After reading three chapters, Hunter heard the first few students trickle into the cafeteria. She stuffed the book back in her bag and looked up as Michael scraped his chair away from the table.

“Hey Hunter.” He grumbled, rubbing his forearm. Hunter could see sparkling specks fall from his shirt sleeve when he shook it. “What’re you reading today?”

Hunter smirked. “Twilight, oh sparkly one.”

“Ha ha, very funny.” Michael lightly punched her arm, leaving behind a few glittery pieces. “Diamond skin may be strong, but it’s a real pain to clean up the flakes.”

“Poor baby.” Amber said, coming up behind Michael. She gave him a quick peck on his cheek before grabbing a seat. “Is my confetti man upset?”

“What does the fox say, Amber?” Michael retorted, earning a jab from his girlfriend.

“He says ‘Stop playing that stupid song!’, if you must know.” She looked up at Hunter and smiled sympathetically. “Must suck to remember it word for word.”

Hunter shrugged. “Actually, I never saw the video. Guess I’m lucky.”

They chatted lightheartedly, waiting for the rest of their friends to arrive. Hunter could pinpoint the exact second Daniel appeared beside her.

“I’m not last this time.” He said smugly.

Hunter rolled her eyes. “Yeah, but you used your ability. Doesn’t count.”

“But my class is on the other side of the school!” He complained, his English accent getting stronger as his voice pitched up. “How else am I supposed to beat everyone?”

She shrugged. “Book it.”

“Hunter, don’t pick on my boyfriend.” Lucas said, coming up behind them and tipping Daniel’s chair back to steal a kiss. “We have gifts. Why not use them?” He looked over his shoulder. “Right, Will?”

Lucas’s Ability-classmate shook his head. “No matter what you say, I’m not growing you cannabis.”

“I was just wondering if you could.” Lucas defended himself.

Hunter giggled as the two boys sat down. They were soon joined by Maddie and Carter, the latter’s hair having changed from the purple Hunter had seen that morning to a stylish silver. Maddie was looking around the cafeteria, looking for someone.

“Did we beat Erik?” She asked as she sat down.

“Seems like it.” Michael smirked. “Does he want another one?”

Maddie’s ability was making tattoos appear on someone’s skin. Erik had brought her and her twin, Carter, to their group after testing her ability for himself. Now, both of Erik’s arms were covered in ink and he was starting to get the marks on his back.

“He just won’t quit.” Maddie held her head in her hands. “It’s like he’s playing the alphabet game. Last week he wanted an Indian elephant on his ankle. Now he wants a Jaguar at his throat.”

Carter patted his sister’s shoulder. “You have a gift.”

“We all do.” Amber added happily. “It’s awesome.”

There was a gust of air and Jasper appeared beside Daniel. “Finally.” He sighed, resting his head on the table. “Amber, I think this is more like a curse. Mads, make his whole body green. That’ll shut him up. Will, if you do grow a little something, hand some over. Dan, don’t get stuck in a freeze. Michael, you got glitter-skin on my backpack. Hunter, can I borrow that book when you’re done.”

They sat in silence for a moment before Hunter reached over and placed a hand on Jasper’s arm. “Not a good morning?”