Checkmate.

V

That night, I didn't sleep. I refused to go through that dream again, relive even more of a nightmare. No, no, no I am the top ranked student in this academy, how could I possibly not be on that list? Even Cara knew I was better then Amelie, so why? I shook my head. This isn't right I have to speak to someone, anyone who could give me reassurence. I sat up in my cot and stared at the door.

~Any students out after curfew is strictly prohibited.

This doesn't count, it's almost morning anyway, I tried to unsuccessfully reassure myself. I got up and sucked in a gulp of air as I opened the door. I looked down the hallway, everything was dark. I had to remind myself that there were cameras virtually everywhere. I just needed to speak with Professor Clarkson. I sleepwalk occasionally. I had to use the bathroom. I started to run through every possible excuse, but none will make any sense to an indifferent official.

I took a tentative step forward, expecting an alarm to sound, but heard nothing. I slowly made my way through the hall, letting my hand trail against the wall to guide me. Clarkson's office should be on the right. The man almost never slept, so I was confident that this would be the perfect time to confront him.

The dreaded corner finally came, and I started to panic. I didn't actually know what the extreme punishment was. We were always just warned of it. My wanting to help this country cannot be worthy of a punishment, can it? I pondered this for about three seconds. I can't do it. I can't. Forget this madness, this is ridiculous. I felt mentally defeated. I might be able to talk to him somehow before the competing starts, so I had a second opportunity. I began to turn around, and instantly my body froze.

I could hear footsteps coming from behind me. Oh god, no, this can't be happening! I silently ran around the corner I came from and tried to find my door, but had no idea which one it was. So I stopped and listened. The footsteps were gone, I couldn't hear anything. I sighed, that was close. I began feeling around for room numbers and eventually found 21. I put my hand on the knob---

"And just what do you think you're doing?"