Sunake

The hunter exam happens every year. And since the anime started with it and it happened again in the Greed Island arc (also time passes in the Chimera Ant arc) that means more than a year has passed in Hunter x Hunter right? But in recent episodes it said Gon was 12... So do they every age? If they do when? I'm assuming that if they do it happens later on, in the manga. (I'm watching the anime.)

I've looked all around for an answer to this question but haven't found one... so, is there a point where Hunter x Hunter's narrating slows or ends. Right now I'm at episode 119, and the narration is really irking me. I get that it explains things and makes it easier to understand, but I feel like they could make it just as easily understandable and more exciting by adding a bit less narration. A lot of people like the narration, but a lot of people also don't. I also feel like the narration takes away from the characters and I don't get into the minds as much. I mean, sure they say what the characters are thinking, but that's boring. I want to hear the characters say it themselves then feel what the characters are feeling through their actions. Anyway thanks...