Free Camp Rock 2 by Wendy Loggia Page B

amphitheater was filling up, and TV cameras were positioned on the stage. A huge lighted sign that read hitz tv hung above it.
    A TV host fixed her earpiece and faced the camera. “Hello and welcome to Hitz TV. I’m Georgina Farlow, and today we’re bringing you ‘Camp Wars’—the ultimate summer-camp showdown. There can only be one winner in this Final Jam, and your votes are going to help us decide. Just call or text in after each performance—kids, make sure to get your parents’ permission—and let us know who you think sang out and who you think hit the wrong note. What’s your favorite camp—Camp Star or Camp Rock?”
    When the introduction spot was finished, the TV host walked over to Axel and Brown.
    â€œGreat to see you, Georgina,” Axel said, shaking her hand.
    She gave a curt, professional nod. “As always, Axel. I’m going to go do some stand-ups backstage before the concert. Good luck.” And she walked away.
    â€œYou know her?” Brown asked, surprised.
    â€œI know everybody,” Axel said smoothly. “But don’t worry, she doesn’t have anything to do with the voting.”
    Brown hadn’t been thinking about that, but now he wondered—had Axel somehow fixed the show’s results? He wished things could be different with his former friend and bandmate. But he knew they never would. “So I probably shouldn’t hold out hope for us ever being friends again,” he said.
    â€œProbably not,” Axel replied, sounding upbeat. “Though you never know. Next year I might need to hire you to run my summer camp.”
    Brown smirked. “Thanks, but I’m already booked.”
    M itchie was filled with anxiety as she stood in the wings of the Camp Star amphitheater, getting ready for the final showdown. She’d just witnessed Luke and Tess having a backstage spat—but Tess being Tess, she covered it up by plastering a big smile on her face.
    The stage manager motioned for everyone to get in their places, and Georgina Farlow walked onstage to wild applause. With spotlights shining down on her, Georgina began to speak in a dramatic voice. “As the sun goes down, the volume goes up. Welcome back to the ultimate summer-camp showdown, where you decide the winner. First up is Camp Star. Camp Star was founded only this year by superstar producer and founder of Star Records, Axel Turner, who’s been producing hits for over twenty years. I know if I was going to study music, this is the place I’d want to be.”
    Caitlyn nudged Mitchie. “Why is she saying that?” she hissed.
    â€œIt’s her job,” Mitchie whispered back. “She’s supposed to say nice things.”
    Ella’s face was pale. “If she doesn’t stop talking, I think I’m going to throw up.” She grimaced. “Too late.” She ran off to find a bathroom.
    Mitchie could sympathize—the entire experience was so nerve-racking it was enough to make the very best performers sick. She watched as Georgina introduced Camp Star.
    As Mitchie expected, the Camp Star set was amazing, complete with a multileveled stage, catwalks, and intricate backdrops. And also as expected, Luke and Tess were the stars of the show while the rest of the Star campers did perfectly synchronized backup dance moves, singing flawlessly.
    Except Mitchie hadn’t expected them to sound quite as good … or dance as amazingly as they did … or have such detailed, elaborate costumes.
    The lyrics were completely over-the-top. Luke and Tess sang about how they had the confidence to command the stage, own the crowd, and steal the show. They are literally singing their own praises, Mitchie thought. She exchanged a worried glance with Shane as dancers ran on and off the stage. As much as she hated to admit it, their performance was great. Really great.
    And the crowd knew it. As the Camp Star performers finished,