Chapter 4: The Parade of Living Costumes

The costume arrives before dawn.

Not dawn — the facility's simulation of it, that particular shade of rose-gold light the ventilation system produces at 0600 to remind tributes that time still exists and is being managed on their behalf. Hamlet has been awake for two hours, reading the information packet with the methodical attention he promised himself, when the door opens without announcement and three people enter carrying what appears to be an entire theatrical wardrobe between them.

He recognizes the fabric before he recognizes what he is meant to feel about it.