The heavy door creaked open.
A guard entered, pushing a metal box into the center of the hall.
"Food," he said flatly, before stepping back.
For a moment, everyone felt a flicker of hope.
After everything they had endured, maybe this time, there would be something normal to eat.
Finn stepped forward first, crouched, and flipped the lid.
Then the smell hit them.
Inside lay dead insects, pale worms, and unrecognizable scraps that could barely be called food.
Silence fell.
Logan's face twisted with rage. "What the fuck is this?!"
He turned toward the cameras, shouting. "You sick bastard! You want us to eat this shit?!"
Finn slammed the lid shut, disgusted. "This isn't food. This is humiliation."
Sara shook her head violently, tears brimming. "No. I can't eat this."
For a moment, everyone refused until the guard's cold voice cut through the air:
"If you don't eat… your partners will have to eat it instead."
The words froze them.
Logan cursed, fists clenched. "Bastards…"
Finn exhaled sharply. "Fine. We'll eat."
Slowly, reluctantly, they opened the box again.
No one spoke as they forced the revolting pieces into their mouths, gagging with every bite.
The taste wasn't just bitter it was the taste of powerlessness.
Later, in the children's room, a very different scene unfolded.
The kids sat at neat tables, smiling as they ate warm rice, dal, soft bread, and fruit.
Their parents the ones spared this round sat beside them, feeding them gently.
Eli wiped his daughter's mouth and forced a smile.
Jinni held Maya close, letting her eat slowly, her expression soft.
Annie and Rose helped their kids, while Zoya kept glancing at the door, deep in thought.
After the meal, the old man came, smiling softly.
"Time to rest, little ones."
He led the children away, leaving the parents sitting together in the now-quiet hall.
Zoya broke the silence first. "I keep thinking this will end soon. That they'll finally send the kids home."
Eli looked down at his hands, then nodded. "That's why we have to hold on. This hell can't last forever."
Jinni's voice trembled. "You really believe that?"
"Yes," Eli said firmly. "Because if we lose hope now… we're already dead."
The sound of boots echoed from the hallway.
The parents tensed as the masked man entered, flanked by guards.
His presence filled the room like a shadow.
He let his gaze sweep across them before speaking.
"Everyone looks good."
His voice was calm, almost amused.
"Perfect. Then let's begin our second game."