Pearl's Perspective-

I never really quite understood it.

Despite me loving it so much, a part of me feels like it might be wrong.

But...that's what my town does.

It does it annually.

It's the big thing about this place.

So it's okay...right?

Besides, if you win, you get to help run the next one, who doesn't wanna do that?!

Well, a lot of people actually.

I've always wanted to get chosen and win, so I can help run the next one.

It would be fun, an experience of a lifetime!!

All I have to wait is one year.

One more year, and then I'll be old enough.

Are you ready?

Because I am.

One Year Later-

I smiled as I blew out the candles on my birthday cake.

Everyone clapped and I started to unwrap my presents.

"Pearl, dear, are you excited?"

I nodded, "Course! I'm old enough to get chosen now!"

My grandmother smiled weakly, "You'd want to be careful."

"I will, trust me!"

She nodded and I gasped as I unwrapped the present from her.

It was a red hood, perfect for me to wear when I get chosen.

"Thank you, grandma! I love it!"

"I'm so happy you do."

My mother opened her mouth, about to say something, when there was a knock at the door.

My father got up to get it and I saw him talking to the mail man.

"A letter for Pearl Moon."

I smiled, barely able to hold in my excitement.

That might be my choosing letter!!!

My father thanked him, closed the door, and handed the letter to me.

I looked at it and saw that it had a purple eye stamp.

That's the stamp the Watchers use!!

I ripped open the letter and read it aloud.

"Dear Pearl Moon,

Congratulations! You got chosen to do this year's annual Life Series! This year, we are switching up the rules, which you will find out on June 18th! 13 other people are joining you and will also be fighting for the win. See you in 5 days, and happy birthday.

Sincerely, The Watchers"

I looked up to see my family's mixed expressions.

My father smiled grimly, my grandmother was happy, and my mother looked terrified.

They all started shouting advice, and I slammed my hands on the table.

"Please! Let's talk about this later, alright?" I asked.

They all exchanged looks before nodding and letting me open up my next present.

-

"You ready?"

I nodded, resting my head on my folded arms on the bridge as I stared at the border.

"You're probably going to be there." My father said, smiling at me.

"Yeah...mom doesn't want me too though."

"But you have to."

"You do?"

My father nodded, "The rules say that if you get chosen, you have to go."

"Oh...well then, I glad I got chosen! It'd be great! And I'll win, I know I will!"

My father chuckled, "Just be careful, will you?"

I nodded, "Okay."