Hi I'm back! I'm not sure how this'll go...I have my track championship tomorrow and I'm super nervous/excited! Please pray for me and my team!
Percy
Today was the day.
One swim would make or break all that he'd worked for. Needless to say, that was a lot of pressure! He was racing in the 50 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and the 400 backstroke.
He ate a very healthy breakfast that consisted of a blueberry protein shake, eggs, and a peanut butter covered bagel.
He went to his rental car and drove to the Olympic Trials. The scenery in Oregon was spectacular. Rugged mountains provided a backdrop for the stunning greenery and dazzling lakes.
The altitude was a bit difficult to get used to, but Percy had strong lungs. He pulled into where he would race. It would either be the beginning of a spectacular chapter in his life, or another door closed.
Percy had decided that, if he didn't make it, he would only take up swimming as a pass-time. He wasn't overly-emotional about loss or anything, he just realized that he had to make an income. If swimming failed, he'd need to get a better education.
He went into the fancy locker room to slip on his racing suit. He got a lot of strange stares, many of them death-glares. He had expected this since he was so young. Apparently this was the year for young Olympic athletes.
He slipped on his swim cap with a large number 8 on it. Great, he was in the 8th lane. Like he needed another disadvantage (the 8th lane has the most waves from the other swimmers, along with the 1st lane).
He stepped up the the diving platform (that thing they jump off. Idk what it's called).
Time seemed to hold still.
5...he took a deep breath
4...the closed his eyes, remembering all the sacrifices it took to get him here
3...he stared at the water, his only real home
2...now or never
1...he dove in
.oOo.
Thalia
Thalia woke up to the pure morning sun on her face. She stretched, yawned, and envisioned what she had to do to win. For Zoe.
After a light but filling breakfast, she began her morning stretches. It was best to be loose in archery.
Leaning forward to touch her toes, a sudden peace came over her. Thalia knew, in that moment, that she had what it took. No matter how young she was, she was a talented archer.
She pulled on her clothes, grabbed her bow, pinned the number 8 to her shirt, and headed out the door. She would be biking to the range. It was a ritual.
The crisp summer air was refreshing. Oregon seemed to beckon all kinds of outdoor activity. A strong gust of wind almost knocked her over. Thalia was appalled.
Talk about the worst weather possible for archery! She grimaced, thinking back to her "weather practices." Those had prepared her for this.
Thalia pulled up to the range, the stares of many following her. She held her head high and fixed her own flashing eyes at them.
The announcer called all the competitors to the range, struggling to shout over the howling wind. It was time to begin. Bullseye or nothing, as Thalia's motto said.
.oOo.
Annabeth
Annabeth woke up to butterflies in her stomach. She sipped out of her water bottle. This was the moment. Everything led up to this (I'm making myself nervous!)
She ate her breakfast in silence. Soon, she couldn't take it. She put in her headphones and listened to songs to get in "the zone."
She shakily put on her assigned clothes, pinning the number 8 to her top. 8 was her lucky number because of its resemblance of infinity. 8 was forever.
She hopped into the car, turning up her iPod. The scenery was soothing. Oregon was a nice place, she decided.
She stepped out of her car, taking in the atmosphere. The stadium was packed, and cameras were rolling. This was the track where legends were made.
She stepped onto it, reverently, and began her warmup. Soon, she had spiked up and was waiting for the gun to go off in the mile.
Bang!
.oOo.
Nico
Nico woke up. The wind was blowing. The sun shining. And today, Nico knew he wouldn't escape getting hit. He was up against the best. He, Nico, the scrawniest boxer ever with no formal experience, was at the Olympic Trials.
His hometown promised kindness, reverence, even, if he could make it to the Big Apple.
He had to do it.
Reluctantly, Nico ate his better-than-normal meal, put on his clothes, and headed out the door.
It was then that he realized he'd have to walk. He sighed, trudging down the street. He'd be lucky to get there in time.
A car pulled up behind him and honked.
"Hey," the driver, a well-toned man, said, "you're Nico right? The young boxer?"
Nico nodded, feeling out of place.
"Hop in, I'll give you a ride. It's on the way to where I'm going."
Nico did so. He looked at the man. He was blond and handsome. A slight scar was the only thing that roughed-up his appearance.
They drove in silence until the man, who seemed like more of a boy, spoke up. "Good luck today. You're very young to be competing." He flashed a smile. A tight smile.
"Yeah," Nico said, "thanks. Who are you? Are you competing?"
"I would be, but I pulled a hammy while training for the bike. Here, have this. It was mine for competing, but I have no use for it."
It was a shabby watch.
"Thanks, man," Nico said, even though he had no need for a watch. Nico hopped out, still shocked at the man's kindness. Who knew that such kindness existed? Nico didn't.
He looked at the schedule. He was boxer 8.
He stepped onto the ring, looked up at his bulky opponent, and swallowed.
The bell signaled the match. Ding!
Haha sorta a cliffie! Sorry Annabeth's wasn't too good, I'm just that nervous!
What songs do you like? My favorite artist is Britt Nicole! I also like "The Champ," "Well Done," "Stronger" by Mandisa, and "Strong Enough" to pump me up!
Reviews are loved 3