The trials are brutal.

every 5 years, 100 children, ages ranging from 12-17, are stripped away from their homes and forced into a bloody battle. only one can win. it’s a horrible game for the richer people to watch. to punish the less fortunate. if you were selected, you were dumped into the grand woods, a endless maze of trees and wildlife. from then, you eliminate your competition. one a month during the competition, the king hosts a ball. it’s a cruel joke, to see the battered and bruised in beautiful gowns. last man standing is the victorious one, no matter how much blood is spilled…

being a prince meant Heron got to watch first hand the drawing of the names. thousands of names are put into a glass bowl, and a hundred are drawn. his hands were clasped behind his back. his white suit was perfect. his pale blonde hair was perfect. his sky blue eyes swept over the sea of children, all anxious. it was a curse to hear the announcer call your name.