The Tribute Returns (Percy Jackson Hunger Games crossover)

Epilogue

When Percy woke up, he sent Leo, Calypso, and the OG home. Reyna stayed because of no particular reason *cough*Johanna*cough*. He wondered if she would come out before or after the wedding.

It was simple to dethrone Coin after he exposed her schemes and crimes like the one Gale had stopped in District 4, and the rebellion willingly joined him after that. Percy managed to negotiate compromises over time between the Capitol citizens and the rebellion and the districts. He reunited the red-haired avox Lavinia with Varius, opened up nearly-forgotten connections and roadways between the districts, and re-wrote the Peacekeepers' policy.

After chaotic and sometimes violent discussion, they named the country Olympus, home of the Western Flame. Not particularly original, but inspiring and symbolic all the same. Percy was voted unanimously as the leader.

Months passed, and he barely slept. He was their chosen leader and he saw the importance that he accept that responsibility until the District and Capitol citizens accepted each other, but he couldn't allow himself to make a mistake. He rarely got sleep and only gave himself 'personal' time if it was wholly dedicated to Katniss. She stayed by his side through it all, but she was worried about how the stress was affecting his mind. He'd already personally quelled two quarrels that had nearly turned into wars. 

He ensured the best life possible for all of his friends and their families, dedicating teams of researchers to the effects and medication of depression to try and help Lydia, as well as PTSD therapy research for his fellow tributes. The economy, the quality of life, everything exploded and the population below the poverty line became nearly nonexistent. Everyone's lives were fantastic, and collectively everyone decided Percy's should be as well. 

Percy was wearing a suit as he walked down the hall, his black dress shoes clacking against the new tiled floors. He still disliked formal wear, but he needed to impress the person he was meeting. No one knew about it, but he had finally turned international and was creating trade agreements and forging alliances. He needed to look professional and capable, not like his usual young reckless self.

He opened a door and let himself into the room, sitting at the table across from an older, warm-looking man with chocolate skin. Behind him were six bodyguards, hulking men in formal yet combat-ready clothing. They stared straight ahead, looking intimidating and cold.

Percy grinned as he took his seat. "President Bohlale," he said in greeting, extending his hand.

"Percy Jackson," the man replied, taking it. "Where are your bodyguards? Do you not fear us?"

Percy eyed him, pursing his lips. "I would not need bodyguards against an army," he replied simply.

The man raised his eyebrows. "You do not look it. To business, though, you need our financial assistance and military support, correct?"

Percy shook his head. "I do not need either of those. I am here to ask you not for assistance but for relations. I would like to set up trade routes that seem to not exist in my country, and establish military alliances for the event that we get dragged into a global war."

Bohlale again raised his eyebrows, looking skeptical. "You do not need our military assistance?" he asked.

"I do not. I have an army, and I am an army. Do not fool yourselves into thinking we are afraid of you, either. I did not come here to start a war, but I will do so if it is the only way to establish my nation on a global scale."

He looked impressed. "Why is it us you decided to approach?"

"Because there are two sides of a global cold war right now, and you lead the side I would support."

The President nodded, looking satisfied. "I will agree to open up communications and trade routes. It will take more time and organization, but I see no harm in it. The alliance you will have to earn."

Percy nodded in acceptance. "I believe this meeting is at an end. Any further communications should be public."

"Good call, for one so young," he said, bowing his head slightly.

"Thank you," Percy said as he got to his feet. As he started to turn to leave, he saw two of the bodyguards shift slightly. A second later, one had a gun pointed at him, and the other had one pointed at Bohlale.

Tapping into Hermes' speed bank, he dashed over and knocked the weapons out of their hands before hand-chopping a spot between their necks and shoulders, knocking them out simultaneously.

He eyed the other guards, but they showed no sign of movement. He then realized he was still experiencing time at thousands of times the speed of normal people and shut off the power bank. 

The guards jumped at the spots where the two traitors had been, falling on the floor next to where Percy stood. The President shot out of his seat and backed against a wall, looking at the two incredulously. He then looked up and saw Percy standing above them, his arms still poised in a combat position.

Percy himself glanced at a watch he had designed with Leo that displayed the same level of emotion that satyrs could smell, and he determined the remaining guards were loyal.

"I—I apologize, profusely, for what has just happened," President Bohlale said, his voice trembling slightly from adrenaline. 

"You have no reason to apologize," Percy said. "You did not plan it. They tried to kill both of us."

The guards and the president regarded Percy in a new light, taking seriously his warnings that he was his own army now.

"Well, you certainly earned your alliance faster than I expected," he managed. Percy chuckled.

Percy walked out, unfazed by the attempted assassination. He'd never had one directed at himself, as he seemed to be beloved by everyone, but he'd had to stop attempts on district leaders and Capitol leaders alike.

He walked into his study, where he spent the majority of his time. Waiting for him, everyone he had helped during the war as well as a few new friends erupted into cheers, startling him.

His face broke into a happy smile as he looked around the room, seeing everyone who's lives he'd worked so hard to save enjoying it and making the most out of their opportunities. 

"Good news!" Gale said from where he had his arm around Lydia.

"We're your presidential cabinet now," she finished. Percy's mind blanked a little bit.

"My what?"

"Your cabinet! You don't have to make every decision by yourself. You don't have to bear everyone's responsibility."

"Uh... Yes I do," he said, like it was obvious. The people in the room facepalmed collectively.

"Percy, we all helped build this country. Let us help you keep it the way we imagined it," Katniss said, ducking under his arm and wrapping hers around his waist. "We're here for each other. Don't destroy that."

He opened and closed his mouth several times, but she was right. And he still had trouble thinking when she was that close. "Alright," he admitted, his voice a little hoarse. "You're my cabinet."

"What now, President?" Haymitch asked, grinning.

"I'm the bodyguard," Cato said immediately. Everyone chuckled lightly.

"Well..." Percy started, "I suppose we should start with me telling you that I just saved the President of the African Republic's life. We're opening discussion of military alliances and trade agreements tomorrow."

Silence.

The room erupted.

Percy smiled.

This would be different, but... it would make it possible. With his hell-forged family around him, he could lead these people to prosperity.

They were the next superpower of the world. They were Olympian.

THE END