---

I follow Nico down the trail, and a few minutes later we find ourselves at a large bonfire. Nico goes and sits down at a picnic table by himself, and I just stand there because I have no idea where to go. Soon enough every camper is sitting, and I'm alone feeling awkward. "Campers," I turn and see Chiron, "Please welcome Miss Haley Kingsley. She arrived earlier today." A lot of "Hi Haley"s and "Hellos" went around. The warmth in their voices made me feel better. "Normally Haley, the Claiming takes place at dinner. 'Claiming,' as we call it, is when your godly parent presents themselves to you. This could happen at any point. But until then, you may join me and Mr. D, our camp director, at our table." He directs me with his hand towards a nice-looking wooden table set a little ways from the rest of the campers. I nod my head and smile towards him, and make my way to the table. Then a boy, with black hair and green eyes, stands. He lifts his plate and walks towards the campfire. He says "For Poseidon," then scrapes a portion into the fire and mutters something with his eyes closed. Another table of campers stand and form a line doing the same, but saying their Cabin god before burning food. I hear Athena, Hermes, Demeter, Hypnos (barely), and a few others. Finally it's my turn. I pick up my plate, and magically food appears on it. I walk towards the fire, say "To my mother," and scrape half of my plate into the flames.

As I turn, I hear audible gasps from the campers. They aren't looking at me, they're looking above me. I look up, and see a glowing peacock. Then Greek letters form in the light, forming the name of my mother: Hera.
All around me, campers started kneeling. "Hera," said Chiron. "Matron, Maker of Heaven. Hail, Haley Kingsley, Daughter of Hera."

Notes