It's okay. I'm not sure what you have heard already, but...
This place is run by the Judges who put on games for the teams to compete in. These games range from harmless and fun to dangerous and upsetting. If you win, you will receive back one of the memories you gave up in order to enter this place. Once you have completed your time here, you will be able to ask one wish of the Judges.
There are twelve older teams, so fourteen in total once you include your team and your partner team. Your partner team will be the one team with whom you can share resources without penalty. In some games you will be paired with them as well.