"Ok Percy, just remember not to volunteer no matter what." I knew Percy, he would volunteer if someone under 15 was reaped. I had to make sure he lived, if he died I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't at least try to keep him safe.

"Don't worry Annabeth, I won't volunteer, I promise." He seemed like he was trying to make a wormhole but I don't know how.

We got to the front of the line and a lady pricked my finger, she pinched my finger pulling blood and she placed it on a square labeled Annabeth Chase, 18. I was sent to the female crowd, farthest from the stage, that's where the 18 year olds were placed. A woman in Capitol outfit with neon pink hair taps on the microphone center stage. "Hello, hello, I am Octavia. I will be your escort this year." I get distracted whenever she says to direct our eyes to the screen. I search for Percy, he is right across from me. Then something compels me to search for Poseidon, I see him, sheltering young Finnick. He appears to be looking for someone, most likely me and Percy. The video was much more bloody in real life than in the movies.

"Ahh, I just want to meet the next of you." She goes over to the first bowl. I look down at the floor, my name was in there the minimal amount for an 18 year old, probably not rare here, but definitely rarer than in district 1 or 2. Octavia was a very indecisive person, she would go for the middle of the bowl, feel one then go deeper, then higher as if searching for one name in particular. It had to have been a couple of minutes before she plucked one from the very top. My hands start to feel clammy, I'm not going to volunteer, I'm fine what are the chances of me being picked. I didn't have time to do the math, I knew it was less than 1 percent.

She unfolds the paper and her face kind of rounds into a smile, maybe she likes the name. Could be Ocean, or River, or something like that."District 4's female tribute for the 55th annual hunger games is..." she takes a long pause trying to bring up the anticipation, it just makes me more anxious. None of the girls liked me, none of them would volunteer for the hot new guy's girlfriend, without me he's fresh for the picking. "Annabeth Chase, come up here darling." I feel my face distort into a mix of shock and worry.

I step out of the crowd, wondering what trick this is of the gods. I look at Percy and slowly shake my head. His face shows dismay and I see his eyes start to fill with tears of worry. I mouth no at him. I can't help but look back at Poseidon, we make eye contact and he looks like he is about to kill someone. Soon that will be my only way to survive, I've killed monsters, some demigods during the Second Titan War, but how am I supposed to kill innocent mortals.

I step on stage and realize I didn't take a breath that whole time I breathe in and feel a little light headed. I am a tribute... and Percy better make the right choice.