Author's Note: Riiiight... So. I've kinda come to a realization that crossover Fanfictions do not come out in either forums, and just the crossover forums... I did not know that when I started writing this. And now I can only pray that people will stumble over this fanfic. Since...well, it'd be a real bummer if I wrote this...and no one read it. I mean, in 9 hours, only 7 people read it. Talk about sad.
Anywho, I know chapter one wasn't all that exciting, but chapter two brings you-finally-into the real story. And the action. And the thrill that you all must have loved in the books. I know I did. Please enjoy, and thanks to anyone who reads this!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or the Percy Jackson series.
For the first time since his cousin moved in, Percy wakes up earlier than Nico. Sunlight streaks in onto the hard wooden floors, and he lets himself relax at the warmth on his feet. His house is filled with the smell of pancakes, and even through the gloom, Percy is excited. Blue pancakes do make a better day, after all.
His mother's smile is fake and forced, and by the way she clutches the plate of breakfast, he knows she's just as nervous as him. He goes up, hugs her, and sets the table.
Breakfast is quiet, unfilled with their usual morning chatter. Only Nico stays oblivious, his pale cheeks pink with satisfaction of the taste that blooms in his mouth. Percy's eyes catch the blue ones of his mother, and they both allow a chuckle to escape. But that's it. The nerves return.
Sally stands behind his son as she pats his shoulder clad in suits, and Percy makes a face through the mirror. He hates wearing suits, and he swears that ties were invented for murder. He mentions to his mother that this kills him.
"At least I'm not making you comb that mess."
"Yeah, but that's because you can't. And it's not a mess. It's beautiful."
He jokingly sways his head to the side putting on his best 'sexy face', and Nico bursts into laughter from behind the door. Percy raises his eyebrows and waves him outside. He's just about to follow when his mother stops him.
"Percy…"
"Yeah?"
She smiles at him, nodding.
"You look just like your father."
Percy furrows his eyebrows, unsure of how to take the comment, and Sally just chuckles.
"Uh, thanks?"
"Good luck, Percy."
He nods, and even though he knows that the results are unpredictable, he kind of wishes she said you'll be fine. Because good luck brings the stinging truth, and he runs out before he does anything stupid.
.
Out on the streets, he joins his friends and gets in line for the blood check. He's identified as Perseus Jackson (no duh), and he leaves for his section with a pinching pain in his arm.
The Reaping Ceremony stars 30 minutes later, and as usual, they show a film of the history of the Games. It's nothing new to Percy, for they show this every year, and he rolls his eyes when he sees Aurora mouth every word. She looks even more ridiculous this year, "trying to fit in" by coloring her hair green and blue, and growing eyelashes until they reach her forehead. Capitol people, Percy thinks. He will never understand their fashion sense.
On her-again-ridiculously tall high heels, she clicks across the stage and to the bowl on the stand. Percy wrings his hands, and across the audience, he sees his mother do the same. His name is in there three times. Somewhere in the crowd, Triton stands, tall and proud. Percy finds it hard to believe that their blood is connected. Triton must've sucked every bad trait his father ever represented. On stage, Aurora rubs her gloves together in an excited way. It makes Percy disgusted. Leave it to the stupid to find joy in murder.
"Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor."
As usual, it is ladies first. A girl of sixteen, Helen Fluer is called, and when she reaches Aurora, she gives a curtsey and smiles charmingly at the crowd. Of course, she is a Career with a life full of training. Somewhere among the adults, a woman gives a squeal of delight, and he wonders how this parent is happy. Your daughter might be slaughtered in a few days, Lady! Get your head straight!
Meanwhile, Aurora's white gloves pinch a name.
"And for the gentleman, we have...Perseus Jackson!"
It's weird. He watches his name roll off her tongue, and her green colored lips twist up in a smile. His name... His name! He had prayed it not to be him for days without rest, uncaring to even hide his terror, and amidst the hundreds of names in the bowl-amidst all of the people who want to be called, it's him. It's him that's chosen, it's him that's called, and it's him that's going to die. Because-let's face it-he's a fisherman. He has no chance of survival.
His feet move on its own, coming closer to the stage, and he only snaps out of it when he hears his mother's sobs.
"I volunteer!"
Percy's head looks back with a speed of an animal, and Aurora smiles brightly in front of him.
"Aww, aren't you a real sweetheart. What's your name, dear?"
"Nico. Nico Di Angelo."
Aurora thinks this is absolutely delicious.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but you're too young to be in the Games. I can already see you'll be one of those tough guys in the future though. I can't wait to see you in the future Games!"
Nico stomps his foot.
"No! I'm going in this Games, in place for my cousin!"
Aurora giggles.
"Well, Perseus, aren't you a lucky man."
"Let me in the stupid Games!"
Percy clenches his fist, and he climbs onto stage.
"Enough, Nico. Go back to your place."
Nico's black eyes are filled with tears but he holds them in, looking strong for his cousin. The muscle on his jaw jumps a little, and he squares his shoulder to go to Sally. Percy forces his lips into a smile, and he waves at his district as they cheer them on. Over to the left, he sees Triton point to him and sneer, and he knows that that is the reason for no volunteers. His brother would love to see him die.
.
His father visits him first, much to his surprise, and he crouches in front of him, grabbing his shoulders.
"Remember what I taught you, Perseus. Unpredictability is a useful tool."
Percy runs a hand through his hair, and he nods, somewhat trying for a smile.
"You'll do great, son."
He turns around, glares at a Peacekeeper, and whispers in his ear,
"You were always my favorite son."
It's enough to leave Percy feeling warmer than before, and Poseidon presses something to his hand.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"This is a pen."
Poseidon chuckles lightly.
"I know. Make it your token from home, will you? It's good luck."
"This is a pen."
His father pats his head, tells him to win, and turns around and leaves. Percy doesn't want his last words to Poseidon be this is a pen, but by the time he opens his mouth, his father is long gone.
Percy lets the pen slip into his pocket.
.
His mother and Nico comes in next, and it takes all of Percy's will to not crumble in tears. Be strong...for them.
"Oh, Percy. I am so...I just... I-I never thought..."
"Mom."
"Percy, I love you. Remember that, okay?"
"Okay."
"You have to win, Percy."
Percy gives his cousin a hug.
"I..."
"Promise me?"
Percy hesitates, and Nico sees that. He grabs Percy's arm and pulls it.
"Promise me. Show me that I haven't looked up to the wrong person. Tell me I've been right about everything I ever thought you were. I...you're cool. You're loyal. You're funny, but serious at times, too. You're a fighter. You're a hero. You're strong."
Percy swallows, and his eyelashes cast a shadow on his cheeks.
"I'm not strong."
"Yes, you are."
It's his mother that supplies to their conversation, and she takes him in an embrace. It reminds him of when he was just a little kid, and he wishes he still were.
"Just-please, promise us you'll win?"
There's a moment of silence, and Percy relents.
"I'll try."
.
Percy's mentor is the oh-famous-Finnick Odair. He's handsome, he's charming, and if Percy were a girl, he's pretty sure he would've fell in love. Helen did, as it is. Her light brown eyelashes fluttering this way and that, and her dull green eyes made large and round, she sashayed over to Finnick and curtseyed. Percy watched in pure disgust.
"Mr. Odair. I've heard so many dashing things about you. And you're even more charming in person."
Finnick sends his signature grin, and a sigh of amazement falls from her lips. A shiver passes through Percy.
"Stop flirting with the tributes, Finnick. You're grossing us out."
Percy blinks, turning around to meet a lady, and he blinks again at her unexpected appearance. He's seen her on TV and from a distance, but so close by, she's a sight to behold.
"Clarisse La Rue. I reckon you're Perseus whatever?"
"Jackson."
Her brown hair is pulled in a ponytail and it's evident she has no cares for looks. Her arm has got to be three times as thick as his, bulging with muscle as she leans closer to Percy.
"What'cha say, Punk?"
"...I said Jackson. As in, my name is Perseus Jackson, not Perseus whatever."
Clarisse gives a barking laugh, slapping his back really hard.
"You've got guts, kid. Speaking up to me like that."
She lowers her voice to a whisper, crouching.
"Better watch your back."
She roughly grabs Helen who waves at Finnick as though in a trance, and they enter the girls' rooms. Percy's still in somewhat of a shock; Clarisse is someone he had never wanted to meet. Finnick rolls his eyes at them and turns his attention to Percy.
"Sorry for the delay. I'm Finnick Odair. Quite a bit obviously, I'll be your mentor for this Games."
"That is quite obvious."
Finnick pulls his lips to a smile and hums.
"Quite so, indeed."
Percy doesn't want to talk to his so called 'mentor'. He doesn't want anything to do with him, actually, but it's him or Clarisse, and...well...
"What's up with her?"
Finnick's eyebrows raise up in question.
"Clarisse?"
Percy decides to let him answer that on his own.
"She was a Career tribute. Practically lived for the Games. She volunteered in place for her brother and won in a mere three days. It was evident that she'd win-from the very beginning, too. She acts vicious and scary and like a bully but...well, you work with her for 8 years, and you start to see her good side."
"And you?"
Finnick smiles.
"That's for me to know and you to find out."
Percy notices how he seems different from what he's heard of, and thinks to not dislike him just yet. Though he's still unsure; he was normal near Helen. He wonders if it's just because he's a guy, for he sure hopes that he doesn't flirt with him. The moment Finnick purrs his words to him, Percy swears he'll jump off the train. He supposes it's a good thing he hasn't, yet. It'd be a shame if he died before the Games.
And, after all, once the Games actually began, Finnick will be his only hope.
His light green eyes seem to bore through Percy's, and he nods to himself, as though agreeing. Without another word, Finnick takes Percy to his room, which is well decorated and overall blue.
"Dinner's in a few hours. Come down by then, okay? For now, settle down, and welcome to the tour of your life."
The silent rattles of the train invites Percy to bed, and the mattress is so soft he sinks right in. He hears Finnick crunch on a sugar cube below, and he notes to himself to ask for one later. He tries to ignore the under-note of his mentor's last comment, for it sounded very close to...welcome to the very last tour of your life.
