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"And underneath it all, she was a Four who held her own heartbreaks and never let her former rank or current aches keep her from doing it all.

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"How families are families, no matter their castes. How mothers all have their own worries to bear. How I really didn't hate any of the girls here, no matter how wrong they might be."

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But now I know you, and I know the truth, and you are everything I said you were. And more.

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"a month ago, I had looked at the TV and seen a distant, boring person-someone I couldn't imagine anyone loving. And while he wasn't anything close to the person I did love, he was worthy of having someone to love in his life.

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"No, no. It's not like that. I don't think I'm better than any of the other girls; they're all amazing.

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"I feel that no good leader can let the masses go unfed. Most of Illea is comprised of these lower castes, and we have overlooked these people far too long."

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"I know some of you are probably a little nervous, but you have no need to be. Please just be yourselves. The people want to know you."

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"From what we've heard," Anne continued, "the reason she was asked to leave is because she said some rather unking things about you. The prince did not agree and dismissed her immediately.

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"Out there ... does that happen? Are people hungery like that a lot?"
Maxon, I--"
Tell me the truth." His mouth settled into a firm line.
"Yes. That happens. I know of families where people give up their share for their children or siblings.

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"As Maxon and I stood, he held on to my hand. "Please don't say anything. It's imperative you're discreet."

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frindeships

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"Is it really like that?" he asked.
"What?"
"Out there... does that happen? Are people hungry like that a lot?"
"Maxon I-"
Tell me the truth." His mouth settled into a firm line.
Yes. That happens. I know families where people give up their share for their children or siblings.

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Maxon nodded, but the man hesitated, looking to him and then to me, evidently questioning my presence. She's fine," Maxon said, and the man came over and knelt before him.

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He measured the oil wrong and the first batch burned. He had to call someone to come and clean it up.

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May, Kenna, my maids . . . it was hard to believe how many people thought I'd be a good princess. Was I the only one who saw how flawed I was?

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"Marlee, can I tell you a secret?
Of course, America. Anything.
But I already know that if it can't be me, I'd want it to be you

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"Oh. She had secrets of the Maxon variety. This I had to hear.

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"As I rubbed the tiny ache out of them, I felt glad that I'd told Maxon everything."

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"Maxon reached up and tugged his ear. I repeated the action back, and we both turned away.

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"Ever since my name had been drawn, I'd feared I would become something unrecognizable-covered in layers of makeup and so hung down with jewelry that I'd have to dig out of it for weeks to find myself again. So far, I was still America."

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"Since you are supposed to be helping me, being my friend and all," he continued with a pointed ook at me," perhaps we shouldn't be relying on the tradional notes sent through maids and formal invitatins for dates.

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It was Maxon, standing at the open door looking amused. As our eyes met, I could see that his expression was clearly asking what in the world I was doing.

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Maxon seemed to hesitate, unsure if this information was something I should know. He looked around to see if anyone could hear us.

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So how are you handling a roomful of crying women? Nothing in the world is mor confusing!" he whispered.

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"Humiliation, rage, and disbelief all played across his even-tempered face. "Was everyone told this?" He asked, sounding appalled at the idea.

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I looked into his eyes, shaming him into acknowledging that only a choice minority of the throngs who lived in the palace were actually being protected.

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Are you being like that on purpose?" Zoe interjected."If you are, it's awfully mean." I shook my head. How could I explain this? "No, it's just that-"

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I'm not the type of man to beat around the bush. I'll tell you exactly what I want from you."

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I couldn't help but fidget a little. I genuinely didn't want to hurt his feelings, but I couldn't beat around the bush on this. You are very kind, Your Majesty, and attractive, and thoughtful.' He smiled at that. In a low voice I added,But for very valid reasons, I don't think I could.

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I shouldn't blame you. You're not the reason I got swept up in all this, and the whole Selection thing isn't even your idea.

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"Whatever the reason, that brief smile led me to believe that maybe this wasn't going to be such a terrible experience after all.

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And I'm not fighting. My plan is to enjoy the food until you kick me out.

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Well, good luck tomorrow.' And I could tell she meant it. Better luck to you Marlee. I'm sure Prince Maxon will be more than pleased to meet you.'

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I know I come across as bubbly, but I'm shy underneath that, and they think they can wear me down with words.

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But here, sandwiched between peo[le whose hate I could feel radiatng off in waves, I was a coward.

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"Sometimes I wish that the twos had an idea about what it felt like to be treated the wayb they treat us.

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I had no reason to shun Marlee or be rude to Ashley.

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" 'I'm not some charity case, America. I'm a man. I'm supposed to be a provider.

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" 'America, I'm supposed to be providing for you. It's humiliating for me to come here and have you do all this for me.' "

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I'd seen her give clothes that didn't fit her kids anymore to families who had next to nothing. She was kind.

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" 'You know why. It's the law."
"But that's not fair

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" 'Is there any possibility of you having any sort of... of loving feeling toward me?'
'You are very kind, Your Majesty, and attractive, and thoughful.'...'But for very valid reasons, I don't think I could.' "

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honesty

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Be yourself, don't try to hard to look different so someone will like you.

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" 'America, you have been very up front with me so far. That is a quality that I deeply admire.

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I looked positively plain. But as least I looked like me, and that was a minor consolation.

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that you can not put on a act for someone else. You just have to let them accept you for who you are.

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love

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"Were your sisters disappointed?"
"No, actually." The moment they saw your face the whole house erupted. They're crazy about you.

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that you should be greatful even if you didn't achieve what you wanted and someone else did.

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Being greatful even if you didn't get what you wanted and someone else did.

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Think of the thousands of girls entering. I won't even get picked."

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confidence is the key to success

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true love that is secret

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that having confidence will help you succeed and if you don't have confidence you will not try.

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"He was the oldest of seven, and in the same way I'd stepped up to help as soon as I could, Aspen had stepped aside. He passed his share of the little food they had down to his siblings and to his mom, who was always tired from working.

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that giving up all that you have earnedfor your family and helping them alll you could is more important than keeping everything for yourself.

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Giving up what you have and giving it to others who need it more.

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Solving problems with your family.

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Choosing family over friends