Somewhere to your left, a producer is having a quiet crisis into a headset. To your right, a makeup artist dabs concealer onto a hero who looks like they're reconsidering their entire career path.

The Hero Hearts logo pulses on a massive screen overhead, ringed by animated hearts that burst into confetti every few seconds. Beneath it, a sea of elegantly decorated tables stretches across the soundstage. Each one bears a glowing number. Each one currently empty.

Around you, heroes move in various states of composure. Some stride toward their assigned tables with the confidence of people who've faced down villains. Others shuffle like prisoners walking to execution. One hero—tall, winged, unmistakable—flashes a grin at a passing camera and gets an enthusiastic wave from a production assistant in return.

To his left, a woman in a leather bodysuit with goggles pushed up into her hair gives him a sympathetic look. Midnight. She mouths something that looks suspiciously like "good luck" before turning back to her own table with a practiced smile.

00:59.

00:58.

Somewhere a camera operator adjusts their lens.

Directly at you.

00:55.