I don't own anything. Enjoy!

-Rooney1077

It was the third and final morning of the group training sessions. In the afternoon on the same day, they would stand in front of the sponsors and gamemakers and prove themselves. Percy was kind of looking forward to going, wanting to see Thresh, Rue, Peeta, and even Katniss who he continued to talk to, one-sided mostly, every day. Percy had learned that the Girl On Fire was not a very talkative person, which Percy was fine with; it gave him time to talk a lot, which he found himself needing to do lately. Percy didn't want to talk to Amelia as the young girl wouldn't understand. Finnick would just try to make him feel better, and that's not what Percy was going for. Mags was Percy's second choice. Orchid wasn't even an option.

Katniss would listen and make a few snide comments or just not say anything at all–it was exactly what Percy needed. He needed someone who didn't care about him to rant to. Percy had no doubt in his mind that Katniss didn't care about him.

On the flip side, Percy had been feeling childishly homesick. Percy hadn't missed his mom, Annabeth, Grover, and his lake as much as he did today. It was an odd feeling–his stomach cramped up every time he thought of them. Percy sat on his bed, twirling Annabeth's cap in his hands. Percy remembered her smile, her laugh whenever he did something stupid, her sparkling grey eyes.

She had been his best friend since he was 12. They met on the day of Percy's first Reaping. Percy was in front of Annabeth in the line to get his finger pricked. No one had told him he would be getting his finger pricked, and Percy was so confused and scared. His father and mother were both at work, so he was completely alone. The Capitol official called for next in line, causing Percy to freeze. He looked over at the kids beside him, silently begging them to go next. A small hand touched his back, and Percy jumped. He turned to see a girl taller than him with blonde curls and a light green sweater.

"It doesn't hurt," Annabeth had told her, her voice soft. "It's just a little surprise, and it's over in a second, I promise." She gave him a stiff smile. Percy nodded nervously and walked up to the man. He took Percy's small, tanned hand and stuck him quickly, pushing Percy's finger down inside a small paper box. The man told him to move along.

Percy blinked, and stepped to the side. Once the girl he had spoken to just a minute ago was OK'd to go, Percy fell in step with her. He stuck out his hand. "I'm Percy," he said softly, giving her a small smile.

The taller girl returned it, and grasped his hand firmly. "I'm Annabeth Chase. This must be your first Reaping."

Percy nodded. "Is this yours? You seem to know what to do," Percy asked.

Annabeth shrugged, stopping at the 12 year old girls' section. "My dad explained everything to me over and over again until he was sure I knew it. He's the Peacekeeper up there!" She pointed to a tall man dressed in all white. Percy couldn't see him under the white helmet. "Hopefully I'll see you after," she said and headed over to her rightful spot.

Percy was glad he was the tall one now.

A knock shook Percy from his reminiscing. He jumped up from the bed, stuffing the worn out hat under his pillow, and swung open the door. Amelia stood with her arms crossed, leaning up against the frame of the door.

"You ready?"

Percy sighed, but nodded, thoughts of Annabeth still circling around in his head. Thinking of her always exhausted Percy. He closed the door behind him and followed Amelia down the steps and into the elevator. It was a quick, quiet ride down to the basement of the Training Center. They arrived late, but no one pays them any attention. Percy wordlessly heads over to the swords, needing to distract himself.

Percy faught the instructor for an hour, winning 17/22 fights, before thanking her and getting a drink. Percy ignored the calls of Peeta and Amelia over by the ropes course, and headed to the knots station. Percy saw Katniss sitting there silently, and thought about going over to the snare-setting station. He shook his head and continued to the knots station. Katniss had barely spoken to him, why would she start now? Percy plopped down a few feet away from her, and takes a small piece of green netting. He mindlessly ties the netting into various knots until an idea pops into his head.

Katniss watched Percy walk into the Training Room. He seemed different than all the other times she had spoken to him–well, listened to him. His shoulders were slightly slunched. His face was plain, no smile, no light in his eyes. He looked tired. Katniss had come to learn a lot of things about Percy as she had listened to him talk almost nonstop for a couple of days. She had come to know his movements and moods, even though she wished she didn't. She had grown comfortable around him. Katniss knew that in three days, she would have to kill him, and she was honestly fine with that.

Katniss could tell something was up with him, though, as he sat down near her and wordlessly started tying knots. Katniss glanced down at his practiced fingers. They seemed to dance along the netting. To Katniss it seemed to form a fish. He took a grey rope and did the same.

Katniss knew Percy could feel her eyes on him, but he chose to ignore her. Katniss felt odd, not hearing him speak or joke around. She glanced down at her failed knot and flung it to the metal floor. She saw Percy look up. He slowly took the knot Katniss threw and untied it easily.

"Try again," he said, his voice hoarse. Katniss wondered if he had spoken at all today as she took the rope from his hands. Katniss tried once more, but ended up with the same product. Percy once again, untied the knot and handed it back to her. He scooted closer in the process. "Let me see what you're doing."

Katniss nodded and slowly tried to tie the same knot. Before she could move on to the next step, Percy gently grabbed her hands, immobilizing them. "This is where you're going wrong," he murmured. He undid the last loop. Percy grabbed her right hand and wove the string under and then twisted it 3 times under. Percy let go and told her to continue the steps. Katniss did so and soon enough she had a perfectly tied not. Katniss broke out into a wide grin. She looked up at Percy, and he was smiling at her.

From then on, the two of them went from station to station, Percy talking and Katniss listening. She seemed to have broken through his sour mood. From time to time, Katniss did see Percy reach into his pocket and pull out the grey fish he wove, staring at it with sad eyes.

Hours later, Percy was sitting next to the female tribute from District 5, waiting for his turn to have the private session with the sponsors and gamemakers. Amelia had been in the large gymnasium type room for about 10 minutes. Percy couldn't tell if that was good or bad. He glanced around. Everyone was quiet and unmoving. They looked pale, gaunt in the low-lit waiting room. Rue was the only one that didn't look terrified. Percy tapped his foot nervously. He knew he needed to do well because looks and charm wasn't enough. The sponsors needed to know that Percy was capable of surviving for a while in any confusion before sending him gifts.

Suddenly, the doors to the gymnasium opened, and then slammed shut. Amelia stood in front of them door, pale. She glanced at Percy before leaving the waiting room. Percy didn't take that as a good sign.

Percy clenched his fists and stood up. He straightened his shoulders. 'Calm down, Percy. You got this.' Percy nodded slightly at himself and walked over, pushing the doors open. As soon as he entered the room, all eyes were on him. Five instructors stood in the middle by a rack of different types of swords. Beside the swords was a rack of tridents and spears. Percy walked to the middle of the room, and titled his head up toward the gamemakers and sponsors above him.

"Perseus Jackson, District 4," his voice boomed. The head gamemaker, Seneca Crane, nodded at him. Percy turned to the instructor, offering him a smile. He then went over to the rack of swords, and picked the one he had used for the last 3 days. It wasn't as good as his sword he used at the Academy, but it would do. He swung the sharp object around, getting a feel for it. Percy stepped up to one of the instructors.

Without warning the man made a downward arc, slashing at Percy's neck. Percy immediately blocked it kicking the instructor back with the heel of his boot. Behind Percy, another instructor tried to strike Percy in the back, but he turned quickly, and blocked it. Percy pushed the man back, and twisted his sword against the other man's sword. It flipped out of his reach and into Percy's hand. Percy was immediately attacked on either side of him and slashed at the first opponent's arm, and elbowing him in the face. Percy moved onto the last instructor. The two of them exchanged blows, until they were at the edge of the room. Percy was almost backed up against the wall, and he saw an opportunity. Percy ducked just as the instructor slashed at his neck, the man fell forward toward the wall. Percy spun around and threw both swords at the wall. They landed right next to each side of the instructor's head, sticking into the wall.

Percy let out a breath, wincing at the slice on his arm. He turned slowly and walked back toward the center of the gymnasium, looking up at the gamemakers and sponsors. Seneca Crane nodded again at him. "Thank you, Mr. Jackson." With that, Percy headed toward the doors.

He pushed them opened with his better arm as the other was bleeding down his wrists and dripping onto the floor. Percy ignored the stares and left the waiting room. He headed to the elevator, leaving a small, scarlet trail behind him.

"You're lucky that wasn't your face or we'd have a problem!" Orchid exclaimed, nodding at his bandaged arm at the dinner table. Percy rolled his eyes, continuing to chew his food. It wasn't even a big deal if Percy had a small scratch on him. Soon, he would be covered in "scratches". Orchid hugged, "Your face is the best thing about you, Perseus, we can't have you damage what will get you sponsors!"

Finnick took a quick swig from a tall glass of blue liquid. "His score will make up for it," he waved Orchid off. Percy gave him an appreciative nod. Finnick glanced at his watch, and wiped his mouth with a silk cloth. "Time go hear the scores." Percy hurriedly got up from the table, heading over to the sitting area, Percy turned on the television. Amelia, Finnick, Mags, Clio and Ajax, and Orchid followed quickly behind.

Caesar Flickerman sat at a small table, holding a piece of paper. He slicked back his bright blue hair and gave the camera a dazzling smile. "As you know, the tributes were ranked on a scale of 1-12 after three days of careful evaluation." Caesar gave the camera one more smile before looking down at his paper. "From District 1, Marvel," a holographic picture of him appeared behind Caesar, "with a score of nine."

An image of Glimmer appeared behind Caesar; she earned a nine. Next was Cato, who earned a ten. After that was Clove, also rated a ten. Both of the District 3 tributes earned 4s. Finnick and Percy spoke animatedly to each other about the Careers after Percy had told him he spent an accumulative hour with them. Everyone in the room was silent when Percy's face appeared behind Caesar. Percy pushed himself to the edge of the couch cushion, bunching his hair up in his fists nervously. Caesar looked down at the paper, and looked back up. "From District 4, Perseus, with a score of ten."

Percy's ears rang at the sound of the ten. He broke out into a large smile with wide eyes. Various hands clapped him on the shoulder and back. Mags gave him a kiss on the cheek and a broad grin. Finnick ruffled his hair and laughed with a huge grin. Then, they head Amelia's name and settled down. "From District 4, Amelia, with a score of six." Percy gave her a smile as everyone else congratulated her.

"What did you do?" Percy asked.

Amelia shrugged with a small smile. She was pleased that she was at least above a five. "I finished the ropes course and threw a few of those star-looking things," she replied, referring to the steel throwing stars often on the same rack as the knives. Percy grinned at her and held a hand up to high five her. Amelia rolled her eyes with a small smile and high fived him. "What did you do?" She asked as the screen danced with a picture of the male tribute from District 10, his score a four.

Percy shifted, looking up at the screen. "I fought a few guys with a sword," he said flippantly, his eyes trained on the screen, waiting for Katniss and Peeta's scores. Amelia squealed seeing Rue's seven and Thresh's ten. Percy leaned forward as Peeta's face graced the screen. "From District 12, Peeta, with a score of eight," Caesar read. Percy nodded, good for him, he thought. Percy narrowed his eyes as Peeta's face faded and Katniss's slight scowl appeared in front of him. "From District 12, Katniss, with a score of..." Caesor seemed to double-take. "Eleven," he finished in surprise. Percy let slip the wide smile he was concealing and laughed heartily. Everyone turned to face Percy, Finnick raising an eyebrow. Percy noticed and turned red. He shrugged and got up from the couch. Without another word, Percy headed to the elevator, pushing past the Avoxes. He pushed the small button labeled 'roof'. The ride was short and quiet, no music to fill the silence. Percy hated silence.

When Katniss made it to the roof, she was hoping to be alone. She needed some time to think after hearing her training score given to her by people she thought must've hated her for shooting an arrow at them. An eleven. Katniss, along with everyone else, was utterly shocked. And now, there was a target on Katniss's back. Katniss was just now realizing how completely alone she was. Peeta was distancing himself from her slowly. Haymitch hated her. Effie Trinket was alright sometimes, but most of the time she was unbearable. Cinna was the only person Katniss liked, but she would be in the arena very soon where Cinna couldn't reach her. And Percy–most of the time Katniss couldn't stand Percy. He was always making jokes, he acted way too overconfident for his own good, and he tried too hard to be Katniss's friend. Other times, his jokes were welcomed, and his non stop talking was a good distraction. That didn't mean Katniss liked or cared about the boy from District 4. She merely tolerated him.

But Katniss was not in the mood to talk when she went up to the roof. Peeta had told her that Cinna showed him the solitary place a few days ago. He said it was a good place to think. When Katniss saw Percy leaning against the railing, looking down at the ground, she knew there wasn't going to be a lot of thinking going on.

Katniss considered going back to her room and letting the calm sounds of the forest soothe her, but she found herself walking past the small garden and to the railing. She leaned up against it, far from Percy. The boy didn't look at her, didn't say anything for a while, and Katniss was grateful. She glanced down at his scarred hands. He held a worn out blue and white hand and a pink carnation he must've picked from the garden behind them. His jaw was clenched and his eyes narrowed. He must be deep in thought.

Katniss looked down at the Capitol below them. It buzzed with life. The Capitol citizens looked like ants from the tall tower they stood on, ants that Katniss imagined crushing with the heel of her boot.

"Congrats on the eleven, Girl On Fire." Katniss jerked her head to the right. Percy was looking straight ahead. Katniss didn't say anything. "No one's ever gotten an eleven." Percy cracked a smile. "It was probably because of the knot I taught you to tie. So, you're welcome," Katniss rolled her eyes at his joke. "How did you do it?" He was looking at her now with narrowed eyes.

Katniss wasn't a fool. She wasn't going to tell him the one thing that could save her in the arena. Katniss gave him a fake smile. "You're right. It was all because of that one knot," she lied.

Percy chuckled, stuffing the hat in his back pocket and crossing his arms. He took a step toward him. "You know, Katniss, you don't have to lie to me. You're easy to read and I have no desire to kill you when the time comes." Percy looked calculatingly down at her. "Now, from your scarred hands and arms, I'm guessing you lived a tough life in District 12."

Katniss interrupted him, "That's not hard to guess. Almost everyone in 12 struggles, unlike you and the rest of District 4." Her tone was venomous, which confused Katniss when Percy laughed.

"From your guarded looks, body language, and the hands, I'm guessing you are a...hunter." Katniss mistakenly gave him a semi-shocked look. Percy nodded. "I'm right." Percy took another step toward her. "From the way you looked at me while I sparred with the swords, you don't like them very much," he continued. Katniss scowled at him. Percy smiled, taking another step toward her. He was now a foot away from Katniss, looking down at her calmly, like this was easy for him. He moved her braid from her shoulder, seeing the mockingjay pin Madge gave her before she left for the Games. "And also from this pin..." he tapped the arrow the bird held in its mouth. "I'm guessing you wowed the gamemakers with your bow and arrow skills." He whispered. Katniss clenched her fists, giving him a stony look. Percy took the pink carnation and slipped it in her hair, right above her ear. "You don't have to lie to me, Katniss–you're already easy enough to read like a book." Percy backed away from her. "See you at the interviews," he called as he walked back to the elevator. Katniss tore the flower from her hair and threw it; the flower bounced off the force field, sizzling. She gripped the railing tightly. He had no right to–Katniss growled angrily.

She hated Percy Jackson.

When Percy got back to his floor, it was late. He must've been on the roof for a few hours before Katniss showed up. Percy exited the elevator and almost ran into Finnick. The older man leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. He straightened up and followed Percy when he started walking to his room.

"Tomorrow we practice your strategy for the interview with Ceasar," Finnick broke the silence. Percy glanced over at him.

"I thought my strategy was to be you?" Percy stopped at his door, turning back to his mentor.

Finnick nodded, "it still is. This is just part of it," he smirked. "I need to make sure you don't say anything that will ruin your chances to get sponsors or anything that will ruin my plan for you."

Percy raised a black brow. "And what is this plan, Finnick?"

The day of the interview, Percy was hoping he would get to sleep until the time of the interviews had come. He was exhausted from staying up all night with Finnick, getting ready for his interview that would take place later in the day. But, Percy was awoken around 12 in the morning by his prep team. Idum had to practically drag Percy from his soft bed, kicking and screaming. They dragged him all the way down to the Remake Center. They shaved Percy's small stubble that was appearing, plucked his eyebrows, trimmed his hair, waxed all the hair off his body again besides his face and head. Then, they forced him to soak in a big tub of cold water and some chemical that would make his copper skin glow. They dried Percy off and was rubbing aftershave on his face when Clio entered the fragrant room.

She gave Percy a wide smile and sat across from him, a clipboard resting against her chest. "Good evening, Percy. I have a few options for you to choose from for tonight." Percy raised an a brow, surprised. He actually got a choice in this whole process? Clio pointed to the first one and began explaining something to him. The jacket and pants were a very dark blue, covering a black button up shirt and tie. The next was an all gold suit that Percy would wear with a few buttons of the shirt unbuttoned. He quickly vetoed that one, saying that he already showed enough skin at the Tribute Parade. Next was a simple one that Percy actually liked–a royal blue suit jacket and pants, a white button up shirt, and plain, comfortable-looking shoes.

Clio sighed, but nodded. She was hoping Percy would choose the gold suit. Clio had Maximus bring in Percy's desired suit, telling him to put it on as she held the jacket. The white shirt was irritatingly tight on his front. The pants were also a bit too tight for comfort. Clio helped Percy slip on the jacket and buttoned the front button together. She told Percy to squat down so she could reach his head. Clio ran her hands through his wet hair, messing it up. Percy gave her a confused look. "Well, are you going to wear gel in your hair in the Games?" Percy shook his head. "I want people to recognize you in the arena, so you need to look like how you would look in the arena. So, feel free to mess with it however you want." Percy nodded. Clio led him out of the Remake Center, where Finnick and Mags were waiting. Amelia came up beside him, her small blue dress brushing up against him–it puffed out like a tutu.

Finnick was dressed in a black and white tuxedo. Mags wore a pretty silver dress and a shawl. Orchid wore a bright green dress that shot out in every direction. Finnick let out a breath, "Finally! You take longer to get ready than any women I've ever slept with."

Percy scowled from beside Mags. "It takes a little while to look this beautiful, Finnick," Percy retorted. Finnick rolled his eyes and started for the elevator of the Training Center. Percy held an arm out for Mags. She took it with a smile. The elevator ride consisted of Finnick last minute prepping Amelia for her interview, as he had to spend most of the day with Percy yesterday, making sure he understood exactly what he was supposed to say. Amelia's strategy seemed easy enough–being sweet and nice. Percy wished he had her strategy.

When they made it to the correct floor, they saw all the other tributes milling around or getting last minute check ups from their stylists. Percy looked at a the group of Careers who were glowering at him. Percy would be lying if he wasn't slightly intimidated. Percy peaked around the curtain, looking onto the beautifully crafted stage (something Annabeth would probably say–she was obsessed with architecture).

Caesar wasn't sitting in his chair yet; he was walking around, talking to various people in the audience. Percy had been told that Caesar was a likable man and would help the tributes if he saw them struggling during the interview. Percy hoped that he wouldn't need his help. He felt a small hand on his shoulder and turned. Clio straightened his jacket and buttoned his last button on very white shirt. She ushered him and Amelia to a line that was forming against the wall. "Good lucky, Percy," Finnick told him. He leant over to the taller boy's ear. "Don't forget what we talked about." Percy nodded. His team left Amelia and Percy in between the tributes from District 3 and 5. Percy looked up from his shoes to see Peeta, Katniss, Haymitch, and their stylists walk in. Percy ignored them stonily while Peeta waved at him.

This is gonna suck, Percy thought.

Annabeth sat quietly on her comfortable couch in her large home in the main city of District 4. Her father, Frederick Chase, not in Peacekeeper uniform sat silently next to her. Annabeth's stepmother stood in the kitchen, making snacks for Bobby and Matthew, who sat on the floor by Annabeth's feet. Their television screen was blank as the only thing that would be on the entire day was the interviews with the tributes, and it had yet to start.

They waited for Sally, who would arrive at the Chase residence any moment. Annabeth didn't want Sally to have to watch her son alone. Here, the woman could have Annabeth and Frederick to lean on.

A few minutes later, just as the screen turned on with the Capitol symbol glaring at them, was when Sally arrived, a long, green loaf of bread and cheese in her arms. She didn't have a smile on her fair face, just like last time when she came over to the Chase house for the Tribute Parade and the tributes' scores from the private sessions with the gamemakers. Sally was relieved to hear from many citizens of District 4 that they planned on sending money to Finnick and Mags for Percy while he fought for his life in the Games. Anything that could help Percy in any way, Sally was opened to.

Sally sat down in the large, comfortable chair diagonal from Annabeth. She sat the bread and cheese on the expensive coffee table in front of them and took off her work jacket. "Did I miss Percy?"

Annabeth shook her head. "1's girl just came off," Annabeth replied. Sally nodded, watching a tall boy with brownish blonde hair walk onto the glimmering stage and sit next to Caesar Flickerman. They watched in silence as the boy, Marvel, joked confidently with Caesar as if he wasn't going to his death the very next day. The two tributes from District 2 were confident and viscous, the boy, Cato, bloodthirsty. The two tributes from 3 were timid, talking mostly about the technology and how it compared to the technology in District 3. Annabeth only starts paying actual attention when the girl from her district comes on, Amelia. Her hair was in waves down her back, covering up the back of her light blue dress. She looked sweet, innocent. Caesar helped Amelia sit down, complementing her dress.

"Thank you, Caesar," she said in a higher pitches voice than what she usually spoke in. Annabeth nodded, realizing her strategy. It was a smart one to play as Amelia was young and still was considered cute. The Capitol would, of course, fall whole-heartily for it.

"Do you miss home?" Annabeth peeked up at Caesar's voice after she tuned out.

Amelia's smile faltered slightly, but she easily regained it. The girl nodded, "oh yes, dreadfully. The Capitol is beautiful and breathtaking, but District 4 is where my heart is." The audience aw'd at this. Annabeth rolled her eyes. She and Percy had heard Amelia talk to her gaggle of friends about how much she hated 4, and the horrid smell of dead fish.

"What is District 4 like? Sadly, I've never had the pleasure of seeing the lovely place," Caesar gave the audience a sad, fake smile. Caesar crossed his legs, his sparkling navy suit shimmering under the lights.

Amelia smiled, looking away from crowd. She glanced to the side, and then looked back at Caesar. "It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen. The lakes surrounding the city, shimmer under the sun. I walk past the beautiful pond on my way to school in the morning. Some of the older students, like Percy, call it Cresta's Cove. It's my favorite place in the whole District."

Annabeth knew of the place. It was beautiful, and it was called Cresta's Cove after Annie Cresta, one of the victors from 4. Percy convinced Annabeth to ditch their last class of the day and go to the pond. Annabeth had never felt so alive, ditching class. She kind of hated it, but she kind of loved it.

She had thankfully missed the rest of Amelia's three minute interview as she looked up and saw her walk off, waving at the audience as they applauded her. Annabeth's stomach and heart flipped, remembering who was next. She looked over at Sally, who was leaning her elbows on her knees, watching the screen intently.

"Now, please, give him a loud round of applause, Perseus Jackson!" The crowd roared, women and men screaming Percy's name. Annabeth grinned at 'Perseus'. He hated his full name. Percy walked out confidently a second later. He looked better than he usually did. His hair was short on the sides, longer on top slightly, pushed back like the wind had swept it back. His skin was glowing under his white dress shirt and royal blue suit. He had a large, charismatic grin on his improved face. On hand was in his pocket and the other waved at the crowd. Annabeth had to stifle a snort as he winked.

"He looks so healthy," Sally murmured. Annabeth looked over, breaking eye contact with the screen momentarily. Sally's eyes were rimmed with tears.

She sent her a nod. "He looks much better." Annabeth turned back to the screen just to see Percy shake hands with Caesar, both of them laughing like they were old friends. Percy plopped down in the chair by Caesar, unbuttoning his suit jacket like he had done it a million times before. Annabeth knew that Percy had never worn a suit before the Games, he couldn't afford one. For Percy's father's funeral, Frederick had offered him one of his old ones, but Percy politely refused.

"So, Perseus–or do you prefer Percy?" Caesar began with a raised eyebrow and an inviting smile.

"You can call me anything, Caesar," Percy smirked at the older man, making him laugh.

"Alright, Percy. How are you enjoying your stay at the Capitol?"

"It's been a privilege. I've met many interesting people, made a few friends. I also," Percy began, his eyebrows furrowing adorably. "I also tried this one drink, er, I think it's called hot chocolate."

Caesar nodded his head vigorously. "That's one of my favorite delicacies in the entire Capitol. That and the pig!" Caesar and Percy laughed.

"Speaking of friends, what do you think they're doing right now back in District 4? Cheering you on, I'd say?"

"Hopefully. We usually have a watching party at one of their houses. Grover would've eaten all of the snacks we set out," Percy seemed to forget where he was. "Juniper would be snuggled up under the blankets–she doesn't like violence. Annabeth would–" Percy paused. Annabeth felt her heart stop. He was talking about her, Grover, and Juniper to the entire word. "Annabeth would be explaining everyone's strategy and why that was the strategy best suited for them. She would be pointing out everyone's weaknesses which she could somehow tell from them just sitting. I would've probably said something stupid by now," the audience laughed along with Caesar. Percy hesitated. "Yeah, I'm sure they're watching right now." Percy grinned at Caesar.

"And what about girls, women. You have already captured the hearts of many here in the Capitol and you've been here for a week! I'm positive a handsome, brave man like you has hundreds of women waiting for you back in District 4," Caesar nudged Percy's arm, wiggling his eyebrows.

Percy laughed. "Well, no...not really," he began. The audience immediately replied with shouts of protests. Annabeth cackled at Percy's red face.

Caesar gave him a look. "Come now, Percy. This is a no-judge zone."

Percy glanced sideways at him. "There is this one girl..."

Sally shot up. "Girl? I never knew about a girl?" She turned to Annabeth. "Did you know about this?" Annabeth stiffly shook her head. It wasn't a secret that Annabeth begrudgingly, as she put it, had small feelings for Percy. They had just recently appeared, and Annabeth wasn't going to tell Percy that. She wasn't some blubbering school girl with a crush.

"Tell us! Tell us!" The crowd and Caesar shouted.

Percy was silent until the crowd settled down with Caesar's help. "It's all very new, and I don't see it lasting very long. How could it?" Percy grimaced, glancing down at his hands.

Caesar put a tanned hand on Percy's blue-clad knee in comfort. "Percy, there's a chance that you will make it home to her, and then she'll have to be with you! You'd be a victor!"

Percy looked up from his hands, a look on his face so painful, it tugged at Annabeth's heartstrings. She didn't understand what he was going on about. What was the problem? "There's no possible way for us to end up together."

"Why is that?" Caesar whispered.

Percy clenched his jaw, looking to be on the verge of tears. "Because we both came her for the same reason," he said softly. Percy looked to the sides, presumably to the wing where the rest of the tributes were waiting. "Girl On Fire," he finished.

Caesar sat back in shock, blinking a few times, processing what Percy had just said. "Now that's bad luck," he muttered, clapping Percy lightly on the back. Caesar and Percy stood at the same time, grasping each other's hand.

"It's been an honor talking with you, Percy," Caesar smiled at him, shaking his hand.

Percy grinned. "The honor's all mine." His voice was low. Caesar raised Percy's arm in the air.

"Give it up for Percy Jackson, District 4!" The crowd cheered and applauded loudly for Percy as he walked confidently off the stage, waving at the crowd one last time.

Annabeth stared at the screen with wide eyes. He had to be joking. He had to be. People don't just go into the Games and fall in love with some other tribute they just met. Annabeth tried to see a crack in his armor as he talked to Caesar; she had always been an expert at reading him, but Percy seemed to have told the truth, although Annabeth didn't believe it. She wouldn't.