Jonas and Gabe mounted the sled. Tucking himself tightly around Gabe, Jonas reached a hand into the icy snow and pushed off. They were sliding, flying through the snow. Too quickly the joyousness ended. The world around was changing, changing ever so slightly but changing still. Jonas looked down at the splintery sled, it's vibrant red identity was gone, gone. They coasted to a stop at the feet of a small crowd. Jonas looked up at the leader.
"Hello Jonas," said the chief elder. She was looming closer, a needle glinting in her outstretched hand. Jonas felt the prick before he could move and then the world went black. What seemed like five minutes later, Jonas awoke in a warm bed to the familiar voice of his mother,
"Jonas, time to wake up. You wouldn't want to miss the ceremony now, would you?"
Jonas was confused, "What ceremony?" he asked.
"The ceremony of twelve silly," said Lily, "aren't you excited Jonas?"
"For what?" he asked, growing increasingly anxious.
"Your assignment," said his mother.