"My life has changed so much in the last three months. I mean, I never imagined I’d be swimming in the middle of the night, thousands of miles from home—half a world away from my best friend Lucy, my old soccer team, and my entire life. Yet here I am, just off the coast. Ducking my head underwater, breaking through the surface to gasp for a shallow breath. Again and again and again.”

Age: 17

Known for: Athleticism, affection for animals, and a teaspoon of sass

“We do not talk when we are on the water,” Eyebrows says in a cool voice, apparently not struggling to breathe at all. “But I will try and give you instruction.”

Age: about 19

Known for: Overly serious tai chi, charisma, and eyebrows (obviously)

“Look at the falls!” Amoe says, shucking a leg onto the railing. “There’s a cave back there, filled with rainbows and fish bones. It’s my favorite place, after home. And Seabucks.”

Age: About 17

Known for: Malapropisms, addictive personality, and zest for everything

“You would’ve lasted another ten minutes out there, probably.” Leo bites into his cookie. His tone is polite but matter-of-fact as he adds, “Maybe twenty.”

Age: about 17

Known for: Eagle eyes, low-key dramatics, kindness

Hearing me, Halley doesn’t go still, exactly. But her head swivels slowly, the way a snake slithers in the grass.

“I have work,” she whispers. “They give us free lunch.”

Age: about 18

Known for: Quiet disposition, physical strength, and astronomy skills

The extra-beefy paddler, having made it to the canoe, holds the container out for the sullen-looking girl. I’m pretty sure she had been sitting in front of me yesterday. “Quick, quick!” he presses her. “Eat them all!”

Age: about 18

Known for: muscles growing muscles, pranks, and a belief in the power of cookies

"Just because a volcano is silent on the outside, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. They could be biding time their time, waiting to explode. And sometimes? People are the exact same way.”

Age: 35 years old

Known for: Pride, precociousness, and betrayal