The torches lit up the big stone hall, making shadows move on the walls. We all stood there, nervous and quiet. I could feel everyone looking at me and each other. We weren't here to make friends. We were here to stay alive, and that meant doing better than everyone else in whatever cruel test they had for us this time.
A guard stepped up. He wore a mask like they all did, hiding his face. "Listen up," he said, his voice loud in the quiet room. "Your next test will push your minds to the limit." I felt myself tense up. A mind game? This could be my chance to show I was smart, that I was more than just another person they could throw away.
"We're going to show you a bunch of pictures, sounds, and events, one after another," the guard went on. "Your job is easy: remember everything, exactl
