First Step on the Mat

My fingers twitched, and suddenly the stiff plastic in my elbows broke free! I pushed against the rough grey carpet and rolled onto my knees. Beside me, a white figure and a golden one lay completely still, staring up into the room. I reached out, nudging the golden figure's outstretched arm with my knuckle. It was cold and unmoving. I took a deep breath, planted my boots firmly on the textured carpet fibers, and leaned forward, ready for whatever contest comes next.