Hailey's POV
The next day, I arrived at school with my heart racing. As I walked in with my friends, the buzz of excitement filled the air. Students darted around, exchanging whispers and laughter, their faces alight with anticipation.
“Who’s your teammate? Who’s your teammate?” they called out, the question echoing in the hallways.
Mia, always perceptive, turned to me, her brow furrowed. “Did something happen? Why are they running helter-skelter?”
I shrugged, trying to mask my own growing anxiety. The atmosphere was electric, and I could feel the thrill mixed with nerves. Just then, a student rushed past us, nearly colliding with Mia. She grabbed the girl’s hand.
“Sorry, but what’s the uproar for? Did you guys win a lottery to the states?” Mia asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. T
