I took a deep breath. This was it—the final round. The arena was filled with cheers from the crowd.
I joined the other contestants, standing side by side. The MC stepped forward and announced what the final challenge would be about.
I barely heard him as he explained that this last competition would test our physical strength in a direct match. My hands clenched into fists at my sides. This round was worth the most points. The challenge would be enough to determine the winner, and all that mattered now was pushing through.
The MC introduced the last four standing contestants, giving each of us a moment for the crowd’s cheers. I looked down the line of competitors, sizing up my opponents.
I had been paired against a boy. He was one of the strongest left in the competition.
I clenched
