Back again!

Ally Jackson (): I don't mind I don't have many reviews, I'm grateful I for the ones I have; I'm glad you like it! :D Your B-Day is on the nineteenth? Awesome! Herr, herr…its k, I always get payback one way or another when it comes to noobs.

HungerGamesLuver13: Yeah, sorry it was. It had been written late at night by a tired me, and I wanted to update soon because I felt bad for not in so long.

Onlyreader24: Cheers, thanks! :)

Chapter Fourteen: Back to the City

Percy's curiosity got the better of him. He looked back over to the T.V and started padding over. He didn't know this, but, Nico easily heard him, and quickly shadow-traveled to the front door of the cabin. He stepped out to the porch and stepped into the cabin as if he was just strolling in, "What's going on, cousin?" Nico asked casually. Percy jumped, and the Xbox controller fell onto the cushion of the recliner. A black, knotted head of hair that framed a mischievous face peered around the chair.

"Nico-um, yeah…What's up?" Percy asked back, still dumbfounded by the Xbox incident.

"Nothing much, but-why are you playin' that when you're supposed to be packing?" Nico pretended as if it had nothing to do with him.

"I wasn't!" Percy shouted.

"Alright, chill man. What's the big deal anyway?" Nico raised his hands defensively.

Percy sighed while turning the Xbox and T.V. off, "I don't know, Nico. It's just-"He looked down. "Never mind, you wouldn't understand." Percy slid the strap of his bag onto his shoulder and walked out; he could Nico chasing after him.

"Percy, what do you mean I won't understand?" Nico yelled, trying his best to keep up. Percy looked down and quietly answered,

"You just won't."

The footsteps behind him ceased.

He felt terrible for having to call off his cousin like this. He didn't want to tell his cousin that he was starting to have second thoughts on this competition, but there wasn't any turning back now. He didn't want to appear weak to anyone-not now, at a time like this. Percy hiked up to the hill where everyone was supposed to meet. He spotted the van that Argus drove right away, and slid the massive door open. He was welcomed with "Hey, Percy." And "What's going on, Perce?" He awkwardly waved and took a seat next to Annabeth, who was staring intently at the book in her lap.

Percy chuckled a little and said, "Hey, you pumped for the competition?"

He heard the engine of the van rev up, but still didn't get an answer from her.

"Hello? Annabeth-you there?" He smiled and waved his hand in front of her face; his hand constricted in pain. She had slammed his hand right in the ancient-looking book! "Ow?" He managed.

"Percy," She looked up at the roof of the car, "You should know me enough that you don't-interrupt-my-reading." She pressed a fake smile, and slowly focused her attention back on the crusty old book. He heard someone behind him snicker and flick his earlobe.

A gruff voice says, "Not your day with princess, eh?" His face flushed a cherry red and he snapped around in his seat to see who was teasing him.

Clarisse.

"Hrm…I guess not." Percy replied coolly.

Will, bow strapped to his back, popped up from the far back of the van. "Big surprise, I don't know how you guys pull that off, anyway."

"No kidding." The Stoll Brothers said simultaneously. Percy crossed his arms and decided to pass the time by looking out the window. The trees and rural features overtime melted into the city. Just then, he remembered: He hadn't actually assured his mom in person that he was okay since the fight. Percy groaned at the thought and looked back out the van window. At the corner of his eye, and he could see Annabeth inch closer to him; he pretended to not notice. He looked over to her finally, when she rested her head on his shoulder.

"What's your guess on where Argus is taking us?" Percy asked while running his hand through Annabeth's wavy locks of hair.

"You haven't figured it out yet?" Annabeth asked back smartly.

"Olympus? Are you serious?" Percy said while stepping out of the van. He caught his bag, which had been tossed to him by Will. He caught it in mid-air when he heard all the scoffing from his friends.

"Olympus? Are you serious?" Clarisse mocked while shutting the van door shut. They walked through the bustling streets of the city. Travis and Connor eyeballed a jewelry store, but Will grabbed them by the scruffs of their necks.

"That's right, Percy. Olympus is our destination." Will said, a little more polite than Clarisse had been. Will let go of the brothers, who both shot him a dirty finger sign; Will ignored it, though. They all walked in silence, following the direction of the skyscraper that towered above all the other ones…

I know it was short, and I'm sorry. I've got a lot of schoolwork, tests, a dance, excuses, excuses… I started reading the Hunger Games- I'm liking it so far, it's a really good book.

Till' next time,

~iGwyn12