2. Peter 3. Will 4. Christina 5. Molly 6. Tris 7. Drew 8. Al 9. Myra. The entire group looks confused.

MOLLY(outraged)

How am I ranked lower than her?(gestures to Christina)

I beat her in minutes.

FOUR(smug)

Yeah? And? Your point being?

MOLLYI should be ranked above her!

FOURIf you intend on a high rank you shouldn’t make it a habit to lose to lower ranked opponents.

MOLLY glares at TRIS, and then turns on her heel and enters the dormitories, PETER and DREW follow. WILL and CHRISTINA slap hands, and WILL hugs TRIS

WILLLook at you. Number six.

WILL grins at TRIS

TRIS(anxious)

Still might not have been good enough...

39.

FOUR (CONT'D)

WILLDon’t worry, it will be. We should celebrate.

CHRISTINA grabs CHRISTINA, and AL’s arm.

CHRISTINACome on, Al. You don’t know now the Dauntless-borns did. You don’t know anything for sure, we should still celebrate while we still can.

AL looks at his feet.

AL(mumbled)

I’m just going to go to bed.

AL pulls his arm free, and slouches into the dormitory.

INT. DORMITORY - MIDNIGHT

PETER stands in the darkness, barely visible. He stands over a bed, raises his arms, he holds a knife in his hands.

ANGLE ON - KNIFE IN PETER’S HAND

The knife is slowly raised, and shakes. Then, the knife suddnely plunges.

A scream rings out, EDWARD’S scream. The entire dormitory springs into action.

CHRISTINASomeone turn on the lights!

The lights flicker on, and EDWARD lies on the floor next to his bed, clutching at his face. A halo of blood surrounds his head, and a knife juts out of his face.

CHRISTINA (CONT’D)Isn’t that the butter knife from the dining hall?

MYRA walks up to EDWARD, and screams. Someone else screams, and in the distance someone yells for help. The sound of vomit rings.

EDWARDTake it out! It hurts! Take it out!

TRIS kneels next to him.

40.

TRISNo. You have to let the doctor take it out. Hear me? Let the doctor take it out. Now breathe. It will be all right.

EDWARDIt hurts!

TRISIt will be all right, now breathe.

The DAUNTLESS nurses arrive, and carry EDWARD out of the room. TRIS’ hands, and knees are now soaked in blood. PETER enters the room.

INT. DINING HALL

TRIS sits at the table with CHRISTINA, AL, and WILL, eating steak.

CHRISTINADid you hear? Edward, and Myra quit.

TRISReally? Myra?

CHRISTINAYeah, she was going to get cut anyways, and she said that she didn’t want to be here without him anyways.

WILLAnyone find out who the two Dauntless-born that got cut were?

ALNope, but at least I didn’t get cut.

CHRISTINA, TRIS, and WILL all stare at AL.

AL (CONT’D)What? I was going to get cut if Edward didn’t quite. You know it’s true.

41.

EXT. ON THE TRAIN - MORNING

ERIC stands with FOUR next to boxes marked with the word “PAINTBALLS”. The initiates, Dauntless-born and Transfers, sit in the train car. There is a whooshing sound as the city speeds past them.

CHRISTINAWhat are we shooting with Paintballs? Those won’t even hurt anything.

TRIS shrugs.

ERICEveryone grab a gun!

Everyone rushes forward, TRIS is there first, she grabs a gun, and struggles a bit with it. She then grabs a box of paintballs as well. ERIC and FOUR stand back a bit

ERIC (CONT’D)(whispered to Four)

Time estimate till arrival?

FOUR looks at his watch.

FOURWe still have some time, 10 minutes more or less.

(beat)How long is it going to take you to memorize the train schedule?

ERICWhy should I? I have you to remind me of it.

ERIC turns towards the initiates, as FOUR opens his mouth to rebut.

ERIC (CONT’D)We’ll be dividing into two teams to play capture the flag. Each team will have a mix of members. Dauntless-born initiates, and transfers. One team will get off first and find a place to hide their flag. Then the second team will get off and do the same. It’s a Dauntless tradition, I suggest you treat it as such.

42.

CHRISTINAWhay do we get if we win?

ERICSounds like the question someone not from Dauntless would ask.

(Beat)You get to win of course

(Smiles)Four and I will be your team captains. Let’s divide the transfers first, shall we?

ERIC looks at FOUR. FOUR looks back at ERIC.

FOURYou first.

ERICVery well. Peter.

PETER moves to join ERIC, FOUR surveys the crowd.

FOURI want the stiff.

TRIS looks surprised, and slowly gets up, and moves towards FOUR.

ERICGot something to prove now, do you Four? Or are you looking to shift the blame when you lose?

FOUR(non-chalantly)

Maybe, Maybe not. Something like that. Your turn.

ERICMolly.

FOURWill.

ERICAl.

FOURLast one’s Drew, She’s with me. Dauntless-born next.

TIME CUT

43.

EXT. ON THE TRAIN - LATER

The teams are assembled around FOUR, and ERIC. FOUR’s team are mostly narrow shouldered, and small framed. ERIC’s mostly are wider, and bigger framed.

ERICYour team can get off second.

FOURDon’t do me any favours, you know I don’t need them to win.

ERICNope, I know that you’ll lose no matter what. So, Take your scrawny team and get off first then.

The teams look at each other, and FOUR’s team run towards the door, each leaping out with skill.

EXT. FIELD - DAY

The team lands in quick succession, and bolt off one after another extremely quickly.

EXT. SWAMP - DAY

ERIC’s team jumps out of the train, and land, feet planted firmly, and begin to slowly jog away from the tracks.

EXT. FIELD - DAY

A Dauntless-born initiate, MARLENE, touches Four’s shoulder.

MARLENEWhen your team own, where did you put the flag?

FOURTelling you wouldn’t really be in the spirit of the exercise, now would it, Marlene.

MARLENE(whining)

Come on, Four. You can’t possibly want to loose 3 years in a row now...

44.

A dark eyed, brown skinned Dauntless-born initiate, URIAH, turns his head towards MARLENE and FOUR.

URIAH(shouting)

Navy Pier! My brother was on the team with him. At the lake with the carousel.

WILLLet’s go then.

The team all walk towards into the distance, where the land is starting to get a little bit muddy. CHRISTINA bumps WILL’s shoulder.

CHRISTINAWe’re close to Erudite Headquarters right?

WILL looks around, a bit lost, but he then orients himself.

WILLYup, It’s south of here.

WILL looks longing for just a second.

EXT. NAVY PIER LAKE - DAY

Buildings, crumbled, old, end just before the marshy lake. There is a pier, that juts out from the lake, and a giant white wheel, among other amusement park rides are on it.

WILLThink about it. People used to ride that thing.

(Points at the Ferris Wheel)

For FUN.....

TRISThey must’ve been Dauntless.

CHRISTINABut a lame version of Dauntless, most definitely. A Dauntless Ferris Wheel wouldn’t have cars. You would just hang on tight with your hands, and hope you don’t fall off.

45.

The group walk onto the pier, and they are surrounded by run-down carnival equipment: scratched and weathered horses, broken tails, chipped saddles, and rusty metal. FOUR reaches the carousel and takes the flag out of his pocket.

FOURThe other team will pick their location in...

(beat, checks his watch)10 minutes. I suggest you take this time to formulate a strategy. We may not be Erudite, with all that craving for knowledge, but mental preparedness is one aspect of your Dauntless training. Arguably, still THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT, as it once was.

WILL(taking the flag from Four)

Some people should stay here and guard, and some people should go out and scout the other team’s location.

MARLENE(trying to pluck the flag from WILL’s fingers)

Yeah?(beat)

You think? Who put you in charge, transfer?

WILLNo one. But someone’s got to do it, and it sure as hell ain’t gonna be you.

MARLENE(slightly angry)

What’s that supposed to mean?

WILLExactly what I said.

MARLENE(irritated)

I demand a straight answer!

WILLThink of it what you will.

WILL turns away from MARLENE.

46.

CHRISTINAWhoa, don’t get into a fight you guys. We’re supposed to be one TEAM!

(beat)Maybe we should develop a more defensive strategy. Wait for them to come, and then take them out.

URIAHThat’s the sissy way out. I vote we go all out. Hide the flag well enough that they can’t find it.

CHRISTINAThere is no real strategy behind that, Neanderthals could come up with that. I swear your naked strategy is to make us lose!

URIAHYou accuse me of colluding with the opponent?

(growled)How dare you!

The entire group descends into fighting, and the transfers defend WILL’s strategy, and the Dauntless-born push for a pure offensive. Everyone argues about who should make the decision. FOUR sits down on the edge of the carousel, relaxed, and not listening to the bickering of the group. TRIS looks at FOUR, and then looks back at the group. TRIS spots the Ferris wheel, and pauses. TRIS moves towards the Ferris wheel, and looks over her shoulder to make sure no one is watching, and then prepares to climb.

FOUR(whispered)

TRIS

TRIS doesn’t flinch.

TRISYes?

FOURI came to find out what you think you’re doing.

TRISI’m seeking higher ground. I don’t think I’m doing anything.

47.

FOUR(smiling)

All right. I’m coming.

TRISI’ll be fine.

FOURUndoubtedly.

TRIS and FOUR climb in silence, TRIS a few feet above four, the railings rusty.

FOUR (CONT’D)So tell me....

(beat)What do you think the purpose of this exercise is? I mean the game, not the climbing.

TRIS looks down at the pavement, a third of the way up. There’s a breeze now, whistling.

TRISLearning about strategy, Teamwork maybe. I suppose.

FOURTeamwork.

A laugh hitches in FOUR’s throat.

TRISMaybe not. Teamwork doesn’t seem to be a Dauntless priority.

FOUR. It’s supposed to be a priority. It used to be, along with mental preparedness.

FOUR glances down, and freezes. TRIS spots this, and twists to look at him, hand almost missing the next rung. FOUR continues to climb, posture highly tense.

FOUR(laboured breath)

So tell me...(beat)

What do you think learning strategy has to do with.

(beat)Bravery?

48.

TRIS hesitates.

TRISIt... It... It... prepares you to act. You learn strategy so you can use it.

FOUR’s breathing is not ever louder, harder, and faster.

TRIS (CONT’D)You all right, Four?

FOUR. Are you HUMAN, Tris? Being this high up.

(gulps for air)It doesn’t scare you at all?

TRIS opens her mouth, but a gust of air slams into her, throwing her body sideways. TRIS clings on to the rungs tightly, barely holding on.

FOURYou okay?

TRIS(strained)

Yes. (beat)

You’re afraid of heights. How do you survive in the dauntless compound?

FOURI ignore my fear. I pretend it doesn’t exist.

TRIS and FOUR climb again in silence, reaching close to the top. The city is black set against a navy sky. The red lights at the top of the Hub are lit up, blinking. The streets look like tunnels. There’s a tiny pulsing light on the ground. It’s near the pier by the park.

TRISSee that?

FOUR(smiling)

Yeah.

TRISIt’s coming from the park at the end of the pier. Figures.

49.

(MORE)

It’s surrounded by open space, and some camouflage, evidently not enough.

(beat)Start climbing down, I’ll follow.

FOUR nods, and steps down. TRIS takes one step, and slips, her hands barely holding on.

TRIS (CONT’D)Four!

FOURHold on! Just hold on, I have an idea.

FOUR keeps climbing down, and TRIS panics. TRIS squeezes her eyes shut, and her fingers are now dark red, almost purple.

EXT. BASE OF THE FERRIS WHEEL - DARK

FOUR jumps from the final few rungs, and runs into the control booth. He looks at the controls in panic, pulls the lever marked “start”. The Ferris wheel wheezes, and creaks, and it begins to move. TRIS is brought down slowly from the top, and jumps from the wheel near the ground. FOUR rushes over to her.

FOURYou all right?

(presses their hands together.)

TRISYeah.

TRIS and FOUR laugh.

TRIS (CONT’D)You could’ve told me that Ferris wheel still worked. We wouldn’t have had to climb in the first place.

FOURI would have, if I had known. Couldn’t just let you hang there, so I took a risk. Come on, time to get their flag.

50.

TRIS (CONT'D)

EXT. CAROUSEL - DARK

TRIS and FOUR reach the group of initiates. CHRISTINA sits on a horse, the flag glowing behind her. Three Dauntless-born idle, one puts his hand on a horses’ head, one stands beside 2 horses, and one older dauntless female sits at the edge of the carousel. The rest mill around.

FOURWhere did the others go?

OLDER DAUNTLESS GIRLWhat the hell are you thinking? Turning that wheel? You might as well have just shouted Here we are! Come and get us! If we lose again this year, the shame will be unbearable. Three years in a row?

FOURThe wheel doesn’t matter. We know where they are.

CHRISTINA(confused)

We?

FOURYes, while the rest of you were twiddling your thumbs for ages, Tris climbed the Ferris wheel to look for the other team.

OLDER DAUNTLESS GIRLSo, what do we do now?

CHRISTINASplit in half. Four of us go to the right side of the pier, three to the left, if we can find the rest of the team. The other team is in the park at the end of the pier, so the group of four will charge as the group of three sneaks behind the other team to go get the flag.

OLDER DAUNTLESS GIRLSounds good! Let’s get this night over with, shall we?

51.

EXT. PARK - NIGHT

CHRISTINA, TRIS, and URIAH are hidden behind the few trees, as the group of four charges. TRIS looks at URIAH for a second, but CHRISTINA already charged. TRIS and URIAH chase after her. There’s a course of yells from the other team, and the sound of paintballs flying, and splats as they hit things. The flag is hanging from a treebranch, unguarded. The guards all fighting with the other group. TRIS and CHRISTINA both reach for it, TRIS too short.

CHRISTINACome on, Tris. You’re already the hero of the day. And you know you can’t reach it anyway.

CHRISTINA looks patronizingly at TRIS, and immediately snatches the flag from the branch. The team erupts into whoops of victory, and URIAH claps TRIS’ shoulder.

URIAH(whispered)

Wanna come to our initiation ritual? I’ll take you tomorrow.

URIAH walk away. FOUR approaches.

FOUR(quietly)

Well done.

INT. ON THE TRAIN - DAY

TRIS sits with the Dauntless-born initiates, and the trains whooshes by everything. URIAH sits beside her.

TRISWhere are we going?

URIAHI don’t know. Zeke never told me.

TRISZeke?

URIAH(pointing across the room)

My older brother. That’s him.

A short, slight boy sits across the room, ZEKE, he doesn’t look anything like URIAH, except for his skin colour. A girl to TRIS’ left extends her hand to TRIS, SHAUNA.

52.

SHAUNAYou don’t get to know. That ruin the surprise. I’m Shauna.

TRIS and SHAUNA shake hands.

TRISI’m-

SHAUNA(cutting TRIS off)

I know who you are. You’re the Stiff. Four told me about you.

TRISOh? What did he say?

SHAUNANothing much, just that you’re a Stiff. Why do you ask?

TRISIf my instructor is talking about me. I want to know what he’s saying.

(beat)He isn’t coming is he?

SHAUNANope. He never comes to this. It’s probably lost its appeal. Not much scares him, you know.

TRIS looks away awkwardly.

TRIS (V.O.)You’re afraid of heights. How do you survive in the dauntless compound?

FOUR (V.O.)I ignore my fear. I pretend it doesn’t exist.

TRIS looks back to SHAUNA.

TRISKnow him well?

SHAUNAEveryone knows Four. We were initiates together once. I was bad at fighting, so he taught me every night after everyone was asleep.

53.

(MORE)

(scratches her back, and looks serious)

Nice of him.

EXT. OUTSIDE OF DERELICT HANCOCK BUILDING

The initiates approach at a jog the derelict, broken building, and push through a set of broken glass doors.

INT. LOBBY OF HANCOCK BUILDING

The lobby is eerie, dark, and broken glass is strewn across the floor. The initiates approach the elevator.

TRIS(to Uriah)

Do the elevators work?

ZEKESure they do. You think I’m stupid enough not to come here early and turn on the emergency generator?

URIAHYeah.... I kinda do.

ZEKE glares at URIAH and puts him in a headlock, and rubs his knuckles into URIAH’s skull. URIAH smacks ZEKE in the side, and ZEKE lets him go. The group enters the elevator.

INT. ELEVATOR

A GIRL with a Shave head, Lynn, looks at the elevator buttons with confusion.

LYNNWhat floor?

TRISOne Hundred.

LYNNHow would YOU know that, Stiff?

TRISWe’re in a one-hundred-story abandoned building with some Dauntless. Why don’t YOU know that?

LYNN looks pissed off, and opens her mouth.

54.

SHAUNA (CONT'D)

URIAHCome on, Lynn. Be nice.

LYNN turns away, and jams her thumb into the right button.

TIME CUT

INT. ELEVATOR

EXTREME CLOSE-UP - ELEVATOR’S NUMBER.

The number climbs from 98, 99, to 100. A Ding rings.

The group proceeds to get off the elevator.

URIAHI wonder how we’ll get to the roof from.

(cut off)

A Strong wind gusts, and a aluminium ladder is propped against a whole in the ceiling. ZEKE beings to climb, and the ladder creaks and sways. The group begins to follow.

EXT. TOP OF THE HANCOCK BUILDING - DAY

The wind is overpowering, and TRIS stands with the group near the edge. Most of them look uneasy. URIAH points to something, and mouths something, the wind overpowers his voice. Attached to one of the poles on top of the tower is a steel cable as thick as TRIS’ wrist. There’s a pile of large black slings beside the cable. ZEKE attaches a black sling onto the steel cable. TRIS looks over the edge, and the cable extends over a cluster of buildings, and all the way into the distance, the end not visible.

URIAH(whispered)

Oh my God.

SHAUNA goes first. She gets in stomach down on the cling, and ZEKE pulls a strap and secures SHAUNA into the sling. ZEKE holds up 5 fingers, and counts down, and shoves SHAUNA into nothingness. LYNN gasps at the speed of the drop. The group whoop and pump their fists, as they push and shove to get a place in line. TRIS stands 7th, right before URIAH. Some jump on the sling on their backs, and some on their stomach. Some are afraid, and some seem like they’ve done it many times before. TRIS gets in on her stomach, and ZEKE tightens the strap around TRIS’ midsection, and slides TRIS all the way to the edge of the roof.

55.

ZEKE(smirking)

Ready, Stiff? I have to say, I’m impressed that you aren’t screaming and crying right now.

URIAH (O.S.)I told you. She’s Dauntless through and through. Now get on with it.

ZEKECareful, brother, or I might not tighten your straps enough.

(slapping his knee)And then, splat.

URIAHYeah right, and then our mother would boil you alive.

ZEKEOnly if she found out.

(turning to TRIS)Ready, set g--

(releases the sling. )

The air rushes around TRIS, and picks up speed. TRIS lets out a shout of exhilaration, but the wind silences her. TRIS approaches the ground, and she levels out, travelling parallel. TRIS slowly slows down, and stops, hanging 20 feet above the ground. The 8 people ahead of TRIS stand underneath her. TRIS slowly undoes the straps, and jumps, people catching her at the bottom.

SHAUNA(clapping TRIS on the shoulder)

What’d you think?

TRISUm...

(beat)When can I go again?

TRIS smiles, showing her teeth. TRIS looks towards the Hancock building, looking for the next jumper.

SHAUNALook! There he is!

A Small dark shape is sliding down the steel wire. A bloodcurdling scream is heard.

56.

SHAUNA (CONT’D)I bet he’ll cry..

PERSON #1Zeke’s brother, cry? No way. He would get punched so hard.

PERSON #2His arms are flailing!

TRISHe sounds like a strangled cat.

The group laughs.

SHAUNAPretty sure we can’t call you Stiff anymore.

(nods)Tris.

INT. DARK HALLWAY

TRIS sits with all the initiates, Dauntless-born, and Transfers. A door is in the wall. TRIS sits opposite URIAH, MARLENE and LYNN sit on either side of URIAH.

LYNNSo, Which one of you is ranked first? Huh?

PETERMe.

LYNNI bet I could take you.

(casually)I’m second, but I bet any of us could take you. Transfer.

PETERI wouldn’t be so sure about that, if I were you. Who’s first?

LYNNUriah. And I am absolutely sure. You know how many years we’ve spent preparing for this?

PETER opens his mouth, but FOUR appears out of the door.

57.

FOUR(beckons for her to follow)

Lynn

LYNN follows four into the door.

WILL(to Uriah)

So you’re first.

URIAH(shrugging)

Yeah. And?

WILLAnd you don’t think it’s a little unfair that you’ve spent your entire life getting ready for this, and we’re expected to learn it all in a few weeks?

URIAHNot. Really. Stage one was about skill, sure, but no one can prepare for stage two.

(beat)Or so I’m told.

INT. SIMULATION ROOM

FOUR leads TRIS into a room similar to the aptitude test room.

FOURSit.

FOUR squeezes TRIS’s arms, and pushes TRIS into the chair, and works the machine like a professional.

TRISWhat’s the simulation?

FOUREver heard the phrase, Face your fears? We’re taking that literally. The simulation will teach you to control your emotions in the midst of a frightening situation.

TRISHave you ever administered the aptitude tests?

58.

FOURNo. I avoid the Stiffs as much as possible, and THEY run it.

TRISWhy?

FOURDo you ask me because you think I’ll actually answer?

TRISWhy do you say vague things if you don’t want to be asked about them?

FOUR walks away, and returns with a large syringe with a long needle. The liquid is tinted orange.

TRIS (CONT’D)(mouth dry)

An injection?

FOURWe use a more advanced version of the simulation here. A different serum. No wires. Not for you.

FOUR turns TRIS’ arm over, and eases the tip into her arm, and pushes the liquid in.

FOUR (CONT’D)The serums will go into effect in sixty seconds. This is different from the aptitude test. It induces a hallucination. Brain activity is transmitted, simulating an image. I can see and monitor it, and I will forward the recording to the Dauntless administrators. You stay in the hallucination until you calm down-that is, lower your heart rate and control your breathing.

TRIS is already dozing off. FOUR plants both hands on TRIS’ head, and leans in.

FOUR (CONT’D)Be brave, Tris. The first time is always the hardest, but try to remember that it only is a hallucination.

59.

EXT. GRASSY FIELD - DAY

TRIS stands in a field of dry grass that goes up to her waist. The air is smoky, and the sky is bile-coloured. There’s a fluttering in the distance, and shadows swoop overhead. Something lands on TRIS’ shoulder, and she bats at it. TRIS turns her head and sees a black bird the size of her forearm. TRIS hits the crow again, but it doesn’t move. The crow digs in further with its talons every time TRIS swats at the bird. The sky darkens, and a flock of crows descend on TRIS, with their talons stretched, and beaks open, they squack loudly. TRIS tries to run, but cannot move, and screams as the bird’s talons and beaks dig into TRIS’ flesh. TRIS tries to swat at them, but it is useless. She covers her head with her arms, but it is no use, TRIS is sobbing now.

TRIS(voiced mangled)

Help! Help!

The crows clap harder, and her face is now streaked with blood.

TRIS (CONT’D)(softer)

Help.

FOUR (V.O.)You stay in the hallucination until you calm down. Be brave, Tris. The first time is always the hardest, but try to remember that it only is a hallucination.

TRIS tries to relax, and the crows are still swarming her, and TRIS begins to sob again. TRIS closes her eyes, and exhales.

INT. SIMULATION ROOM

TRIS opens her eyes, and she’s back in the simulation room. TRIS screams and hits her arms and legs, and heads, as if she’s getting the birds off. FOUR approaches her, and puts a hand on her shoulder.

TRISGet off! Don’t touch me!!!

FOURIt’s over.

TRIS doesn’t respond, but continues sobbing.

60.

FOUR (CONT’D)Tris.

(beat)Tris, I’m going to take you back to the dorms, okay?

TRISNo! They can’t see me.....

(beat)Not like this.

FOUR(rolling his eyes)

Oh, calm down. I’ll take you out the back door.

FOUR grabs TRIS’ arms and hauls her out of the chair, and leads her to a door hidden behind the computers and the equipment.

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

TRIS and FOUR walk in silence.

TRISWhy did you do that to me? What was the point of that, huh? I wasn’t aware that when I chose Dauntless, I was signing up for weeks of torture!

FOURDid you think overcoming cowardice would be easy?

TRISThat isn’t overcoming cowardice! Cowardice is how you decide to be in real life, and in real life, I am no getting pecked to death by crows!!!

TRIS sobs into her arms. FOUR stands there watching calmly.

TRIS (CONT’D)I want to go home.

FOURLearning how to think in the midst of fear is a lesson that everyone even your Stiff family needs to learn.

61.

(MORE)

That’s what we’re trying to teach you. If you don’t learn, then get the hell out.

TRISI’m trying, but I failed. I’m failing.

FOUR(sighs)

How long do you think you spent in that hallucination, TRIS?

TRISI don’t know, half an hour?

FOURThree minutes. You got out three times faster than the other initiates. Whatever you are, you’re not a failure.

(beat)Tomorrow you’ll be better at this. You’ll see.

They continue walking down the hallway in silence.

TRISWhat was your first hallucination?

FOURWasn’t a what so much as a who, but it’s not important.

TRISAnd are you over that fear?

FOURNot yet. I may never be.

They reach the dormitories now, and FOUR leans against the wall outside the door.

TRISSo they don’t go away?

FOURSometimes they do. And sometimes new fears replace them. But being fearless is not the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it. THAT’s the point.

62.

FOUR (CONT'D)

TRIS nods.

FOUR (CONT’D)Anyways, your fears are rarely what they appear to be in the simulations.

TRISWhat do you mean?

FOURWell are you actually really afraid of crows?

TRISI guess not. So what am I really afraid of?

FOURI don’t know. Only you can know.

They appear to get ready to part ways.

TRISI didn’t know becoming Dauntless would be this difficult.

FOURIt wasn’t always like this, I’m told.

(beat)Being Dauntless I mean.

TRISWhat changed?

FOURThe leadership. The person who controls training sets the standard of Dauntless behavior. Six years ago Max and the other leaders changed the training methods to make them more competitive and more brutal, said it was supposed to test people’s strength. And that changed the priorities of Dauntless as a whole. Bet you can’t guess who the leaders’ new protege is.

TRIS wipes her face again, and smooths her hair.

TRISDo I look like I’ve been crying?

63.

FOURHmm.

(leans in)No, Tris. You look tough as nails.

INT. TATTOO PARLOUR

TRIS gets a Dauntless seal tattooed on her shoulder.

WILL I can’t believe you got another tattoo.

TRISWhy? Because I’m a stiff?

WILLNo. Because you’re

(beat)Sensible.

TRISWell, I wanted to get away a bit, take a bit more of a chance.

WILLSo what’s your fear today?

TRISToo many crows. You?

WILLToo much acid.

WILL, TRIS, CHRISTINA, and AL exit the tattoo parlour.

INT. PIT - CONTINUOUS

WILL, TRIS, CHRISTINA, and AL walk through the bottom of the Pit, and TRIS spots FOUR standing by the chasm, a group of people surround him. He’s laughing, and grabbing onto the railing for balance. He holds a bottle of alcohol in his hands.

WILLUh-oh. Instructor alert.

TRISAt least it’s not Eric. He’d probably make us play chicken or something.

64.

WILLSure, but Four is scary. Remember when he put the gun up to Peter’s head? I think Peter wet himself.

TRISPeter deserved it.

WILL’s silent. FOUR spots TRIS

FOURTRIS!

FOUR pulls away from the railing and walks up to TRIS.

FOUR.You look different.

TRISSo do you. What are you doing?

FOURFlirting with death. Drinking near the chasm. Probably not a good idea.

TRISNo it isn’t.

FOUR(pointing at TRIS’ collarbone)

I didn’t know you had a tattoo.

FOUR glances over his shoulder at his friends, they’re continuing on.

FOUR (CONT’D)I’d ask you to hang out with us, but you’re not supposed to see me this way.

TRISWhat way? Drunk?

FOURYeah.... Well, No. Real I guess.

TRISI’ll pretend I didn’t.

FOURNice of you. You look good Tris.

65.

TRISDo me a favour and stay away from the chasm, okay?

FOUROf course.

FOUR saunters off to his friends, and they move on. AL rushes over to TRIS.

EXT. WATER TANK

TRIS stands in a water tank, the water covering her thighs and still pouring in. TRIS is frantic, banging against the glass as hard as she could. CHRISTINA stands outside the glass, and whispers something to PETER. They both laugh at TRIS. WILL stands there impasse. The water now covers TRIS’ neck, and TRIS tilts her head back against the ceiling to take a breath, face pressed against the glass. The water floods over TRIS’ face, filling the box. TRIS trashes in the water, smacking the walls. TRIS screams, but water fills her mouth, and she screams again, shoving the al with her palm. The wall cracks, and TRIS looks hopeful, smacking the glass again, and again. The pane shatters, and TRIS is thrown forward by the force out of the box, and she takes a breath.

INT. SIMULATION ROOM

TRIS takes a breath, and gulps. FOUR stands to her right, and immediately rushes forward, leaning very close to her face.

TRISWhat?

FOURHow did you do that?

TRISDo what?

FOURCrack the glass.

TRISI don’t know.

FOUR calms down, and offers TRIS his hand. TRIS stands up, and takes a deep breath. FOUR leads TRIS out of the room, through the backdoor, and into the hallway.

66.

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

FOURYou’re Divergent.

TRIS stares at him, looking fearful. TRIS suddenly changes her posture, and adopts a casual stance, leaning back into the wall.

TRISWhat’s Divergent?

FOURDon’t play stupid, I suspected it last time with the crows. But this time it’s obvious. You manipulated the simulation; you’re Divergent. I’ll delete the footage, but unless you want to wind up DEAD at the bottom of the chasm, you’ll figure out how to hide it during the simulations! Now, if you’ll excuse me.

FOUR walks back into the simulation room, and slams the door. TRIS gently touches her face.

TRIS(whispered)

How did he know?

TRIS pushes herself off the wall, and walks down the hallway.

INT. TATTOO PARLOUR - MIDDAY

TRIS walks into the tattoo parlour, and it’s fairly empty. TRIS spots TORI and begins to walk to her.

NATALIE (V.O.)The chocolate. It’s delicious, baked by Tori, we had a good long history.

TORI spots TRIS, and smiles.

TORIHello, Tris.

TRIS stares at her, and cocks her head towards the 2 other men in the tattoo parlour, the artist drawing a lion on the other’s arm.

67.

TORI (CONT’D)(glancing at the men)

Let’s go in the back. It’s quiet in the back, we won’t have to listen to the tattoo gun.

TRIS follows TORI behind a curtain, into a room with a few chairs, spare tattoo guns, needles, ink, and other supplies. TORI snaps the curtain shuts, and sits down. TRIS sits down after her.

TORI (CONT’D)What’s going on? How are your simulations going?

TRISWell enough. A little too well, I hear.

TORIAh. Tell me more.

TRISPlease help me understand. What does it mean to be...

(hesitation)

TORI(tense, and guarded)

Among other things, you.(beat)

You are someone who is aware, when they are in a simulation, that what they are experiencing is not real. Someone who can then manipulate the simulation or even shut it down. And also.

(beat)Someone who, because you are also Dauntless... tends to die.

TRIS has not reaction.

TRISSo I’m going to die, then?

TORINot necessarily, the Dauntless leaders don’t know yet. I deleted your aptitude results from the system immediately and manually logged you result as Abnegation.

68.

(MORE)

But make no mistake - if they discover WHAT you are, they WILL kill you.

TRISYou’re paranoid. The leaders of the Dauntless wouldn’t kill me. People don’t do that. Not anymore. That’s the point of all the factions, is it not?

TORIOh, you think so? You have so much to learn Tris. They got my brother, why not you, huh? What makes you so special, what sets you apart you and him?

TRISYour brother?

TORIYeah. My brother. His aptitude test was inconclusive. On the last day of simulations, they found his body in the chasm in the river. Said it was a suicide. Only my brother was doing well in training, he was dating another initiate. He was HAPPY. You have a brother right? Don’t you think that you would now if he was suicidal?

TORI rolls up her sleeve revealing a tatoo of a river on her right arm.

TORI (CONT’D)(whispered)

In the second stage of training, Georgie got really good, really fast. He said the simulations weren’t even scary to him. They were like a game. The instructors took a special interest in him. Piled into the room when he went in, instead of just letting the instructor report his results. Whispered about him all the time. The last day of simulations, one of the Dauntless leaders came in to see it himself. The next day, Georgie was dead.

69.

TORI (CONT'D)

TRISIs that it? Changing the simulations?

TORII doubt it. But that’s all I know. I think it is a symptom of something else.

TRISHow many people know about this? This, This, aptitude?

TORIThere are three kinds of people: People who experienced it firsthand, people who experienced it secondhand like me. And, of course, those who want you dead.

TRISI still don’t understand. Why the Dauntless leaders care that I can manipulate the simulation.

TORIIf I figured that out, I would have told you. But, they don’t care about the simulations, like I said, it’s a symptom of something else. Something they do care about, something worth crushing lives over.

TORI takes TRIS’ hands and presses it between her palms.

TORI (CONT’D)Think about this, these are the people teach people to shoot, to fight. You think that they’re above hurting you? Above killing you?

(beat)I should go now, or Bud will ask questions.

TORI gets off the chair, and pulls back the curtains, walking out. TORI looks back.

TORI (CONT’D)Be Careful, Tris.

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

70.

TRIS’ POV

TRIS stands in a dark Hallway, the outline of the Dormitory door visible in the distance. Someone grabs TRIS from behind, and TRIS begins to scream. A hand claps over her mouth. TRIS trashes, and bits down on one of the fingers over her mouth.

PETERStop struggling, and keep your mouth shut. Stiff.

A strip of cloth covers TRIS’ eyes. TRIS can still see a little through the cloth.

PETER (CONT’D)Wonder what it feels like when a stiff begs for mercy. Hurry Up.

The sound of water against rocks is heard very close by. TRIS continues to struggle, and hits one of her captors.

ALOw!

TRIS(whispered)

Al....

PETEROh, Shut it, and keep moving. Life her up, c’mon.

TRIS screams, but it is muffled by the hand.

TRIS is lifted over the metal railing, and is hanging over the chasm. Only 3 pairs of hands are holding her up. A hand gropes along TRIS’ chest.

PETER (CONT’D)You sure you’re sixteen, Stiff? Doesn’t feel like you’re more than twelve.

Laughter.

PETER (CONT’D)Wait, I think I found something!

PETER squeeze’s TRIS’ chest.

ALStop that.

71.

AL lets go of TRIS, and TRIS trashes, breaking free of the other two pairs of hands. A foot drives into TRIS’ side, and her head is forcibly lifted up, and slammed against the rocks. TRIS screams in pain. TRIS is disorientated getting up, and clumsily rips off her blindfold. Peter wraps a hand around TRIS’ throat and lifts her up. He holds TRIS over the chasm, and TRIS struggles. A shout in the distance, and PETER releases TRIS. TRIS falls, but grabs onto the railing. TRIS climbs over the railing, and sees PETER crumple, and fall. TRIS blinks and few times, and crumples, as FOUR rushes over, face contorted with anger.

TRISFour.

TRIS’ eyes close, and falls to the ground.

INT. INFIRMARY - DAY

TRIS opens her eyes, she is in a plain white room, the words “Fear God Alone” are painted on the wall. A sound of a faucet is in the distance. TRIS is disoriented. FOUR appears from the bathroom door. His knuckles are slightly bloody. TRIS sees FOUR, and turns her head.

TRISYou hands.

FOURMy hands are none of your concern.

TRIS reaches for the cuts on the side of FOUR’s lip, as FOUR leans in to readjust the ice-pack on TRIS’ head.

FOUR (CONT’D)Tris. I’m all right.

TRISWhy were you there?

FOURI was coming back from the control room. I heard a scream.

TRISWhat did you do to them?

FOURI deposited Drew at the infirmary, and Peter and Al ran. Drew claimed they were just trying to scare you. At least, I think that’s what he was trying to say.

72.

TRISHe’s in bad shape?

FOURHe’ll live. In what condition I can’t say.

TRISGood.

FOURI can report them, you know.

TRISNo. I don’t want them to think I’m scared.

FOUR(nodding)

I thought so. (beat)

You know. You can let yourself be in pain. It’s just me.

TRIS bites on her lips, and tears unconsciously flow down her face.

FOUR (CONT’D)I suggest you rely on your transfer friends to protect you from now on.

TRISI though I was. But Al...

FOURHe wanted you to be the small, quiet girl from Abnegation. He hurt you because your strength made him feel weak. No other reason.

TRIS nods.

FOUR (CONT’D)The others won’t be as jealous if you show some vulnerability. Even if it isn’t real.

TRISYou think I have to PRETEND to be vulnerable?

73.

FOURYes I do. You’re going to want to march into breakfast tomorrow and show your attackers they had no effect on you. But you should let that bruise show, and keep your head down.

TRISI don’t think I--

FOUR(cutting TRIS off)

But you have to.

TRISI don’t think you GET it. THeytouched me.

FOUR(tensing)

Touched you.

TRISNot... in the way you’re think. But... Almost.

TRIS turns away, and it’s silent for a few tense seconds.

TRIS (CONT’D)What is it?

FOURI don’t want to say this. But I feel like I have to. IT is more important for you to be safe than right, for the time being. Understand?

FOUR cocks his eyebrow, and TRIS nods.

FOUR (CONT’D)But please, when you see the opportunity...

(beat)Ruin them.

TRISYou’re a little scary, Four.

FOURDo me a favor, and don’t call me that.

74.

TRISWhat should I call you, then?

FOURNothing. Not yet. Soon.

INT. GLASS ROOM

The initiates stand in a cylindrical room with glass walls. Outside stand half-collapsed and abandoned buildings. Dauntless mill around the room, talking in groups. FOUR leads the initiates through a small door.

INT. GRAFFITIED ROOM -

The initiates walk into a large graffitied room. The room is lit with old-fashioned fluorescent tubes.

FOURThis.

(waving around)Is a different kind of simulation known as the fear landscape. It has been disable for our purposes, so this isn’t what it will look like the next time you see it. Through your simulations we have stored data about your worst fears. The dear landscape accesses that data and presents you with a series of virtual obstacles. Some you’ve faced, others new. Difference is, you’re aware this is a simulation in here. The number of fears you face will vary, depending on how many fears you have. I told you before that the third stage of initiation focuses on mental preparation. That is because it require you to combine the physical, and the mental learned in the previous stages. Next week, you will go through these landscapes as fast as possible in front of a panel of Dauntless leaders. This is your final test. This stage will weigh the heaviest of all in determining your rank. Understood?

The group nods. DREW stands out, his faces is swollen and purple, he has a split lip, and a cut running through his eyebrow, nodding painfully.

75.

FOUR (CONT’D)You can get past each obstacle by calming down, or facing your fear. So I suggest strategizing against your fears.

PETERThat doesn’t sound fair. What if one person only as 7 and the other has 20?

FOURDo You Really Want To Talk About What’s Fair.

FOUR makes his way to PETER.

FOUR (CONT’D)I understand why you’re worried, Peter. The events of last night certainly proved that you are a miserable coward. So now we all are on the same page, you are afraid of a short, skinny stiff.

FOUR’s lips curl into a smile.

FOUR (CONT’D)Dismissed.

The group disperses, WILL puts his arm around TRIS, and FOUR narrows his eyes, and looks mildly jealous.AL chases after TRIS.

ALTris, Can I talk to you!

TRIS ignores him.

WILLAre you kidding? You don’t get to come near her ever again.

ALI won’t hurt you. I never want to....

(beat)I just wanted to say that I'm sorry, I’m so sorry, I don’t... I don’t know what’s wrong with me, I...

(beat)Please forgive me, please.

76.

AL reaches for TRIS’s shoulder, his face is streaming with tears. TRIS looks conflicted for a moment, but her expression hardens.

TRISStay away from me! Never come near me again.

AL and TRIS meet eyes, and AL’s are stained with tears, and TRIS’ are cold and hard.

TRIS (CONT’D)If you do, I swear to God I will kill you. You coward!

INT. THE PIT

ERIC stands in front of a group of Dauntless. The mood is morbid, and some look teary eyed.

ERIC(in middle of speech)

...And it would be easy to mourn the loss of him tonight. But we did not choose a life of ease when we became Dauntless. And the truth of it is.

(smiles)Is that Albert is now exploring an unknown, uncertain place. He leaped into vicious waters....

CUT TO TRIS

TRIS stands beside URIAH, WILL, and CHRISTINA. CHRISTINA’s eyes are swollen, and URIAH holds a flask looking morbid. TRIS looks close to tears, and tears begin to leak down her face.

ERIC (O.S.) (CONT’D)(simultaneous)

To get there. Who among us is brave enough to venture into that darkness without knowing what lies beyond it? Albert was not yet one...

ANGLE ON - TRIS’ TEAR

TRIS’ tear leaks from the corner of her eye, and crawls down her face, and slowly hits the stone floor.

77.

ERIC (O.S.) (CONT’D)(simultaneous)

Our members, but we can be assure that he was courageous, he was fearless, and he was one of our...

The CROWD takes in a breath.

ERIC (O.S.) (CONT’D)Bravest!

The CROWD cheers, of varying degrees, and volumes.

ERIC (CONT’D)We will celebrate him now, and remember him always! To Albert the Courageous!

ERIC takes a drink from a bottle, and The CROWD copies.

INT. HALLWAY

FOUR sits alone against a wall, TRIS approaches him.

TRISWhat are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be paying your respects?

FOURShouldn’t you?

TRISI was, but you can’t pay respect when you don’t have any.

(beat)I didn’t mean that.

FOURAh.

TRISThis is crazy! He kills himself, and Eric calls it brave? That isn’t bravery, it’s depression, and COWARDICE. COWARDICE. COWARDICE I say. Is that the kind of thing we respect?

FOURWhat do you want them to do? Condemn him? Al’s already dead. It’s a bit late for that.

78.

TRISIt’s not about Al! It’s about everyone watching! What example do they set?

FOURCareful.

TRISIS that all you say? Careful?? That’s it?

FOURYou’re just as bad as Candor, you know? No filter.

FOUR drags TRIS into a more secluded Hallway.

FOUR (CONT’D)They are watching YOU. In particular.

TRISLet go of me.

FOUR lets TRIS go.

TRIS (CONT’D)Are they watching you, too?

FOURI keep trying to help you. But you refuse to be helped.

TRISOh, right. Your help! Yelling at me more than anyone else. I’m sure that’s help.

FOURNo. Not yelling. Reminding you, watching over you.

TRISWhy?

FOURBecause you’re from Abnegation. It’s when you’re acting selflessly that you are at your bravest.

TRIS looks at her feet.

79.

FOUR (CONT’D)If I were you, I would do a better job of pretending that selfless impulse is going away. Because if the wrong people discover it.... Well, it won’t be good for you. At all.

TRISWhy? Why do they care about my intentions.

FOURIntentions are the only thing they care about. They try to make you think they care about what you do, but they don’t They don’t want you to act a certain way. They want you to they a certain way. You’re easy to understand then. You’re docile, won’t pose a threat.

TRISI don’t understand why they care what I think, as long as I’m acting how they want me to.

FOURYou’re acting how they want you to now, but what happens when your Abnegation-wired brain tells you something different. But, this time you can’t resist?

TRISI might not need you to help me. Ever think about that? I’m not weak you know. I can do this on my own.

FOUROh, I see. You think my first instinct is to protect you. Because you’re small, or a girl, or a Stiff. But you’re wrong.

(leaning in)My FIRST instinct is to push you until you break, just to see how hard I have to

(beat)PRESS.

(beat)But I resist it.

80.

TRISWhy... Why is that your first instinct?

FOURFear doesn’t shut you down. It wakes you up. I’ve seen it. It’s fascinating.

TRISShould I be crying?

FOURYou think I know anything about tears?

A pregnant silence falls.

TRISI feel like it’s my fault, you know.

FOURIT isn’t your fault.

TRISBut I should have. I should have forgiven him.

FOURMaybe. Maybe there’s more we all could have done. But we just have to let the guilt remind us to do better next time.

TRIS frowns.

TRIS’ FATHER (V.O.)What do I always say Tris? Guilt is a tool for the Abnegation, not a weapon against self. Learn from it.

TRIS looks at FOUR.

TRISWhat faction did you come from?

FOURIt doesn’t matter. This is where I am now. Something you would do well to remember for yourself.

FOUR gives TRIS a conflicted look, and they sit in comfortable silence in the corner.

81.

INT. GLASS ROOM - MIDNIGHT

FOUR stands near the door to the Fear Landscape room, holding a black box, and a syringe. TRIS creeps in from the other side of the room, spying on FOUR.

FOURSince you’re here. You might as well go in with me.

TRISInto you’re fear landscape. I can do that?

FOURThe serum connects you to the program, but the program determines whose landscape you go through. It’s set to mine right now.

TRISYou would let me see that?

FOURWhy else do you think you’re here. There are some things I want to show you.

FOUR motions with the syringe, and TRIS tilts her head to expose her neck. FOUR plunges the syringe into TRIS’ neck, and pushes down. FOUR offers the black box to TRIS. TRIS opens it to reveal another syringe, prepped, and ready.

TRISI’ve never done this before.

FOUR(pointing at a spot on his neck)

Right here.

TRIS pushes the syringe in, and pushes down. FOUR offers his hand to TRIS, and TRIS takes it. They walk up to the door, and FOUR opens it, they walk in.

FOUR (CONT’D)See if you can figure out why the call me Four.

EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY - CONTINUOUS

82.

TRIS, and FOUR walk onto the roof from thin-air.

TRISWhat’s your real name?

FOURSee if you can figure that out too.

The wind begins to blow, and they arrive at the edge. The height is staggering. FOUR wraps his arm around TRIS, and tenses up, his breathing is irregular.

TRISWe have to jump off, right?

FOUR nods.

TRIS (CONT’D)On three, okay?

FOUR nod.

TRIS (CONT’D)One, two, three.

TRIS pulls FOUR, and herself off the ledge of the building, and air rushes beneath them. TRIS grins, and whoops, and FOUR looks tense. They hit solid ground, and TRIS continues to grin. FOUR gasps and presses a hand to his chest.

TRIS (CONT’D)What’s next?

FOURIt’s-

(cut off by scene change.)

INT. CLOSET

FOUR, and TRIS are crammed in a closet, each pressed up against each other.

TRIS(finishing FOUR’s sentence)

Confinement.

FOUR makes a guttural noise, and TRIS turns her head to look at FOUR. FOUR grimaces.

TRIS (CONT’D)Hey. It’s okay. Here -

83.

TRIS guides FOUR’s arms around her body.

TRIS (CONT’D)We can’t break out of here. It’s easier to face the fear head on, right? So what you need to do is make the pace smaller. Make it worse before it gets better, right?

FOUR(tensely)

Yes.

TRIS squeezes FOUR’s waist, and brings him down with her, and begin to curl both of them into the a ball.

FOUR (CONT’D)Ah. This is worse. This is definitely -

TRIS(cutting Four off)

Shh.. Relax. The simulation measures your fear response. So calm yourself, and we’ll move on. Try to forget that we’re hear.

FOURYeah? That easy, huh?

TRIS(rolling her eyes)

You know, most boys would enjoy being trapped in close corners with a girl.

FOURNot claustrophobic people, Tris!

TRISOkay, Okay. Feel my heartbeat. Can you feel it.

FOURYes.

TRISFeel how steady it is.

FOURIt’s fast.

84.

TRISYes, well, that has nothing to do with the box.

(winces, and has a look of morbid realization)

Every time you feel me breathe. You breathe. Focus on that.

FOUROkay.

TRIS breathes, and FOUR breathes in turn.

TRISWhy don’t you tell me where this fear comes from. Maybe talking about it will help us. Somehow.

FOURUm.. Okay. This is from my fantastic childhood. Childhood punishments. The tiny closet upstairs.

TRIS(pursing her lips)

My mother kept our winter coats in our closet.

FOURI don’t want to talk about this anymore.

TRISOkay. Then. I can talk. Ask me something.

FOURWell. Why is your heart racing, Tris?

TRISWell. I. I barely know you.

FOUR stares at her, saying I barely know you in his frown.

TRIS (CONT’D)I barely know you and I’m crammed up against you in a box, Four, what do you think?

FOURIf we were in your fear landscape. Would I be in it?

85.

TRISI’m not afraid of you.

FOUROf course you’re not. But that’s not what I meant.

FOUR laughs, and begins to relax. The walls of the closet begins to break apart.

FOUR (CONT’D)Maybe you were cut out for Candor. Because you’re a terrible liar.

The walls are gone now, FOUR stands up.

TRISI think my aptitude test ruled that one out pretty well.

INT. ROOM. - CONTINUOUS

FOURThe aptitude test tells you nothing.

TRISThen what are you trying to tell me? Your test isn’t the reason you ended up Dauntless?

FOURNot exactly, no. I -

A gun shot rings off, cutting FOUR off. A WOMAN stands a few yards away, point a gun at FOUR, and TRIS. A table appears behind TRIS, and FOUR, on it a gun and a single bullet. TRIS looks confused, and then realizes.

TRISYou have to kill her.

FOUREvery single time.

TRISShe isn’t real.

FOURShe looks real. It feels real.

86.

TRISIf she was real. She would’ve shot again, already.

FOURIt’s okay. I’ll just do it. This one’s not.. Not so bad. Not as much panic involved.

FOUR shakily picks up the gun, and opens the chamber, clicks the bullet into the chamber, and holds the gun out in front, of him, and aims at the woman. FOUR exhales, and fires. There is a flash of read, and the woman collapses as the scene breaks apart.

INT. EMPTY ROOM

FOUR, and TRIS stand in an empty room, the gun dissolving from FOUR’s hands. A dark figure moves towards them. It is a tall and slim man dressed in gray Abnegation robes. A belt is curled around one of his hands.

MARCUS (echoing)

This is for your own good.

TRISMarcus.

FOURThis is the part where you figure out my name.

TRISIs he..

FOUR nods imperceptibly, and a look of realization dawns on TRIS’ face.

TRIS (CONT’D)(to Four)

Tobias.

MARCUS unwinds the belt, and cracks it. MARCUS continues to walk towards FOUR and TRIS, the belt slithering against the floor. MARCUS yanks the belt back, preparing to strike, and TOBIAS/FOUR shrinks back, throwing his arms up to protect his face. TRIS darts forward, and grabs the belt as it cracks against her wrist. TRIS winces, and pulls on the belt, yanking MARCUS on his feet. TOBIAS/FOUR gets up now, and pushes TRIS aside, as MARCUS claws at her. TOBIAS/FOUR looks angry. MARCUS vanishes, and the scene disappears.

87.

INT. GRAFFITIED ROOM

TOBIAS/FOUR and TRIS stand in the graffitied room.

TRISThat’s it. Those were your worst fears? Why do you only have four....

(realizing)Oh. That’s why they call you. FOUR.

TOBIAS/FOUR looks at Tris in awe, and slightly stiffly. TRIS moves closer to TOBIAS/FOUR, and wraps herself around him. FOUR relaxes into TRIS.

TRIS (CONT’D)Hey. We got through it.

FOURYou got me through it.

TRISWell. It’s easy to be brave when they’re not my fears.

FOUR laces his fingers into TRIS’.

FOURCome on. I have something else to show you.

88.