The Demigod Games Book One: Knives of Blood

Chapter Three: The Chariot Rides

Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or The Hunger Games

Chapter Three: The Chariot Rides

Hazel was nervous. She was in a chariot with Frank Zhang, dressed as a horse (her favorite animal). She nervously tugged on her golden dress (which matched her eyes) as Frank adjusted his cow costume.

"Well?" Frank asked, "Do I look like a cow?" he grinned.

Hazel giggled. "The Capitol's version of a cow."

"The Capitol cow it is, then."

They stayed in uncomfortable silence until Hazel spoke up.

"Frank," she said, "I've been meaning to tell you-"

"Hey, it's okay," Frank said. "I know you don't like me that way, you probably don't even want to be friends."

"But that's the thing," Hazel said, biting her lip. She took a deep breath. "I do like you that way."

She waited in silence as she processed Frank's reaction. He probably thought she was silly and immature. He had his pick of any girl back home in their district! His expression was hard to read. Was he mad? Amused? Disgusted?

Hazel silently sighed in relief when he broke into a smile.

"Thank god," he said. "I'd hoped that my feeling weren't one-sided."

Hazel smiled back at him, and in he shadow cast by their chariot, she laced her fingers through his. They stood like that until the chariots started rolling out, holding each other's hands and silently contemplating their fate.

Meanwhile, Percy was wandering from chariot to chariot, trying to make friends. The boy from Seven seemed nice, but a bit scrawny. He also walked with a little limp, and when he laughed it almost sounded like a sheep baaing. Percy felt bad and moved on when he heard that his girlfriend had been reaped, too. He avoided the Tributes from Ten who were holding hands, and the Tributes from Twelve who were talking quietly to themselves and casting worried glances at their stylists. Also the Tributes from Eleven who were bickering nonstop.

He moved past the huddle of Careers- he had no interest in being a Career, but he still wanted to make an alliance. He headed over to the District Three tributes, who were talking to the girl from Six. Well, the boy was talking to her, telling jokes and making her laugh. Annabeth was glaring at him. When Percy approached, she gave him a look like, Please get me out of this conversation.

Annabeth and Percy had talked briefly before, when they had first entered the Capitol. They bonded over their loss of one parent, their younger brothers, and dreams for the future. If they survived.

Grinning, Percy walked up and said, "Annabeth, can you help me with our chariot? It's not really working."

Annabeth followed him to his chariot, a relieved look on her face. 

"Thanks," she said, smiling. "Leo was getting on my nerves."

"You're welcome," Percy said. "So, why are you dressed like a light bulb?"

He regretted his question immediately. It was a stupid question, and it was obvious why.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Don't be a Seaweed Brain. My District is technology."

Percy laughed. "Seaweed Brain? Well, aren't you a Wise Girl?"

"Seaweed Brain."

"Wise Girl."

"Seaweed Brain."

"Wise Girl-"

Annabeth cut him off by kissing him on the cheek. Blushing, she walked away.

Percy stood there for a moment, his mouth moving as he tried to form words. A girl had kissed him. Not just any girl- Annabeth Chase had kissed him. Wise Girl. His Wise Girl.

Percy smiled.

Meanwhile, Chris was wandering around the room. He spotted the pack of Careers, and he couldn't help but stare at the girl from Two. Clarisse La Rue.

He thought she was incredibly brave for volunteering. Not to mention beautiful.

Clarisse walked away from the Careers, he brown, wavy hair shining in the light. She was dressed as a Viking, a crown of gold placed on her head. 

"What are you staring at?" Clarisse scowled at Chris.

"You." Chris said. "I think you're very brave for volunteering."

Clarisse's gaze softened. "What's your name, punk?"

"Chris." he said, still staring.

"Chris. You're not bad. Kind of cute. But stay out of my way- I don't want to have to kill you." Chris could hear the pain in her voice.

"You don't have to kill anyone," Chris said. 

Clarisse blinked the tears out of her eyes. "Yes, I do."

She walked away, leaving Chris alone by her chariot.

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Piper glanced at Cinna, who was about to light their capes on fire. Her worry must have shown, because Jason laced his fingers through hers and squeezed reassuringly. 

"I'll rip off you cape if you rip off mine," Piper muttered. 

"Deal," Jason said.

As the first chariot rolled out, Cinna lit up their suits. Piper was engulfed in flames, long tongs of fire that glowed orange and red.

She waited for the heat, the burning sensation, but it never came. Instead, all she felt was warmth and determination. She was Piper McLean, the girl on fire.

Cinna looked at their hands, which were still interlocked. He nodded approvingly before whispering in Piper's ear, "Remember to smile."

Piper beamed at him. Cinna gave her a thumbs up.

As the chariots rolled out, Piper squeezed Jason's hand in hers. She never wanted to let go.