This is my new story, Here It's Safe. It is a crossover between Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games. I've been wanting to start this for a long time. I do not own Percy Jackson or the Hunger Games. Enjoy!
-Rooney1076
Percy had been raised to be a fisherman, just like his father and his father before him. It was what the Jacksons were known for. His father had taken him to the small lake behind their small house every day after Percy got home from school. Percy hated the idea of being a fisherman for the rest of his life, though. He dreaded going home from school, knowing his dad would drag him out to the lake to different kinds of fishing. Percy stayed after school for as long as he could almost every day.
Looking back on it now, Percy wished he cherished those times out in the lake with his father. Two days after Percy's 14th birthday, Percy's father was strangled going home from the market for food. Every day since then, Percy went out to the lake behind his house and fished for hours.
Percy threw down his bag of grain as soon as he walked home from the market. The house was empty. His mother was still at work, and Percy didn't have siblings. He was alone. Percy grabbed the loaf of seaweed green bread from the table and tore off a small piece. Shoving the entire piece into his mouth, Percy went to his room and quickly grabbed his spear and trident. His trident. Percy's father's trident.
The cool, crisp air hit Percy's face as soon as he walked out the back door. His bare feet crunched softly against the sand, seeping in between his toes. Percy set his trident and spear on the shore by his fishing pole. He plopped down in the sand and rolled his old pant legs up. Percy rolled up the sleeves of his worn out shirt and grabbed his spear. Just as he was about to step into the water, a voice stopped him.
"I knew I'd find you here."
Percy jumped and turned, brandishing his spear, ready to attack whomever snook up on him. He let out a sigh of relief seeing the stony, grey eyes of his best friend. "Annabeth, what're you doing? Why aren't you getting ready for the Reaping?"
The blonde shrugged her shoulders and walked toward him, holding a pile of clothes. "I could ask you the same thing, Perce."
Percy turned back to the lake and stepped into it. A pleasant shiver went down his back. "I fish every day after school, Annie. You know that." He wasn't in the mood to talk. He needed something to take his mind off the Reaping that would commence in a couple of hours, the last one Percy would be going to. All he needed to do was get through today, and he'd be solid.
"I brought you some of my dad's clothes. I knew you needed some. You know, after that growth spurt," Annabeth smirked at him. Percy turned to her and glanced down at the clothes. He walked out of the water and took them, thanking her softly. Annabeth broke her facade. Her eyes grew dark, her face pale, and slumped. "I'm scared, Percy," she murmured. Percy gently put the clothes on the sand beside them.
"It's gonna be okay. This is our last year." Percy squeezed her shoulders. "We'll be fine, Wise Girl," he finished. Annabeth nodded, stiffening. She rarely was vulnerable in front of anyone. Today was different, though. She could feel it in her gut that something bad was going to happen today.
The two of them walked back inside Percy's house. "How many times do you have your name in the Reaping?" Annabeth asked. Percy looked away from her, setting the clothes on the table beside his bed. "39 times." Annabeth shut her eyes and sighed. "We needed the food. Mom's salary won't cut it and no one will hire me after what happened the last time."
"You can always ask for food or money, Percy. It's okay." Annabeth's father was the head Peacekeeper that resided in District 4. They were well off, the opposite of Percy and his mother.
Percy shook his head. "No, I-I can't do that," he stopped her. He didn't want her help, or anyone's in fact. What he caught every other day after school went to the butcher for money. Percy usually kept a few fish for him and his mom, but one cannot live on just fish.
"Percy–" Annabeth began but he interrupted her, shaking his head.
"You should go get ready for the Reaping. I'll see you there." He gave her an encouraging smile. Annabeth sighed, but nodded. She walked out the front door toward her house in town. Percy picked up Annabeth's father's clothes and went to his room to change. His mother should be home any time. She wouldn't miss the Reaping.
Percy drew up a cold bath, washing the lake grime off his legs and the dirt from the rest of his body. Percy dried off and glanced at his reflection in the mirror. Should he cut his hair? Does it even matter? He shook his head and dried his unruly black hair before pulling on the clothes Annabeth brought him. The faded grey shirt was a little small on him as Percy had a broad chest and shoulders. The green pants were just a bit short. Since Percy was 15 he had towered over Frederick Chase at 6'3. Percy pulled on his old brown boots before leaving the house to meet up with Annabeth.
Annabeth didn't really look like most people in District 4. She had light blonde hair, which was kind of common, curling in to ringlets that rested just below her shoulders. Her skin was pale, and her eyes were a stony grey. However, Percy did have characteristics of a District 4 citizen. He was tall. He was strong from all the training the Career districts were given for the Hunger Games. His skin was tan, like a copper color. His eyes were a bright green, kind of like the ocean. Percy's black hair curled over his ears, his bangs sweeping across his forehead. If he was richer, he could've been the poster boy of District 4, along with Finnick Odair, of course.
Annabeth stood, waiting outside her house in a soft green dress. She held onto one of her two brother's hand. In the other was her blue and white hat she always carried around for good luck. It had served her well so far. Matthew and Bobby whispered to each other beside her. This was their second year in the drawing for the Reaping. Annabeth looked away from whatever she was staring at and smiled at Percy as he walked up to them.
"Hey, you ready?" She asked, tension in her voice.
Percy tried giving her one of his infamous grins, but it turned into a grimace. "Ready's my middle name, Wise Girl."
Annabeth rolled her eyes, and they started walking to the Square. Everyone in District 4 was at the Square, waiting anxiously for the Reaping to begin. They to be there in fear of the death penalty. Percy often thought the death penalty would be better than going to the Reaping all the while being terrified that you may become a tribute. Percy stepped up to the table and got his finger pricked.
"Percy Jackson," he muttered to the Capitol official. Percy waited for Bobby and Matthew before heading over to the boys' section. Before Percy left to go to the 17 year olds' section, Annabeth grabbed his hand.
"Good luck, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth squeezed his hand before hugging Bobby and Matthew. She gave them one last look before heading over to her section. Percy said goodbye to Bobby and Matthew and went to stand with the other 17 year old boys. The Reaping in Districts 1-4 were always a big event. For most of their lives, the Career citizens had been training for the Hunger Games. It would be an honor for which ever two citizens of each Career district to be reaped. Unlike District 1 and 2, District 3 and 4 don't have many volunteers.
The Capitol anthem began to play suddenly, breaking everyone out of their thoughts. District 4's escort from the Capitol, Orchid Edenthaw, walked up to the microphone at the center of the stage. Orchid Edenthaw was a short skinny woman was bright green hair and pink tinted skin. Her hair was buzzed flatly on top, giving her head a square shape. Behind her were two Peacekeepers and all three of District 4's living victors, Mags Flanagan (the current mentor along with Finnick), Finnick Odair (the Capitol's darling), and Annie Cresta, whom was often perceived as mentally unstable.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome. Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor. Before we go any further, I have a special treat for you all! A film all the way from The Capitol!" Her voice was heavily accented and deep. The citizens of District 4 applauded around Percy. All he could do was grimace around him as the film they watched every year began to play. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and quickly turned. He met the brown eyes of his good friend Grover Underwood.
"You're late," Percy whispered with a smirk. He glanced behind him, seeing a short girl with bright red hair sneaking into the girls' section. Percy looked back at Grover's untidy clothes and flushed face. "Dude..."
Grover glanced up at him, growing redder. "I wanted to see her one last time," he tried arguing. "You never know if you're gonna get picked," he muttered, scratching his small goatee. Percy felt his heart drop. He didn't get to see his mother. He barely said much to Annabeth. Grover was right. If he was reaped, Percy would regret not spending more time with them before the Reaping.
Grover elbowed him when everyone began applauding the end of the film. He nodded over at a few Peacekeepers looking over at Percy who was not applauding. Percy sighed and clapped his hands slowly, almost mockingly.
"Oh! My favorite part!" Orchid clapped her hands together with a wide grin. Percy scowled. How could she be excited for this? "First the girls," she continued. Percy stiffened looking over at the girls' section. His green eyes shot over all of them until he found a familiar head of blonde curls. Annabeth was as stoic faced as ever, but Percy could see the terror she gave away in her tense shoulders and clenched fists.
Orchid walked over to the girl's pink tinted bowl, her tall heels clicking against the stone stage. Percy closed his eyes.
Not Annabeth, he prayed. Please, not Annabeth.
Percy didn't care who it was, just as long as it wouldn't be her. Percy couldn't handle losing her.
Orchid stuffed her pink hand into the bowl and rummaged around. He pulled out a small white slip, folded in half. Percy wished he could see through the paper, see whose name it was. Orchid's smile grew as licked her lips.
"Amelia Perthshire!"
District 4 applauded loudly as a young girl walked up to the stage stiffly. Percy couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. He found Annabeth's eyes and gave her a large grin. Percy could see the tears in her eyes. She would never have to live in fear of being picked for the Games. Percy wanted to go over to her, give her a huge hug and congratulate her. If he did that, the Peacekeepers would flog him. He gave Annabeth one last smile before turning back to the stage. The young girl, maybe around 13, stood on the stage with her eyes wide. She held tightly onto her expensive-looking yellow dress.
"Congratulations, dear!" She lightly patted Amelia on the back. "Now, onto the boys!" Percy sucked in a breath. He was always anxious for the Reaping of the boys. Percy had been trained by District 4 officials since he was 10 years old, but he had always thought the Games were wrong and did not want to participate, unlike many of the guys his age.
Orchid plunged her hand into the large bowl, and pulled out a piece of paper from the bottom. Again, Percy wished he could see the name through the paper.
"Perseus Jackson!"
It was like nothing Percy had ever felt before. The warm wind turned cold. Every muscle in Percy's body stiffened. His heart dropped to his toes. His brain throbbed, and his ears popped. Percy looked over at Grover beside him with wide eyes. Grover's mouth hung open, his eyes burning a hole into Percy's. Everyone applauded for Percy.
Grover blinked and lightly pushed Percy to the aisle. He was telling Percy something, but he couldn't hear anything. Percy shook himself out of it, walking up the stage stairs with a blank look. He couldn't give away his emotions. He had to think ahead now. He couldn't let the other tributes and sponsors thinking he was weak. Percy clenched his jaw as Orchid grabbed Percy by the bicep and pulled him over to stand by Amelia. He towered over the young girl as they shook hands, and all of District 4 clapped for them. Percy searched the crowd for his mother, but didn't see her anywhere. His eyes found Annabeth's. Two other girls were holding onto her hands. Her eyes were panicked as she stared up at him.
"Our tributes for District 4!" Orchid exclaimed as everyone once again applauded. Two sets of four Peacekeepers escorted Percy and Amelia inside the Justice building that every District had. Orchid, the victors, and the mayor followed them closely behind. They pushed Percy and Amelia into separate rooms.
Percy plopped down on the small couch in the small room. He was trying to process what exactly happened and what was to come when a Peacekeeper opened the door. "You have 3 minutes," he said gruffly and pushed the person in before slamming the door. Percy stood up, locking eyes with Annabeth. She stood in front of the door, her hand clutching her white and blue hat.
"Hey, Wise Girl. Nice of you to visit me," he chuckled lightly. Annabeth looked at him with wide eyes. She dashed forward and hugged him tightly. Percy wrapped his arms around her hesitantly. Annabeth wasn't one to be vulnerable like this, and it surprised him every time she was. Annabeth was shaking softly against his chest. "It's gonna be fine," Percy told her.
Annabeth drew back and nodded, wiping her eyes. "I, uh, sent my dad to tell your mom. I don't know if she'll make it in time, though." Percy closed his eyes and nodded. He wished for more time with his friends and his mother. He wished to go to school again, even though he hated that almost as much as the Games. He wished he could've lived a little more instead of fishing for hours every day. Percy wished for a different life, a happier one.
"Take care of her–my mom," Percy whispered, holding Annabeth's face in his hands, making her look at him. "Promise me that you'll look after her, visit her. I know it's a lot to ask, but..." Percy let go of Annabeth and sat down. "She's all alone."
Annabeth sat next to him. "I promise," she whispered, fiddling with her lucky hat in her hands. "You're allowed to take one token from your district," Annabeth began. Percy glanced over at her. She handed him her hat. "Take this."
"Annabeth," Percy began, but she stuffed it in his hand. She tried to muster a smile, but it turned into a grimace.
"I–" Annabeth was cut off by the door slamming open and two Peacekeepers appearing in the doorway.
"Time's up," one said gruffly. Percy and Annabeth stood. Percy wanted to beg for more time, but he knew better.
Percy gave Annabeth one last hug and pulled away slightly. He kissed her on the forehead. "Take care of yourself, Wise Girl," he whispered. Before Annabeth could reply, the Peacekeepers were pulling her out of the room. Grover visited Percy next with Juniper, his girlfriend. Grover cried during half of the goodbye, saying that he should've volunteered, but Percy waved him off. Percy wouldn't have allowed his best friend to do that. He hugged his friend tightly, as if this were the last time he would ever see the boy again, and the two of them left. Percy waited 15 more minutes for his mother to show up, but she didn't. He was worried. Maybe Annabeth's dad never found his mom and told her. Maybe she got hurt coming to find him. Percy wasn't sure.
When Amelia's family and other visitors had all gone, the two of them were ushered out of the Justice Building with Mags, Finnick, and Orchid on their tail. Percy walked silently to the automobile alongside Amelia, tears still streaming down her face. Two Peacekeepers flanked their sides, a camera crew walked beside them. Percy tried to remain emotionless looking, but all he could think about was his mother. Once they all got into the large automobile, they sped off, heading to the train that would bring them to the Capitol. The car ride to the train was filled with Orchid talking nonstop about the Capitol and how lucky they were to be tributes in this year's Games. Finnick and Mags talked softly to each other behind them.
Percy looked out the window, watching the beauty of his home pass him by. The car ride was short. As soon as the car was no longer in motion, two Peacekeepers grabbed Percy out of the car by his arms and escorted him toward the train. Percy was about to climb aboard when he heard a scream.
"Percy!" He glanced around, looking for the voice. "Percy! Wait!" His eyes found the source. His mother was still in her work clothes as she pushed through the crowd and the Peacekeepers. Percy moved toward her and enveloped her in his arms. His mother's knees gave way, but Percy held her up as she sobbed into his shoulder. "No," she muttered. "Please, no." Percy could feel Peacekeepers pull at him.
"Mom," he tried grabbing her attention. "Mom, look at me." Sally Jackson glanced up at him with teary, blue eyes. "Annabeth and Frederick are gonna take care of you. It'll be alright."
"No, you have to come back. You can't–"
A Peacekeeper pulled Percy away from his mom, but he shook the man off. Percy gave Sally one last hug. "I love you." Frederick came up behind his mother and tugged her gently away. Percy heard her scream 'I love you' back as he boarded the train.
"Well, that was quite the performance," Orchid said once they were all in the train. Percy scowled at her and pushed past Finnick and Mags, heading for the other cart, hoping to find a room somewhere.
Percy awoke to a knock on his door. He pulled away the incredibly soft covers and pushed himself out of the most comfortable bed he had ever slept in. He opened the door sleepily to find Finnick Odair leaning against the doorway, his bronze hair falling over his eyes which were much like Percy's. He wore something different than when Percy last saw him.
"We're a few minutes from the Capitol," he said. Finnick looked down at Percy's Reaping attire. "You'd better change." Percy nodded and went to close the door, but Finnick shot his foot out. "I'm sorry Percy," his tone was different, gentler. "I'm sorry this is happening to you. I'm going to do all I can to keep you alive. I promise."
Percy gave him a small smile. "Don't make promises you can't keep." Percy shut the door and headed to the bathroom to attempt to figure out the shower.
When Percy walked back into the dining cart, everyone was sitting at the table except for Amelia. Percy walked up to to the window where she was seated. Percy had seen Amelia around District 4 at school a few times. She was many grades below him, but he used to see her outside with her rich kid friends, gossiping. They had never spoken.
Percy thought about how terrible it must be for a thirteen year old to have to fight for her life. She wouldn't last very long. Percy felt sorry for her, but at the same time, he was glad Annabeth wasn't with him. Percy plopped down in the chair next to Orchid and across from Finnick. Percy looked at the plate in front of him. He had heard of some of these foods, but had never tasted them. He picked at it uncertainty as Orchid handed him a ceramic cup of something brown and hot. He gave her a confused look.
"Oh, don't tell me you've never had hot chocolate!" She exclaimed and tapped him on the arm. Percy raised his eyebrows. "District 4 is a very rich District! You must've had some!"
"Well, unlike the District, I'm not rich," Percy muttered with a roll of his eyes. Capitol people could be so ignorant to what was really happening in the Districts.
Mags took a small piece of bread from the middle of the table. She dipped it into Percy's cup of hot chocolate and handed it to him. Mags motioned for him to eat it. He glanced at Finnick for reassurance. The man gave him a nod. Percy took a hesitant bite out of it before stuffing the whole thing in his mouth. Percy pushed away the plate of food and took the bowl of bread instead. He continued to dip the bread in the hot chocolate, giving Mags a wide smile. So far, the hot chocolate and bread were the only good things about Percy's situation. Percy started thinking about his situation, his mind wondering to his mother and Annabeth and Grover back home. Percy wondered if they would move on quickly when the Capitol sends his body back in a wooden box. No–he couldn't think like that. Percy needed to start thinking of ways to stay alive, to win the Games. His mind dashed back to his mother and Annabeth. Percy vowed he would do anything in his power to come back to them.
"What about strategy? What's going to keep me alive?" Finnick glanced up at Percy's husky voice, wondering why the boy was asking him. After a moment, Finnick remembered that he was, in fact, District 4's mentor.
"Oh yeah," Finnick started. He glanced up at Amelia by the window. "Why don't you come sit down, Amelia." The girl huffed, but did as Finnick told her. "Strategy." Finnick closed his eyes, thinking. Percy frowned; was Finnick just now thinking about how to keep them alive? Percy was starting to doubt his chances. Finnick then opened his eyes, looking them both up and down, and then began whispering with Mags. He nodded and turned to their escort. "Orhid," he said. "Do you find Percy attractive?"
Percy scowled at him. Orchid turned a bright pink and glanced over at the 17 year old. Orchid gave Percy a sideway glance and nodded. Finnick, with a triumphant look on his face, grinned over at Percy. "Then you will be Finnick 2.0." Orchid clapped her hands together.
"What's Finnick 2.0?" Percy asked, crossing his arms. It seemed to Percy that Finnick had just pulled that out of his ass, something Percy often does, but didn't like the idea that that one idea from Finnick Odair's ass could be Percy's lifeline.
"Well, you're handsome like me. Having a pretty face can get you almost anywhere in the Capitol." Percy's scowl deepened, but knew his mentor was right. The Capitol was very materialistic and vain. All they cared about was beauty, money, and the Hunger Games. "Add my personality and the Capitol will adore you."
Finnick took a sip of a red drink in a tall glass. "Charismatic, cocky, sensual, maybe a little arrogant." Percy scowled at him. He didn't want to be a completely different person by the end of this, but if it meant that Percy would live, then he'd do anything.
"Fine," Percy muttered. Finnick grinned at him triumphantly and clapped his hands. His gaze turned to Amelia, and his brow furrowed.
Finnick leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "Amelia, what are you good at?"
Amelia shifted uncomfortably. Percy looked over at her. She was a skinny girl with long sun bleached hair and green eyes. She was short and didn't look like a fighter. The young girl fiddled with her dress. "I can fish..." she murmured.
Finnick sighed. Every person in District 4 could fish, but it was a good skill to have. Their mentor gave her a once over and thought. "When you get to the training room, stay away from the knives and weapons for the first few days. Focus on the survival skills–the fire-starting, camouflage, whatever." Amelia nodded.
Finnick looked over to Percy. "What about you? What can you do?"
Percy glanced over at Orchid. "Everything the Academy taught me," he whispered. The Academy was something the Career Districts invented to train their tributes at a young age before the Games. Percy was an okay student. He preferred a sword or his father's trident. Finnick nodded. "Except a bow and arrow. I can't shoot. I can make a fire, fish, gather food."
Finnick nodded once again. "Stick with the Careers for now until you find someone you want to stick with." Percy couldn't stand people from District 1 and 2. He had met a few when he travelled with his father, transporting fish and other sea food. They were some of the snobbiest, most vain, annoying people. Percy wasn't sure how long he would be able to deal with them.
Suddenly Percy heard cheering and screaming from behind him. He turned around and looked out the window. Hundreds of Capitol citizens huddled close to the train as they came to a stop. Percy saw the odd variety of faces screaming and cheering for him.
"Perseus!" They yelled. Percy flinched at his full name. He glanced back to Finnick. He gave him a nod of his head, encouraging him. Percy was not looking forward to acting like the Capitol's darling, Finnick Odair. But he needed to do anything that would get him through the next few weeks and get him home. Percy plastered on his best, most winning grin and flipped the hair from his eyes. He waved slowly at the passing Capitol citizens, watching them fawn over him. He felt a sick feeling in his gut as he continued to give the Capitol a show.
They all gathered around the projection screen in the large sitting room of the fourth floor of the tribute's building. Percy plopped down on the very comfortable couch in front of the projection screen next to Mags. Finnick had suggested they all watch the Reapings of the other Districts. Percy was interested to see his opponents for the first time. Orchid had one of the Avoxes put the tape on. The projection screen flickered on before going straight to the Capitol's anthem and a speech from President Snow.
Finnick told Amelia and Percy to pay attention to the Career Districts. They would need to stick with the stronger ones of the 24 tributes. Percy, however, wanted to examine the other tributes, hoping for a way out of making an alliance with the Careers. Percy watched as a tall boy with blonde hair and a smirk took the stage of District 1 with a pretty blonde girl. Marvel and Glimmer, their escort had said. Next was a large, stocky boy practically fall over his feet to volunteer. A shorter girl with an angular face and brown hair followed him, also volunteering. The tributes from District 3 were underwhelming.
Percy watched his Reaping stiffly with a clenched jaw. He watched as Orchid called out Amelia's name. Their escort applauded herself as she announced Percy's name too. Percy scowled at her, but watched as he walked emotionlessly up to the stage and shook hands with Amelia. Percy expected them to watch District 5's Reaping next, but the scene changed to District 4's train station. Percy frowned as he watched Peacekeepers usher him and Amelia through the crowd.
Percy paled when he heard and saw his mother scream for him. She pushed through the crowd, still in her work clothes, and met Percy in the middle. Percy hugged her tightly as Sally's knees buckled underneath her. He held her small frame up with ease. Percy couldn't hear himself or his mother speaking on the projection screen, it must've been too loud or something. Percy didn't care, though. He was incredibly angry at the Capitol. How could they show something so–. Percy stopped himself. The Capitol had been killing off children for almost 74 years; they didn't care if they showed something so personal, something that was entirely not their business.
Percy closed his eyes for the rest of his reunion with his mother. He couldn't relive what he felt as he left his mother again. Once he heard the escort for District 5, he opened them back up. Finnick and Mags were staring at him, but Percy shook it off. Percy didn't pay much attention to any of the other Reapings until District 11. He felt a small pang for the 12 year old girl with dark skin and eyes.
Percy was ready to go to bed. It had been a long, emotional day. Percy just wanted to go to sleep in the most comfortable bed he had ever been in, but they had one more Reaping to watch– District 12. Percy didn't see the reason to waste his time watching 12's Reaping. District 12 was the poorest District, and their tributes never amounted to anything. The last tribute from 12 to win was Haymitch Abernathy, and that was 24 years ago. Like usual, District 12's tributes wouldn't last long. But Finnick made him sit still and watch.
Their escort walked on the grimy stage, her pink-tinted wig wobbling slightly. Behind her were three chairs, two empty. A middle aged man sat in one of them, their mayor. The camera turned to look at the citizens of District 12. Most of them were skinny and gaunt looking, most likely from the Seam. The others were probably from town. In the crowd, Percy didn't see any standouts. District 12's escort, Effie Trinket Orchid told them, pulled out a small piece of paper from the girls' bowl.
"Primrose Everdeen," she announced into the microphone. Percy looked down sadly as another 12 year old pushed her way to the aisle. She was pale and blonde, her fair face contorted with shock. She didn't make it very far before a taller girl with olive skin and brown hair plunged into the aisle.
"Prim!" She shouted, her voice coming out hoarse. Percy leaned forward, looking at the screen interested. "Prim!" She screamed again. Two Peacekeepers tried to hold her back as she struggled to go to the younger girl. "I volunteer!" Her cry was muffled. Percy raised an eyebrow. "I volunteer as tribute!" Her voice was clear and cold as she pushed away the Peacekeepers. Percy had never heard of a volunteer from District 12 before. He glanced over at Finnick, whom just shrugged. Percy's interest was sparked in the brunette from District 12. The girl was already on the stage, her face stiff.
"What is your name, dear?" Effie pushed the microphone closer to the brunette.
"Katniss Everdeen," her voice was clear and strong as she spoke.
"I bet my bonnet that was your sister, huh? Didn't want her to steal all the glory?"
Katniss nodded. "Yes." Effie told District 12 to applaud their very first volunteer, but they were silent as they raised three fingers to their lips, kissed them, and raised it above their head. This stumped Percy. Next, Eddie Trinket called the name, Peeta Mellark. A pale, blonde, stocky boy walked up the stage.
Finnick turned the projection screen off, and ushered them to bed. Tomorrow they would be meeting with their stylist team, so they needed their beauty sleep. Percy walked numbly back to his room. He took a long shower, still trying to figure out the ghastly object. He changed into silk pajamas and climbed into his long awaited bed. The last thing Percy thought about was that olive skinned, brunette volunteer from District 12.