Pluto was terrified, but he could allow anyone to see that. He couldn't let the parts of him that were shattered shine through past the calm, collected mask he wore each day. The vacation had done nothing to ease his nerves- every moment added onto the anxiety he was experiencing. He was scared- of Paella, of President Necare, of every choice that could lead to his death.

With shaking hands- something Pluto had noticed was becoming rather common for him- he reached for a pile of possible books he had collected, personal favorites of his that had seemed worthy of challenging the tributes with. He strode over to Paella, observing her anxious movements around the room. His fellow Gamemaker rather coldly pointed out to interns their countless mistakes, simultaneously giving frantic orders to make the games continue at a steady, controlled pace.

"What about this one? It's a personal favorite," Pluto suggested, finally catching her eye. He held up a book with a fossil imprinted across the cover- a classic science fiction novel where a company revived a collection species long extinct. Pluto had thoroughly enjoyed it. Paella took a short glance before rolling her eyes.

"Stupid. Next."

Tossing the book aside he showed her his next choice. It was a post apocalyptic novel, following a community of teenage males who lived in an experimental maze. It seemed like a perfect choice for a challenge to put the tributes through.

"These are terrible choices, Pluto."

Disheartened, the Gamemaker returned to his seat, waiting. He needed an idea; he needed to think of something before the time frame passed where he actually had a say. But before he could, Paella had passed by him, typing into the keypad in front of their chairs. After a minute or two, she swiftly walked towards him, tossing a small book onto his lap.

Paella had taken the upper hand. It was a sudden death between them. With the ending of the games looming over their heads, President Necare had been watching the two closely. The superior figure would decide which of the pair would be the one the receive the title, and which would be executed. Any moment could be the end of his career, the end of his story, the end of his life, and that was scared him most.

Pluto wasn't ready to be over just yet.

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THE TASK:

Congratulations to each of you for making it to the Quarterfinals! Of course, most of you didn't have to work very hard to get here, but it's a slight accomplishment.

As your tribute looks into the Mirror of Erised, the image of their greatest desire will suddenly clear, giving way to a room vaguely recognizable from the new book at the mirror's feet. You step into what appears to be a study- yet again. Seems to be a theme, here, doesn't it? But this study is different from all the others, for as you enter the room, all the colors fade away, and everything you see is in black and white. The study seems to be suspended in the clouds from what you can see through the large, half-moon window. See the picture above for more details on the room's appearance(note that although it is in color, your tribute will not see any of them).

Welcome, tributes, to the Giver's Annex.

This task is going to focus primarily on your tribute's memories. An elderly man will be awaiting you in the Annex; he will ask you to lie down on a nearby bed. If you refuse to follow through with this, the Giver will place his hands roughly on your shoulders, and you may be slightly more uncomfortable while the memory takes place, like something is off in your mind. Placing his hands on your back, you will be launched into the world of memories. Contrary to the storyline of The Giver, however, your tribute will relive their own memories. Be careful when choosing this memory, however- it should be something that greatly affected your tribute. They should be able to use every one of their five senses vividly in this memory, but are unable to control themselves outside their mind- the memory should play out as it happened.

As you emerge from unconsciousness, your tribute will realize everything is in color again- not just in your dream. The man will hand them a book from his shelf and send them on their way, but they're probably still too caught up in the past to really process what's going on.

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Ring Bonus/Disadvantage:

Tributes who chose the ring or did not choose the ring will be facing a benefit or disadvantage. The ring will allow you to act of your own accord in your memory, but the memory your tribute experiences will consequently be their worst. The ring will additionally still be present on your character throughout the memory, despite that they would not have possessed it at the time. It is at this point when your tribute should realize the dangers of the ring and how it is beginning to affect them. The Giver will offer you the choice to give it up if you so please. In case you've somehow forgotten if you took the ring or not, the three of you are Kanai Lathan, Katelyn "Kate" Dodger, and Montgomery 'Monty' Bean.

Those who refused the ring will proceed with the task as normal.

Word Count Maximum: 2250.

Due Date:

EST: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 20:00pm

CST: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 19:00pm

MST: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 18:00am

PST: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 17:00am

GMT: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 1:00am

BST: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 2:00am

GMT+3: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 4:00am

UTC+8: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 8:00am

AEST: Saturday, 23 July 2016, 10:00am

Deaths/Ballots:

Deaths: N/A

Ballots: N/A

Ballots no longer have any effect here, as it's the Quarterfinals and an even round. However, note that four of you will be going up for votes at the conclusion of this task, with three leaving us forever.

Bonuses:

First Entry: +0.5 points

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SPONSORSHIP GIFTS:

As there isn't really much we can give you this task and the end of the Games is creeping closer and closer, sponsor gifts have been withdrawn. However, the following perks are still active:

Aspen Kinsley and Katelyn "Kate" Dodger: Unlimited word count: Quarterfinals onwards.

Kanai Lathan: Automatic score of 9 (expires at end of task), one unlimited word count.

Esther Tehnos: One undetermined flipped score (expires at end of task), one unlimited word count.

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BALLOT CHALLENGES:

As this is an even task, ballot challenges will be received. It is the last task ballot rankings will matter.

Kanai Lathan (13)- The Gamemakers are upset that you haven't used any of your sponsor perks by choice the entire game. Therefore, they have decided not to give you anything except encouragement to make use of the bonuses you have been provided with.

Rosella Van Carter (12)- The Giver will send you on your way with a bowl of ice cream to help you recover from whatever memory has just gone through your mind.

Katelyn "Kate" Dodger, Esther Tehnos, Aspen Kinsley (11)- As one of our Gamemakers celebrates their birthday during this task, they've decided to be nice if you get them a present. If your entry is received on July 19th(any timezone), half a point will be added to your score. If not, however, the same amount will be subtracted- who denies someone a birthday present when they've been invited to the party?

Shadow Thantoes Morte (2)- The Gamemakers find it fascinating that there is such a huge gap between third and fourth in the ballot rankings- nine ballots, to be exact. We've noted that none of your scores have exceeded 8, but if you manage to reach within .75 points of 9, we'll fill the gap.

Montgomery 'Monty' Bean, Ashlyn Roxen (1)- The two you must both feature a family member in your memory.