The Sixty-Fifth Hunger Games

Annabeth

I wait in the lobby, ready to attack Luke if he tries to hurt me. But when he arrives in the elevator, his only weapon is a cold, menacing smile.

"Don't be so defensive. I'm not going to hurt you." I relax outwardly, but I'm in a position where I can easily defend myself if necessary.

"What do you want, Luke?" Despite my wariness, I'm genuinely interested in what offer he has to make. I'm guessing it'll be something along the lines of, 'I won't kill you and you won't kill me.' I doubt either of us would be willing to stick to that.

"Well, I have an offer to make."

"Get to the point." I growl. His smile widens.

"I was wondering if you would like to... join the Careers?" My slightly curious expression turns to one of utter disgust. No way am I joining the Careers. I keep my face as neutral as possible.

"No, thanks. I would rather be torn to death by a pack of muttations than help out a bunch of backstabbing jerks." I turn on my heel, barely able to hide the smirk growing across my face.

I lean against the side of the elevator. I'm about to press the button to go to the third floor, when I spot something I never noticed before. A button to go to the roof. I press the button hesitantly. I shouldn't get in trouble; if it's restricted, it probably wouldn't be there in the first place. The elevator zooms upwards. I look out the large window, pressing my cheek to the glass and watch as we pass through all twelve levels.

Finally, the elevator stops on the roof. The doors slide open and I step onto the roof. I spot a figure at the edge of the rooftop. It looks like I'm not alone. I hesitate before moving forward. I crane my neck to see who it is. The District 4 tribute, Percy Jackson. He turns around warily, and I can't help stopping for a moment. His sea green eyes sparkle in the sunlight like emeralds and his raven black hair gleams. Without thinking, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

"Aren't you afraid you're going to fall?" He breaks out into laughter that sounds slightly forced.

"You can't." Seeing my puzzled expression, he picks up a chunk of gravel and tosses it off the edge. To my surprise, it bounces, like it hit an invisible force field.

"Fascinating," I murmur. The technology was probably developed by District 3. I sit down and scoot to the very edge of the roof, extending my leg as far as possible without falling. There's a strong tingling sensation in my leg,and I quickly draw my foot back in surprise. "I guess they can't have the tributes trying to commit suicide." Percy chuckles darkly.

"I couldn't possibly imagine why someone might want to." he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. I frown. I've never known a Career to say anything that might even hint at rebellion. I say as much. Percy groans.

"What is it with calling us 'Careers'?" I look at him, confused. He shakes his head. "Never mind. Anyway, like I've said before, chances are we're both going to die, so there's no point really caring." He glances at me. "Although you probably have a better chance of winning than I do." Was that supposed to be a compliment? I don't know how to respond. Instead of thanking him, like I probably should, I blurt something out.

"Do you want to have an alliance? In the Games, I mean." Percy looks taken aback.

"What?" Well, he heard me. I guess I kind of have to go with it now. Or maybe I could say it was the wind or something. I look around. There's not even a light breeze. I take a deep breath.

"Do you want to have an alliance with me? I don't kill you, you don't kill me." This was definitely a bad idea. I don't want to make friends. That'll just make his eventual death worse. Unless, of course, I die first.

"Uh, okay?" To be honest, I'm kind of surprised by his answer. We don't even know each other, and it's much too early to be making alliances. The Games haven't even started yet!

"Should we, I don't know, shake on it or something?" Percy suggests. I stick my hand out awkwardly, and he shakes it. My hand suddenly feels tingly, like I fell asleep with my head on my arm. I quickly withdraw my hand and stuff it in my pocket.

Suddenly a gust of wind blows through the area, carrying my hat with it. I curse and run to catch it before it flies into the street. Percy follows. He manages to grab it by the visor and hands it back to me. I place it on my head, tucking my ponytail into the hole at the back. I shiver and zip my jacket up.

"Thanks." I mumble, not wanting to get any friendlier than I have to. Still, I have to turn my head to hide the pink tint spreading across my cheeks. Percy nods in response.

"Is that your district token?" He asks, gesturing to my hat. I nod and move to sit on the edge of the roof, my feet dangling right above the barrier. Percy sits down next to me.

"My mom gave it to me for my fifth birthday. That was the last time I saw her." After she'd been killed by a Peacekeeper. As if reading my mind, Percy scooches a bit closer.

"My dad's gone, too. My mom always said he didn't drown, he was just lost at sea." Percy looks thoughtful. "I always liked to imagine that he washed up on an island and spends his days eating coconuts and pineapples." He glances at me. "You do know what a coconut is, right?" I punch his shoulder.

"Of course I know what a coconut is!" I scowl. "Seaweed Brain." I mutter. Percy elbows me back.

"Well how was I supposed to know, Wise Girl?" I frown at the name.

"Shut up."

This chapter was written by me. (Yes, Percabeth, I know.)

-Toodles!