The Burning Demigod Question: How Does Annabeth Swing a Trip to LA (Without Stealing Zeus' Lightning Bolt Again)?
Ah, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. A series that's given us feels, thrills, and enough mythological creatures to fill a monster convention. But amidst all the epic battles and Olympian drama, a question has gnawed at our demigod-loving hearts: how in Hades does Annabeth Chase afford a trip to Los Angeles?
Let's be honest, Camp Half-Blood isn't exactly known for its robust scholarship programs. Unless Chiron's been secretly stockpiling drachmas under the pinoak tree, our girl Annabeth isn't exactly rolling in dough. So, how does she manage to snag a plane ticket to the City of Angels (besides, you know, hitching a ride on a pegasus)?
Theory #1: Demigod Hustle
Maybe Annabeth's been running a side hustle we don't know about. "Camp Half-Blood Crafts: Tiny knitted centaurs for your cubicle!" Who wouldn't pay top dollar for a miniature Chiron to keep them company at work? Or perhaps she's mastered the art of haggling with Hermes' delivery imps. "Hey, two drachmas for a pack of ambrosia? That's outrageous! I saw Hephaestus selling them buy-one-get-one-free in his forge yesterday!"
Theory #2: The Power of Friendship (and Sketchy Casino Winnings)
We all know Percy has a knack for attracting trouble. Maybe on their previous quest, they stumbled upon a luxurious demigod casino hidden amongst the mortals (think Vegas, but with centaur croupiers and Styx River slot machines). With a lucky roll of the dice (and perhaps a little divine intervention from Athena, the goddess of strategy), Annabeth could have walked away with enough drachmas to fund a first-class ticket. Just don't tell Chiron about the whole "gambling in the Underworld" thing.
Theory #3: The All-Powerful "Charge it to Olympus" Card
Let's face it, the Olympians are notoriously bad with money. Remember that time Poseidon flooded Atlantis because someone "borrowed" his trident? Maybe Annabeth, ever the strategist, figured out a loophole in Olympian economics. "One magical makeover for Aphrodite's latest flame in exchange for a plane ticket, sound fair?" Knowing the love goddess' vanity, that deal practically signed itself.
The Truth is Out There (Probably)
The real answer, like many things in the Percy Jackson universe, remains a mystery. Maybe Rick Riordan will bless us with the truth in a future book. Until then, we're left to speculate on Annabeth's financial prowess (and just how much Hermes owes her after a particularly rough game of Mythomagic). One thing's for sure, though: between slaying monsters and saving the world, this demigod daughter of Athena knows how to get what she wants. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to buy a tiny knitted centaur for my desk.