We've built our confidence
On broken dreams now left for dead
Yet we've been condemned
To chase these dreams that never end

As I Lay Dying - “Forsaken”

I’m not a victim,
till I let you take me down.
I'm not a target at the sites of your mercy,
I never asked for anything,
I'm not asking now.
I will not be afraid,
I will not be afraid.

Stone Sour - “Hell and Consequences”

Millions of households are tuning in at the news right at this moment. The word spreads like wildfire: it is happening, right now! Broadcasts are interrupted for this special breaking news. Citizens zap to the right channel – the one that paid the most money for the exclusive broadcasting rights of the Summers Trial, as they call it. Today is the day, now is the time: the verdict is coming in on the case of Daniella Summers.

The newsreader smiles at the camera. She elegantly wipes a stray lock of dark hair out of her heavily makeupped face and says to the audience: “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Stella Keys and this is the moment everyone has been waiting for. From the day we saw the innocent blood of Jorn Berntsson flow on live broadcasts during that fateful finale of the Survival Game half a year ago, we have all been waiting to hear what would be the verdict in the trial of his brutal murderer: Daniella Summers.” She grins charmingly at the camera. “The news is coming in right now. Okay, let's go to John Stone, who is at location at the courthouse at the moment.”

The screen switches to a blond and tanned man with dimples in his cheeks. He smiles just as charmingly at the camera while behind him the court hall seems to be in total chaos. Journalists and audience seem to be everywhere, pushing each other out of the way. Everyone wants to have a piece of this, it seems. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a verdict. Not very surprisingly, Daniella Summers has just been found guilty on all charges. When she was given the choice for death by lethal injection, or participation in the next game of the League, she responded the following...”

A fade-over to images that obviously have been shot just minutes ago. The Judge, an older man in robes, is looking sternly at a young woman with ragged blond hair. She is wearing the orange overall that is sported in prison and her hands are bound, but still she manages to look defiant.

“Daniella Jennifer Summers, after careful consideration the Jury and I have come to the decision that you have been found guilty on all charges,” the Judge declares. His glare into the hall shushes the gasps and sighs of surprise that the audience is omitting. “You now have a choice to make, Miss Summers,” he continues, his voice as stern as his face. “What will it be, death by lethal injection or participation in the League?”

And the girl – she shakes her hair off her shoulders, and she smirks. Like she never expected anything different. Like she has counted on it. Anyone watching this broadcast wonders if she did. She doesn't lose composure for one moment. Her green eyes sparkle with repressed anger; the kind of anger that might have sparkled in her eyes the moment she pulled the trigger and so brutally shot the beloved League Presenter Jorn Berntsson in cold blood on international television. “Participation,” she answers, her voice ringing clear and true through the hall, “I'll enter the deathmatch.”

“Granted. Case closed.”

And that's when the image switches back to John Stone again, who is obviously straining to stay upright in what seems like a mass of people. There's a bit of perspiration on his brow. “The experts were right; Summers' own statement after the murder is what sealed her fate. Her repeated declarations of 'not regretting anything' is what earned her the verdict. However, in a surprising turn of events she chose to enter the League instead of the death sentence. Does she really think she has a chance in the Arena just because she stayed alive during the Survival Game? Has she lost her wits? Back to you Stella!”

The image switches back to Stella Keys, who is joined by a psychologist in the studio – at least, that's what the subtitle at the bottom of the screen says. At this time the speculation begins and many households will already know all they need to know. The murderer of beloved public figure Jorn Berntsson will enter the next League match, which will be in the Southern League in four months. Matters of psychology, sponsorship, fighting prowess... it's not very interesting for most citizens. They'll tune in for the show in four months, and they'll be longing to see Daniella's blood flow. Isn't everybody?