the nation were found. Until finally boys flew in
to The Capitol from every nation, three from each age group from ten to
twenty. As it went on North and Morn found themselves the top of their
age group; both boy's fathers becoming prouder and prouder.
8 Now after four day's rest they were ready for the final day. As the
contest wore on, the two boys found themselves in head-on competition
against each other. North would win one event, Morn another, until by
the end of the day their point totals were dead even, even after the
final event- swordsmanship.
9 The Judges called the contest a draw. The two boys were too evenly
matched. It appeared they would have to share first place, but as the
boys stood in the field, receiving their awards, going from the oldest
to the youngest, North thought of something.
10 By the rules of The Games, a younger contestant could challenge an
elder winner for his position in any event. The only problem was the
winner gained the loser's points, and the other boy didn't have to
accept the challenge. It was a gamble and hadn't been done in hundreds
of years. But North wanted to win so when The Award's Official
approached him, North raised his hand. "Sir!" he requested, "permission
to speak." His words were picked up by The Award's Official's
microphone and echoed through the stadium.
11 "Permission granted," the Official told him. "Say what you will!"
12 The crowd fell silent as North spoke. "Sir," he announced, "winner
of the tens challenges the winner of the elevens in swordsmanship for
his position."
13 A roar rose from the crowd at the giving of a challenge. Everyone
came up on their feet, cheering. When the roar died down, the Official
cried out, "Winner of the elevens, you have heard the challenge given
by the winner of the tens for your position. You are not obliged to