Chapter Text
Percy could feel her glare radiating from the other side of the carriage. With only the quiet hum of the Capitol train to fill the loud silence, he gazed out the window, plotting a way to fix this mess he put himself in. Him and Annabeth.
“Anyone fancy a cupcake? They’re really good” murmured Grover with his face stuffed full of pink icing.
Chiron briskly brushed past him, ignoring his attempt to lighten the mood. Percy had been so distracted by the events of the morning, he hadn’t even thought of why two mentors of district 4 were here with them rather than the usual one per district. Ignoring the thought, he absentmindedly listened to Chiron explain to him and Annabeth what was going to happen next but miserably failed. Annabeth, face now clear of any tears that may have welled up, focused intently, all the while Percy replayed the memories of the day.
Percy and Annabeth had always spent reaping days together, both before and after the reaping. They had been friends since they were little (and Percy couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t have a crush on her) but had only officially started dating when they were fourteen. Annabeth’s birthday to be exact. They were walking along the shore as they usually did after school, but this time it was different.
Even though they were still kids and in school so didn’t have actual jobs, everyone in the district was always doing something or other no matter the age. Percy would help his mom with the nets most days. Although he found it incredibly tedious, it did have its benefits. The most beautiful shells of all colours would wash up and once he was lucky enough to even find an oyster with a pearl! The culmination of his goods resulted in a necklace with the pearl sitting in the centre that he gave to Annabeth for her birthday. He was so eager to give it to her and all he could picture was how the vibrant pinks and blues would be radiant against her smooth, chestnut hued neck.
But when the day came, he was so nervous he couldn’t even speak properly and nearly dropped her present in the lake. Luckily for him, Annabeth was quick and caught it with ease in between her fingers.
“So seaweed brain, what do we have here?” she teased, her face alight with pure joy and delight.
“Umm it's nothing it's just something I made for your birthday” he stammered as his cheeks began to burn crimson. He watched her bring the necklace closer as she examined it, her gaze never leaving it and mouth slightly open, astounded. Percy hoped she couldn’t hear how loud his heart was beating under his shirt, fearful it may just burst. Annabeth didn’t say anything for what felt like an eternity. All she did was stare at it. Finally she spoke.
“Percy…”
“I'm sorry you probably hate it. I can take it back and buy you something better and I-” he blurted before he was quickly cut off.
Annabeth bolted towards him and held him tight, her breath against his cheek when she whispered “It's the best gift I've ever gotten. I love it”. Percy stood in shock as she hugged him and eventually the neurons in his brain (which clearly lack any sort of speed) realised what was happening. Annabeth was hugging him. He hugged back and hoped the moment would never end till she eventually pulled back.
“Could you help me put it on?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears. Percy instantly obliged and unclasped the chain to place it on her. He couldn’t believe what was happening. Annabeth was the toughest person he knew. She rarely cried; in fact he had only ever seen her cry twice in his life. He gently lifted up her braids to ensure they wouldn’t get caught and carefully slipped the gift around her neck. When Annabeth turned round to face him he was in awe of her every being.
She was not only the most stunning in all of Panem but by far the most cleverest. No one in the Capitol with all their surgeries and expensive outfits had nothing on his girl.
Percy hadn’t realised how close they were, only a few inches apart. Annabeth radiated utter happiness with now her tears wiped away, her eyes sparkled with glee.
“So I take it you like it then” he smirked
“Shut up seaweed brain” Annabeth replied and closed the gap between them in one swift movement.
Percy Jackson had never felt so elated in all his existence as Annabeth placed her hands in his hair. In response, Percy pulled her closer, hands around her waist. He had kissed other girls a couple times before during games and dares but nothing like this. He thought he could stay like this with her forever but after a while they pulled apart both grinning, wider than they thought possible.
“I should get home now, Helen probably has a bunch of chores waiting for me”. Percy knew it was getting late and he should get home to his mom too but he didn’t want to be apart from her a single second more. Eventually, they bid the other goodbye (Annabeth ran back one last time with a kiss and a thank you) and went home. They never stated explicitly they were dating but they knew (and everyone else too) that they were together and were even more inseparable than ever.
They spent the early morning before the reaping together every year since they were nine. The first few years it was purely due to chance they were on the dock together, till it became tradition. The morning of the 110th annual hunger games was like any other. Percy quietly crept out of bed so as not to wake Sally and met up with Annabeth by the dock. She was sitting by the edge with her legs swinging above the water in her best clothes. He knew she was at risk of being caught not home, by her malevolent stepmother and although he told her not to, he greatly appreciated Annabeth sneaking out for him, especially on a day like today. He admired her dimly lit silhouette for a few seconds before he revealed himself and sat next to her.
Neither of them were in a talking mood but the silence was comforting as they watched the sun rise on yet another reaping day. Annabeth leaned against him with her head on his shoulders.
“It’s going to be fine, it won't be us… it won’t” Percy reassured her but he didn’t sound like he even believed himself. Each year he worries more as the chances steadily increase but he’s been privileged enough to not have to take out tesserae, Sally would never let him.
“Thirty entries…” Annabeth murmured against him. “The odds aren’t really in my favour i guess” she laughed bitterly. Percy held her tighter at that, while simultaneously cussing her stepmother every swear word in the book. Helen had made Annabeth take out tesserae every year for her, her two boys, Annabeth and her dad (‘You may as well get one for yourself because don’t expect me to feed you from my pocket’). Five entries now that they are sixteen but Annabeths’ was multiplied by 6.
Percy planted a kiss on the top of her head. “Hey, wanna go for a swim before everyone gets up”
“If I get these clothes messed up, the witch will murder me and its reaping day, there's going to be a swarm of peacekeepers soon” she sighed exasperated. Percy knew it was a long shot and accepted defeat till Annabeth stood up.
“Come on then, you better hurry up before we get hanged” she said, pulling off her purple dress.
Percy beamed and stripped to his boxers and they dove into the lake. They were both competitive (Annabeth considerably more) but when it came to swimming she had no chance against Percy. As he came back to her after lapping her twice with a grin, they knew they had to get out and get home before they got caught.
Percy stealthily snuck into his house, desperate to not let his mom know he left. She worries too much when he isn’t in her direct line of sight. His bedroom door creaked loudly and he winced, praying she didn’t wake up. He turned to enter his room to unfortunately discover his mother sitting on his bed, awaiting his return.
“Oh shit, heyyy mom, good morning how are you on this fine day” he exclaimed. To no avail, his mother stared him down deadpanned.
“I was just tying the ropes and setting up the nets for this afternoon that's all”
“And you just happened to fall into the lake” she retorted, looking back to his trail of water droplets. He was usually better than this but the anxiety of reaping day was getting to him a bit.
“Percy, I don’t mind you hanging out with Annabeth but what if a peacekeeper caught you? You can’t be this reckless.” his mother scolded.
“I know I’m sorry, I’ll be better next time” he replied guiltily. He did feel bad for making his mom worry but he didn’t regret a single second he was with Annabeth. He quickly dried up and dried the wet patches on his shirt. Thankfully, it was black so you couldn’t really tell.
Percy walked with his mom to the square where everyone was gathered. “Its going to be ok, I'm going to be right over there” Sally told him firmly. He’d done this four times but it still didn’t get any less nerve racking. He watched his mom go to the adults section and then he headed towards the sign in queue.
“Welcome everyone to the 110th Annual Hunger Games” an awfully high pitched voice blared across the square. District 4 had a new escort this year. She didn’t seem any different than the old one except for her electric blue curls. Percy ignored the introduction and scanned the crowd for Annabeth. He spotted an amethyst figure in the girls section, furiously sucking the blood from the prick on her finger. Annabeth always hated getting her blood taken, “How much more can the Capitol possibly take from us anymore?” she would snarl.
Eventually, she noticed Percy and gave him a warm smile. “Secret swim later?” she mouthed, grinning. Percy returned the smile and nodded.
The microphone whined deafeningly resulting in a chorus of clutched ears. “Okay everyone, time for the moment we have been waiting for. As per usual, ladies first.”
Blue Curls placed her hand in the bowl and took an irritatingly long amount of time to pick a slip with a smirk on her face. She enjoyed having power over them all, watching them hold their breath waiting for her to read it.
“The female district 4 tribute is….”
Percy begged silently in his head, ‘Anyone but Annabeth, anyone please’
“Annabeth Chase” Blue Curls announced, looking for her victim.
Fuck. No.
Percy’s heart stopped. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t comprehend what was happening. This can’t be real. Not Annabeth. His Annabeth. His chest constricted and vision blurred. Percy thought he was going to die but then glanced towards the stage where Annabeth was making her way up. No he wasn’t going to die, but she would.
The moment Annabeth heard her name she felt her heart sink but composed herself quickly. Crying will look weak, it would make her a target. She was clever and Annabeth wouldn’t jeopardize her chances before they even entered the arena. Once she made it to the stage, she stared forward stoically, facing the girls section. Annabeth knew if she made eye contact with Percy she would break down. She couldn’t let that happen.
“Now for the boys..”
Percy knew better than anyone that Annabeth was brilliant. She had a chance with her brains and she could use that to her advantage. However, at this moment Percy wasn’t thinking of this. He wasn’t thinking properly at all. All that was going through his mind was that his girl was going into the games and all he would be able to do was watch her, as people tried to kill her. Heart pounding and head spinning Percy could only think of one thing. He couldn’t let her go alone. He’d rather die in the arena for her than watch her get killed.
“The male tribute for district 4 is…” Annabeth awaited the reveal, praying it wasn’t Percy.
“Charles Beckendorf”
Annabeth breathed a sigh of relief and looked across to the boys section, trying to avoid seeing Percy. Beckendorf stood in shock, his beefy arms hanging by his sides unmoving. Not the brightest but Annabeth could make use of his strength as an ally. Beckendorf realised he needed to get to the stage and began to move when a shout echoed a few rows behind.
“I volunteer as tribute!”
Gasps ensued across the town square and everyone craned their heads back to see who was willingly entering a death sentence. District 4 is a career district but unlike 1 and 2, they didn’t train to enter so volunteering, although not unheard of here, was still fairly rare.
Annabeth immediately lifted up her head to see the new tribute. A black form pushed through the crowd and made their way to the middle, in clear view of the district.
No he fucking didn’t.
But he did and Percy Jackson made his way toward the stage when a cry came from the back of the crowd. Sally Jackson surged forward in tears till she was grabbed back by two peacekeepers.
“NO STOP! THAT'S MY BOY YOU CAN’T TAKE HIM” she screamed.
Percy attempted to run towards her but was stopped. His face stricken, he realised what he had just done.
There was no going back. He would leave his mother behind, his friends, the life he knew gone in a second. All because of him.
Sally stopped fighting and stood, the echoes of her cries permeated through the square as she watched her son stand on the stage.
Annabeth stared at Percy aback. Why the fuck did he do that? Why? Now it was certain they could never be together. Even though the chance was incredibly slim, she could’ve won and come back to him. Now they both will die or worse, they will watch the other die in the bloodthirsty arena. Watch the other get killed. She buried all emotion when she heard her name called so she wouldn’t appear weak but she couldn’t take any more. Percy watched as tears silently flowed down her cheeks. Not only were they going to die together, he made her seem fragile, giving the Capitol more power than she promised she would ever let them have of her.
They were now en route to the Capitol. On their way to their deaths. Annabeth wouldn’t even glance in Percy's direction due to both seething rage and heartbreak.
Percy had stopped trying to appeal to her but he knew nothing would make up for what he did. He couldn’t even believe himself, that he had volunteered. Fucking idiot. He didn’t even think about what would happen to his mom back in 4. What pain and grief he put her through.
‘Nice one Percy’ he thought to himself. What great plan did he have now to save them both?