The lights start to dim, there's a murmur of impatience among the crowd, and its time for the show to start. Backstage, the performers are jittery, and so am I. This is what we've been waiting for, and now the time has finally come. The minds of my fellows are filled with thoughts like, "Am I ready?" and "Should I have rehearsed one more time?" but the only thing on my mind is being on that stage and having the lights all on me. Oh, embarrassment, do not visit me tonight. So, I take a deep breath, rise, say good-bye to my friends, and venture to the openness where the microphone stand is waiting.
As soon as I step out, the clapping begins. Partially because they're happy the show is starting, I think. I grip the mike and say, "Hello, Forks, Washington." I pause, and let the applause thunder, which it does. "Welcome to the first annual Forks Talent show. I'm your host, Awesome Author 126, and to be honest, there is a lot of talent backstage. We've got singers, dancers, poets, and more! So, get ready to throw your roses and rotten tomatoes-that was a joke, Emmett-and let the fun begin!"