The Selection

Gotta be You

Jason's POV

The person who used to care for you the most will hate you the worst. I read this line once in a book that had happened to get to my hands. I didn't know what it meant then. But now, I do. With a heavy heart, I do as I see her walk away from me. I do know it is my mistake, my suspicions led to her being the victim. I bite my lip. 

I tap my microphone, which I received before coming here from Annabeth. When I had asked what it was. She had said It's technology. Through this, our whole group can converse with each other whenever we want. The main purpose of this arrangement is obviously, The Rebels. We suspect them to make a move tonight.

"I think it's over. You all can stop dancing." I say.

"Oh, we had just started it." I hear Leo complaining.

"You want to do it, I don't have any obligation. Continue." I reply.

"What happened, Jason?" Annabeth enquires.

"Nothing. I am tired." I answer. I look around. Shall I go after her? Maybe, I shouldn't. It will only make her angrier. If only I could some time with her alone. Just me and her. Noone to intrude on our little silence. There is one thing about wishes. They always come true. The thing is you have to be specific. Otherwise, you don't know where your wish would take you. They can be really dangerous!

"Jason! What happened? If you don't answer my question now I swear-" Annabeth comes towards me.

"I was just thinking..." I try to find an excuse. I see two girls, one pale and the other with too much makeup on her face. "Why did you let Drew and that girl beside her qualify the Last Round? Khione is still okay, she scores well and fights well. But Drew? Why? She is so-"

"I have my intuitions and plans!" She just smiles at me as if I were a child of seven. You know only Annabeth can understand her own plans, sometimes Percy can too. "Jason, I will just come. If you get any feeling, just call me up." She leaves me alone.

I sigh. 

"Sir, would you like to drink some water?" A waiter comes and asks me.

"Thanks." I accept. At least there is something I can do at this lonely party, drink water. Not funny at all.

But before I could drink it, someone clashes right into me, spilling the water on the floor.

"Oh, sorry." She says. It's Piper. Her pink gown and my coat are wet. 

"No problem." I put the glass on the waiter's plate.

"Sir, I have another glass." He offers.

"No, thank you. I think-"

"Your Highness, this would be a shame for a waiter like me-"

"Alright. I'll take it." Sometimes, you don't exactly want the other person to care. No sooner than I touch the glass, Piper snatches it from me.

"I think I am more thirsty than anyone else." She drinks in one gulp. "Thanks." She gives the glass to the waiter who is spellbound and leaves. That was... strange. 

"Go and continue your job," I say as he stares at Piper as if she has done a crime.

"Hey, listen to me, everyone, carefully!" My microphone blares in my ear followed by 'what had happened' voices.  "Don't eat or drink anything that any of the waiters give you for it might be adulterated. Malcolm has seen some activity in the CCTV." Annabeth informs. "Take care and be alert. Any strange act just taps on the microphone and we'll be there. Thalia and her hunters are ready if there is any commotion. "