A/N: Hello to all of my wonderful readers! This story is going really well, and I'm really glad because is and thanks for everyone who's done it!

As Annabeth walked up, only two thoughts popped into my head: Jesus Christ she looks hot, and she doesn't deserve this. Mostly the second one.

Annabeth was just about to reach the stairs when I saw Thalia pushing through the crowds.

"No, NO! Annabeth! I volunteer as tribute!"

Effie Trinket squealed so high I could barely hear it. "That's the spirit, miss!"

Annabeth ran off the stage and back into her reserved spot, her eyes red. I really wish I knew how to comfort a girl whose best friend is guaranteed a death, and her death will be on her conscious because she volunteered for her.

And I could barely calm her down when she saw a spider.

"What's your name?"

"Thalia Grace."

"Was that your friend?"

"Yes."

Effie smiled and nodded. "Bet you don't want her to steal all the fame do you?"

"What? No, I just don't want her to-"

Effie smiled. I felt like slashing her head off with Riptide. "Well, enough of that. Time for the boys."

I closed my head and prayed to all the gods I could think of. Poseidon, please. Athena, please. Zeus, please. Hephaestus, please. Hermes, please. Aphrodite, please. Not me.

"Travis Stoll."

Oh no. Not Travis. What about Connor? Would he volunteer? I'm guessing he wouldn't; Thalia did something that's only been done a couple of times is history.

Travis walked up to the stage. "Any volunteers? No?" Her smile faltered a bit, but went back quickly. "Isn't this lovely! Happy Hunger games, Camp Half-Blood, and may the odds be ever in your favor."

Thalia and Connor got taken away by Peacekeepers. I knew that anyone who would want to visit was allowed to. I quickly found Annabeth, who was shaking uncontrollably. Then I found Jason, who was holding back tears. I thought about how badly this must have sucked for him, reuniting with his sister just two years ago, and now getting her taken away again.

We ran over to the hall and walked in. Two Peacekeepers were standing there.

"Thalia or Connor?"

"Thalia."

"Follow me please."

Piper, Jason, Annabeth and I followed him down to a door. He opened it and we walked in. Thalia was sitting there, and although she looked sad, it looked as though she had not regretted anything. She looked up at us.

"Thalia!" Jason flung himself at his sister. Piper stood there uncomfortably, not knowing her for very long.

We didn't really talk much. We just hugged, and enjoyed each other's presence while we could. All too soon, two Peacekeepers came. Piper had to practically drag Jason out of the room.

As I walked out and went to my cabin, it was already around 6:00. I skipped dinner and went straight to bed.

I lie down in my bed and close my eyes. Come on dreams, I think, give me something. Anything." Nothing comes of course. I reach under my bed and pull out a picture of me, Thalia, Grover, Zoe Nightshade and Bianca di Angelo. We were on our way to Mount Othrys to rescue Annabeth.

Seeing that picture almost made me cry. Bianca was dead. Zoe was dead. Now even if there is a small chance that Thalia will survive, she will never be the same again. I know that just as well as I know I love blue food. And Annabeth, of course.

I stared at the picture for a few more seconds then put it under my bed again. This is one of the times where I'm glad I have my own cabin. I used to be afraid that Annabeth would sneak in with her invisibility cap on. Then we started dating, and I got even more afraid.

I closed my eyes again. This was going to be rough. While Thalia is in the arena, I may have nightmares about her getting killed or injured. She's my cousin. I won't be able to handle that.

I thought about the past years how we watched Luke get killed, and Annabeth mourn. Chris get killed, Clarisse mourn. Katie get killed, Connor mourn.

I will get you back, Capital, is the last thing I think, until I hear the scream of pain outside my door.