The Luna Choosing Game

Nicholas and I sat in a pair of chairs in front of a camera. Behind the camera, a producer stood ready to ask us questions. But first, we needed to finish our statement.

“Piper and I ended our relationship three years ago, when Piper dropped out from the academy. It was entirely coincidental that she was selected and brought here to participate in the Luna Choosing Game,”

Nicholas said.

He glanced at me. It was my turn to pick up the pre–written speech.

“We have been careful not to allow our past to interfere with the selection whatsoever. In fact, most of our time here at the palace has been spent apart.”

I had originally mentioned about how I had gone on two dates with Julian, but Nicholas had made me

cut it.

“But it would help sell our case,” I’d said. “If the world thinks I’m more into Julian…”

“Being into Julian would not eam anyone any favors,” he’d replied, stern, and had refused to speak more

about it. “I won’t be swayed.”

He was always so touchy about Julian that I decided to let it drop. Hopefully the public could make that connection on their own, without needing to be reminded.

for the competition and for Piper herself as a candidate,” Nicholas said now. “And hope that you will continue to

to

again, and if there

he was lying. At the very least, we had agreed to

hear him answer so

the producer

own quick answer of untruth. “No. I felt nothing. Our

We are both different people

weight of Nicholas’s gaze on me. I

was done.

to share such vital information with the public.

walk back to my room. However, once I was there, Charlotte greeted me

public’s reaction on television, but I didn’t dare

it true?”

nodded. “It

I knew you both had

was a long time ago, Charlotte.”

you say.”