Saving the Gingerbread House - A Science Folktale

Is the Witch really going to enter the House Beautiful Contest?

For that matter, is there really a witch? Something is tapping in the woods. Hansel and Gretel investigate. It's not a witch building a beautiful home. It's a woodpecker. They were in such a hurry to find the source of the sound, now they are lost. They come upon a beautiful home. It's made of gingerbread. Animals are nibbling. Hansel and Gretel, eat some, too. Then the owner comes out.

Have the hungry children ruined her chance to win that contest? What will she do?