WARNING: DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE DEATH CURE. UNLESS YOU DON'T MIND SPOILERS. OR HAVE FRIENDS THAT SPOILED IT FOR YOU. OR SAW IT ON FACEBOOK.

"Teresa?"

I turn at the sound of my name. Well, it's not my real name, but it's what I'm known as here at WICKED. Yep, WICKED. It stands for World In Catastrophe Killzone Experiment Department. Killzone means brain, if you didn't already know.

Anyway, I turn to my partner, Thomas. He's staring at his computer with such intensity I almost think he's found a cure. He's smart, definitely smart enough to take over this place. Scratch that, he practically has already - the adults are just here to keep things running smoothly once we leave for the Maze.

"Thomas", I acknowledge him.

"We have a problem", he tells me, not looking away from his screen.

"Okay...". I wait for him to tell me more.

"Subject A5 is climbing the wall".

The vines are stronger than everyone thinks. I guess that's why they never used them to escape this hell hole. I have no memory of life before the maze - it might not have been great, but it can't be worse than this.

I arrived here eight months ago, knowing nothing but my name. According to Alby and Minho, I'm tall, skinny and blond with a weird accent. Nobody recognises it, I don't even know where I'm from. That's it. That's all I am.

They say I'm more, of course. That's what friends are supposed to say. Alby reckons i have great leadership potential and Minho thinks I'm a great runner. It's not me, though. I don't want to live in a maze. I want out.

I run every day, of course. That's my job. I help Nick and Alby out with running this place in the evenings. It's mind-numbingly boring.

It always feels like I'm being watched. There's something creepy about this place. Like we're all in some huge experiment or simulation or something. I don't like it, never have.

I really don't think I've any other choice. They might find a way out later, or stay and be happy. They can all be happy in the maze without my negative thoughts dragging them down.

Minho can always find a replacement runner.

Alby can run this place without me.

It looks like I'm about ten feet up. Here goes nothing...

So, this is my first story in a while. I've been planning this one for ages and I hope you guys like the first chapter! Also, if this subject is covered in The Fever Code, please don't kill me for getting details wrong - I haven't read it yet :(

Kitty xxx