Sang is chosen for the Culling, a series of fights to the death that are generally played by men. In fact, Sang is the first woman selected, well, ever. As the games start, and Sang forms bonds with a group of nine men, she comes to realize that the...
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Sang
I had been hiding in the bathroom for at least forty minutes.
I knew how long it had been because I had been in here, counting. I spent twenty of those minutes in the bath, attempting to relax away my tension. It didn't help. Even the rose smelling soaps and thick bubbles did not sooth my nerves. I had been waxed, well, everywhere earlier that day. A horrible procedure. So I didn't need to shave or anything. I didn't want to touch my hair, I liked it too much.
So I had nothing else to distract me at the moment.
Be brave Sang, be brave! I thought to myself as I paced back and forth in my towel and worked myself into a frenzy. I began to feel a little calmer the longer I counted, but then I spotted my Aunt Gabrielle's gift - still thrown across the sink where I had tossed it in horror.
I groaned and started counting again.
A knock startled me and I heard Owen at the door, "Sang? Are you alright?"
No! No, I wasn't alright. I was far from alright. Why was he interrupting my moment? I only needed a minute. Or a million. If he was that bored, he should go take a nap or something. Perhaps I'd suggest it...
I opened my mouth to do just that, but the only thing that came out was a weak little "I'm fine."
"You don't sound fine." Owen said sharply. "Open this door."
No! Go away! I wanted to tell him, but I couldn't. I also couldn't force myself to move forward to open the door either. After a minute of no-door-opening, he must have realized that it wasn't going to happen.
"Sang," his voice turned more commanding. "I know something is wrong. At least look at me. Open the door."
I couldn't resist that voice, and I fought back a sigh as I shuffled reluctantly to the door. I unlatched it and opened it only a few inches. "Hi..." I tried to smile at him, but I was sure I looked pretty pathetic.
