Professional Pass The Parcel

The arena is much like an amphitheatre, with a small circle of plush leather poufs at its centre. The crowd are raucous, each rooting for their heroes as the match gets underway. The competitors, each one a hardened pass-the-parcel veteran, file in and commence their warm-ups, as the umpire takes his seat at the centre of the circle.

The lights dim; the parcel is brought forth from deep within the umpire's ceremonial robe; an anticipatory hush falls around the packed stands as the umpire raises his hand high into the air, before stabbing a finger down onto the gold-plated sound system. The music blares out and the game begins.

At the parcel's centre, surrounded by many layers of wrapping paper, is the winner's medal, and the player that gets it is assured of fame, fortune and a place in the Pass The Parcel World Championships. The mind games are intense, each competitor trying to influence the game in his favour with a finely timed pass. The umpire watches with the eyes of a hawk, alert for any suspicious behaviour and prepared to disqualify players that don't keep to the rules.