Annabeth ran her finger tips over the silk material of her shirt. She hated the capitol, but the clothes were nice. The room too. A real bed, carpet that felt like moss, large windows overlooking the capitol, it was truly beautiful. Or it would have been if she wasn't there to fight to the death. Annabeth steeled her nerves and stepped into the living room.

Chiron and Dionysus shared a couch, Dionysus's limbs were splayed out and he was in the midst of telling a story, a red drink sloshing in his hand. Chiron was politely nodding along, while glancing nervously at the screen in front of them. Percy sat to the side of the other couch, hugging his legs to his chest and staring into space. Like her, Percy wore a black silk shirt and his hair was tousled like he just got out of bed.

"Anniebell!" announced Dionysus, "come join us, the fate of your survival is at stake!"

Chiron rolled his eyes. "Sorry, he's had a lot to drink. But please, join us."

Annabeth sighed and sank down next to Percy who gave her a nervous smile. The screen in front of them flickered to life, revealing the grinning face of Apollo, the official Hunger Games host.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen! You've seen their reapings, now let's see what they're made of! It is my eternal pleasure to present to you the training scores of this year's wonderful batch of tributes."

Apollo was handsome, flashy, and never seemed to age. As far as Annabeth could remember, he had always been there, gleaming white teeth and all.

The first tribute flashed on screen. A simple headshot with the score underneath. Octavian with a 6. Then Reyna with a 9. The tributes kept flashing across the screen, Annabeth could only keep track of some. Thalia and Jason both got 8s. Then Frank with another 8. Leo with a 7, then Bianca and Nico both with 6s. Piper got a 7, followed by Grover with a 6, then Hazel with a 7. As Hazel's face faded to black, Apollo's voice again commanded the room.

"And now, from district 12, Percy Jackson with a score of 7!"

Sighs of relief echoed through the room. Percy closed his eyes and leaned back in the couch.

"Nice," Annabeth whispered.

"And his fellow district 12 tribute, Annabeth Chase with a score of 8!"

Annabeth released the breath she had been holding, and sunk back in the couch with Percy. He grinned at her.

"Right back at you!"

Dionysus rose unsteadily, grasping the arm of his couch. "I declare a toast! To two of the highest scoring district 12 tributes in a long time!"

Chiron smiled and raised his glass. "Indeed."

Percy turned to face Annabeth. "I guess your knife skills paid off!"

"Your trident skills too. Are you sure you're not from district 4?"

Percy smiled, there was a lightness in his eyes she hadn't seen before.

"I'm pretty sure. I wouldn't mind living there though."

Annabeth nodded. "I-I just have to make sure, you're not mad at me for outscoring you, are you?"

Percy laughed, a light, clear sound that made Annabeth's heart flutter.

"Of course not! If anything I think you should have scored higher. The gamemakers clearly have no taste." Percy paused, then glanced back up at Annabeth. "This is good, right?" She breathed out.

"Yeah Percy, this is good. This is really good." For the first time since her name was called, Annabeth felt a spark of something in her chest. It was the same thing she saw in Percy's eyes. Hope.