The Author Games: Literature

Task Six [QFs]: The Worder

Pluto was terrified, but he could allow anyone to see that. He couldn't let the parts of him that were shattered shine through past the calm, collected mask he wore each day. The vacation had done nothing to ease his nerves- every moment added onto the anxiety he was experiencing. He was scared- of Paella, of President Necare, of every choice that could lead to his death.

With shaking hands- something Pluto had noticed was becoming rather common for him- he reached for a pile of possible books he had collected, personal favorites of his that had seemed worthy of challenging the tributes with. He strode over to Paella, observing her anxious movements around the room. His fellow Gamemaker rather coldly pointed out to interns their countless mistakes, simultaneously giving frantic orders to make the games continue at a steady, controlled pace.

"What about this one? It's a personal favorite," Pluto suggested, finally catching her eye. He held up a book with a fossil imprinted across the cover- a classic science fiction novel where a company revived a collection species long extinct. Pluto had thoroughly enjoyed it. Paella took a short glance before rolling her eyes.

"Stupid. Next."

Tossing the book aside he showed her his next choice. It was a post apocalyptic novel, following a community of teenage males who lived in an experimental maze. It seemed like a perfect choice for a challenge to put the tributes through.

"These are terrible choices, Pluto."

Disheartened, the Gamemaker returned to his seat, waiting. He needed an idea; he needed to think of something before the time frame passed where he actually had a say. But before he could, Paella had passed by him, typing into the keypad in front of their chairs. After a minute or two, she swiftly walked towards him, tossing a small book onto his lap.

Paella had taken the upper hand. It was a sudden death between them. With the ending of the games looming over their heads, President Necare had been watching the two closely. The superior figure would decide which of the pair would be the one the receive the title, and which would be executed. Any moment could be the end of his career, the end of his story, the end of his life, and that was scared him most.

Pluto wasn't ready to be over just yet.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE TASK:

Congratulations to each of you for making it to the Quarterfinals! Of course, most of you didn't have to work very hard to get here, but it's a slight accomplishment.

As your tribute looks into the Mirror of Erised, the image of their greatest desire will suddenly clear, giving way to a room vaguely recognizable from the new book at the mirror's feet. You step into what appears to be a study- yet again. Seems to be a theme, here, doesn't it? But this study is different from all the others, for as you enter the room, all the colors fade away, and everything you see is in black and white. The study seems to be suspended in the clouds from what you can see through the large, half-moon window. See the picture above for more details on the room's appearance(note that although it is in color, your tribute will not see any of them).

Welcome, tributes, to the Giver's Annex.

This task is going to focus primarily on your tribute's memories. An elderly man will be awaiting you in the Annex; he will ask you to lie down on a nearby bed. If you refuse to follow through with this, the Giver will place his hands roughly on your shoulders, and you may be slightly more uncomfortable while the memory takes place, like something is off in your mind. Placing his hands on your back, you will be launched into the world of memories. Contrary to the storyline of The Giver, however, your tribute will relive their own memories. Be careful when choosing this memory, however- it should be something that greatly affected your tribute. They should be able to use every one of their five senses vividly in this memory, but are unable to control themselves outside their mind- the memory should play out as it happened.