Arena

You stand at the mouth of the cave, weighing your options for a few moments before heading out of the cave and up further into the mountain. You move cautiously, keeping your eyes and ears open alert for any signs of danger.

The path up is easy enough at first but the climb soon becomes steep and more treacherous as you move on. The cold seems to seep right through your prison clothes.

You move your fingers constantly so they don't go numb on you when you need them.

"199 contestants remain," the automated voice from above informs you as you press on through the cold.

Snow begins falling from above, frosting your hair and melting on your cheeks. Your clothes are damp and frigid and soon all you can think of is warmth.

An hour after the snow starts falling you see the top of a short and ugly evergreen sticking out of the mountain side ahead of you. You are excited at your fortune of finding the tree but wonder if you should continue along further. It's just so cold...