You stood reluctantly in front of the newly arrived twelve-year-olds, the drizzly Friday morning mirroring your gloomy mood. Annabeth Chase and Piper McLean had practically dragged you away from your brother's bedside, where he lay battling a serious fever. Your older brother, usually the responsible cabin counselor, was now unable to fulfill his duties, and you'd been roped into taking his place.

You weren't exactly thrilled about it. You didn't have a way with kids, and the thought of babysitting a group of rowdy pre-teens made your stomach turn. But Annabeth and Piper had been insistent, and you couldn't very well say no to the daughter of Athena and the daughter of Aphrodite.

As you gazed out at the sea of expectant young faces, you felt a sense of trepidation wash over you. What were you supposed to do with these kids, anyway? You weren't exactly the "counselor type." Your expertise lay in other areas, not in coddling and hand-holding.

Annabeth gave you a reassuring smile and a gentle nudge. "Go on," she whispered. "Introduce yourself. They're waiting."