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

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