childfrom_cabin13
Every five years, Laurel steals thirteen children and throws them into a dead state to survive six brutal years of hunger, violence, and being hunted by each other. Only one walks out alive. Only one earns freedom.
Ember Fiero-starving, sharp‑eyed, and deadly with a bow-never expected to be chosen. She definitely didn't expect her mother to confess the truth: Ember is a fire witch, descendant of a bloodline the president swore he wiped out.
Across the country, Aella Chase learns they can command water. Oliver Wood discovers the earth listens when he speaks. Three teens from three different states, each dragged into the Games with powers they barely understand and spells they must invent on their own.
They aren't supposed to meet.
They aren't supposed to trust each other.
They aren't supposed to exist.
But inside the ruined state of Laurel, fate pushes them together. Ember's fire, Aella's water, and Oliver's earth collide in an alliance stronger than any weapon. Together, they might survive the Games. Together, they might uncover the truth behind the witch purge. Together, they might become the spark of something the president thought he destroyed forever.
The only problem? The Games don't allow friendship. They don't allow mercy. And they definitely don't allow witches.
Surviving to eighteen was already impossible.
Surviving with magic in their blood might start a war