Survivor

The Players

The ten contestants were introduced to one another in front of live telecast, their host nowhere near the field. The rules of the game were clarified to them for the first time too, proving to be different from previous years.

"Our first pair is Jessica and Rain." The voice echoed against the glass barriers, creating an oscillating effect.

"Jessica, as many of you know, is big in the modelling industry as well as the more... adult industry." Kang Hodong's voice trailed of in a playful tone. "Her networking and diplomatic skill will play a big role in helping her through the game.

Rain is an accountant, he had recently been awarded as best accountant in the peripheral province. His detail-orientedness and discipline are some of the reasons we have chosen him."

The lights then moved from the said pair to the two Chinese participants.

"Due to popular demand, we have included people from various ethnic backgrounds." The host's statement caused the crowd's murmuring to ensue, considering the were only 3 different ethnic backgrounds, max, present on the field. He continued regardless.

"So we have with us Yixing and Tzuyu!" Despite the skeptical looks, the pair received quite the warm welcome.

"Yixing is from Changsha, he's a mechanic with a dream to be an inventor. He's ability to tinker with objects will prove to be an advantage.

Tzuyu is an acrobat from Taiwan, and has joined the likes of Cirque de Soleil and other great acts. Her nimbleness will be a sure bonus to her strong memory."

Next up was the lady with the dog, as well as the guy with the harem pants.

"Boa and Kai have something in common - they both are performers. Boa is a wrestler and a seasoned martial artist, while Kai is a dancer with experience in basketball. And their presence, wow, almost as intimidating as their pet wolf over there." To this, the crowd gave almost a nervous laughter.

The spotlight shifted to Heechul and Amber.

"Heechul, as many of you know, is a TV personality. He's on a TV show with me and some other guys, called Knowing Siblings, and from there you could tell he's got memory like a computer. An obvious plus point.

Amber is another athletic one, but she is exceptional so much so it compares to the boys." Amber couldn't help but grin when she heard him say that. "Her mental and physical strength is sure to get her far."

And not the last, and obviously not the least, is the good-looking pair.

"We have with us today, due to popular demand, the only daughter of the director of Smith & Millard, that's right ladies and gentlemen, Tiffany Hwang. And of course, Ok Taecyeon.

Taecyeon is a state basketball player and soccer enthusiast. He's known for a quick response time as well as being able to work well under pressure, and mind you, this game will definitely test that out.

Tiffany Hwang, on the other hand, has good looks to compare and the mouth of a diplomat, she's proven to be able to talk her way out of difficult situations."

The last pair would be Jimin and IU, but they've been taken away. That didn't stop Kang Hodong from mentioning them.

"Our sixth and final pair this season is Park Jimin and Lee Jieun. Park Jimin is a YouVesseler famous for making cover videos. His creativity and ability to work while being watched will come in handy in the game.

Lee Jieun is a ballerina by profession, trained in Russia for 5 years now. But she's also written several teen fiction books. Her creativity will be an advantage when pushed into a corner with seemingly no obvious escape.

Unfortunately the two are not with us tonight due to some unforseen circumstances. The game will not start until Lee Jieun is back in full health."

And with that, the telecast was paused for an advertisement break.

When the break was over, some of the players were sitting on the grass, and the dog that was being held by Boa was let go, running wildly and greeting all the other people. It was apparent that they were getting bored and maybe even a little restless.

"Fellow viewers, and survivors," Kang Hodong's voice was deep in a way that made your bones shake. "It is time to explain the gameplay for this season. Of course, with a change of hand comes a change of vision." The corners of his lips rose as his tone did. "So this season will be unprecedented."

As he said this, six banners unfurled against the glass barrier. "We shall call these changes the 6 Amendments." What is this, church?

"Number one, you work in pairs. This is unlike the previous seasons, but we will do this for a more fast-paced approach and to instill teamwork values. This means there will be a winning pair, not individual. When your partner is disqualified, you are too. But it is up to you when you want us to pick you up from the ring.

Secondly, no electronic devices are allowed  unless we provide you with it. Some players with abilities will require certain devices in order to unlock the potential of their chosen ability.

Third amendment, we will return your communication devices after this event but from tomorrow at 1200 hours, you are not allowed to communicate with anyone who are not players or coaches. That includes myself, family members, and friends. Use the time given wisely. Of course, this applies unless we tell you otherwise.

Fourth, it is up to a player to reveal to anyone their ability and whether or not they have been given an ability. We will not disclose or give out any hints to what these abilities may be or how they work.

Fifth is probably what most of you are wondering about. All players begin at the same time. Since Jimin and Jieun have been sent away, we must honour the fifth amendment by waiting for Jieun to come back to full health. This means we may start the game later than scheduled and will have more time training pre-game.

Sixth and final, you must not make any attempts to escape the ring. Any attempt will be considered treason and you will be subject to at least 10 years in prison." Kang Hodong went quiet after he read it, and so did the audience.

The next time the players would hear Kang Hodong's voice again was when their lives were put into entertainment's hands.

A/N : The game is finally here but - yes - unfortunately, the collapse of petite Lee Jieun has delayed the whole thing. What do you think it was about?

Also, is this story giving off a dystopian feel? Like there's something bad going on behind this façade? Cos I'm pretty bad at doing that but I'm trying.