Chapter 1

"I thought I'd find you out here." Santana didn't bother to turn around as Puck sat down on the grass beside her, keeping her dark chocolate brown eyes fixed on the forest view before her. She'd expected him ten minutes ago, but didn't bother to ask what delayed him. Most likely she hated the bitch anyway. The bag containing her hunt from an hour earlier lay beside her, and Puck didn't hesitate in leaning across her and taking it. She heard him whistle in appreciation at the venison meat inside.

"Woah, Lopez, where'd you find yourself a deer? Don't think I've seen one in months," he said as he closed the bag, throwing it back across her. She smirked at him, finally tearing her gaze away from the horizon.

"Only one I've seen this year, was limping pretty bad. Think it got its leg caught in one of your traps or somethin'. Hands to yourself though, Puckerman. I promised Mami that all deer went to her and her only. Its Abuela's favourite. But you can have as many squirrels as you want," she grinned, leaning back onto her elbows. Puck snorted, leaning back with her and raising an eyebrow.

"I still don't get why you still hunt for that old bag, after the way she treated you for coming out." Santana tensed slightly at his words, the pain of the memory flashing briefly in her eyes before she smirked again, hiding her emotions behind a mask of indifference.

"Maybe she'll get lucky and Holly Holiday will be pulling out my name today. Save her the shame of having a gay granddaughter," she said in a dry tone, licking her suddenly dry lips. Puck froze beside her, clenching his jaw. When she wouldn't meet his gaze, he gently grabbed her jaw, forcing her deep chocolate eyes to meet his hazel pair.

"Don't joke about that, especially not today." She pulled away from him, annoyed at the contact and rubbing her jaw.

"Calm your panties, Puckerman, I was kidding." She paused thoughtfully for a moment, before adding, "How many times is your name in?" Puck sighed, running a hand down his ridiculous mohawk. As many times as she told him to shave it because, lets face it, it looked like a freaking dead squirrel, he was convinced it added to his "badass persona". Whatever that was supposed to mean.

"Forty two. Had to do somethin' to stop us starving when the old man went AWOL again," Puck replied stonily, a wry smile on his face. Santana scowled at the mention of Puck's father; The guy was an asshole, and the only guy in the entire district who could take on Ken Tanaka, the district's drunk, in a drinking contest and win. Santana made a point of kicking the guy in the gut whenever she saw him passed out on the street, spitting at him that Puck and his family were better off without an ass like him around. The peacekeepers didn't even bother throwing the douche in the stocks anymore, most of the loyal customers of Puck's.

"What about you?"

"Twenty. Papi's business didn't do so well this year," she stated simply, picking up some blades of grass and beginning to weave them together. They sat in silence for a few minutes, Santana concentrating on weaving a basket (She never could do it as well as her Abuela) and Puck quietly brooding beside her, examining the wild landscape before them.

"We could run away you know. Take off into the woods." Santana snorted at the notion, not bothering to look up from her work.

"They'd catch us. Besides, I couldn't leave Mami and Papi with things getting so rough, without me and my insane hunting skills they'd starve. So would my Abuela. You couldn't leave Jake or your sister either," she added the last part softly, and Puck half smiled, shaking his head.

"Yeah, I guess. I just wish...It was different, you know. That we didn't have to play their games while they watch us get slaughtered like pigs." He gave an ironic chuckle. "I wish we weren't stuck as District 12 losers. That's all they see us as, the district with a handful of victors who just 'got lucky.'" He picked up a nearby stone, anger blazing in his eyes and fired it off into the distance. Santana watched him quietly for a moment, giving him some time to cool off.

Puck was always a hot head, its what made them friends in the first place. She'd been the only one to go up to him and school and tell him that if he didn't stop ripping up her books, she'd go all "The Seam" on his ass. He'd pushed her, and it resulted in a fight that was still a legend in the District 12 school today. They were six years old, and had remained inseparable by some strange mutual respect ever since.

Seeing Puck was relatively calm again, Santana slowly moved over so she was able to lean her head on his shoulder. He took a deep shaky breath, leaning his own on top of hers.

"I hate them San. All of them."

"I know, Puck. But we've had the odds in our favour so far, what's to say that'll change today? They knows not to mess with Snix anyway."

"I'm sure babe."

Xxxxx

"Santana Lopez." She bit her tongue to stop herself cursing as the peacekeeper pricks the top of her index finger, pressing it down on the sheet of paper. She gave a fake sickly sweet smile as she was ushered through, glancing around to see if Puck was in line yet. It was his little sister Elisabeth's first time, so she knew he'd be with her, as well as his younger half brother Jake. Puck may not be the greatest role model when it came to women for the younger Puckerman, but he sure as hell was the best when it came to looking out for your friends and family.

She took her place in line beside some brunette she vaguely recognised from school, her mouth suddenly dry. Though she'd never admit it, she always got nerves before the reaping. Hell, she'd be surprised if there was anyone here who didn't. All the pale, sweating twelve year olds who had barely any sleep the night before thanks to the nightmares of what could come, to the tense, calm 18 year olds who hoped to make it through this one last time so they could live the rest of their lives without fear. They all felt the same way as she did, so she'd be damned if she felt embarrassed for the slight shake in her hands.

She spotted Puck and Jake, with their younger sister Elisabeth moving to the places. Puck caught her eye and pressed his lips in a thin line, his attempt at a smile at those times. He nudged Elisabeth, who gave Santana a nervous grin as she stood beside her. Santana, though not a fan of young kids, loved Elisabeth like her own sister, and didn't hesitate in taking the small girls hand and giving it a squeeze before dropping it again. Elisabeth was visibly shaking, her eyes wide as she looked up to Santana. Santana smiled down, trying to convey some pitiful hope to the young girl. Santana glanced at the large clock on the justice building, gently nudging Elisabeth over to the group of twelve year olds when she noticed it was nearly two.

Her head snapped up as the mayor, Figgins, walked up to the podium, beginning his annual monotonous speech on the history of the games. She rolled her eyes as he came to the dark days, having heard the stoey repeated often enough in history in school; They rebelled, they lost, now as punishment the Capitol killed their kids. Totally diplomatic. Figgins then began to read the list of victors that District twelve has had. Santana's eyes snap to the only two remaining out of the three they've ever had; Sue Sylvester and Will Schuester, polar opposites and yet more alike than she felt she could ever understand after both surviving the games.

Sue Sylvester was somewhat of a legend in Hunger Games history. She was reaped at the age of fourteen, and shocked all of Panem in her take no prisoners attitude, amazing gymnastics ability and her sharp tongue. She was one of the only Tributes in District Twelve history to have a fore-planned alliance with the Careers. She was merciless in the Arena, so Santana had heard, and trampled all over her opponents. She not only mentored the Tributes from Twelve, but helped train some of the other prodigy Tributes from other Districts over the years. All of those she chose to train of course became victors, and the Capitol had dubbed the group her "Cheerios".

Will Schuester's reputation was the opposite. Known as an encouraging, inspiring, kind mentor, he won his Games based slightly on luck, slightly on his never give up outlook on life. Everyone in Twelve knew that if they were chosen, he'd do his best to make sure that the unfortunate boy or girl going in had the best chance they had being the underdog. Apparently he was pretty damn good when it came to getting sponsors as well, something Sue's attitude prevented.

Santana respected the two victors immensely, but in all honestly if she was chosen she knew she'd want Sue Sylvester on her side; Sue produced winners, and that's all the Games came down to. Winning.

Figgins finally concluded his speech, and introduced Holly Holiday.

Holly Holiday stepped onto the stage, her large smile obnoxiously bright as she ostood up to the podium. Her hair was peroxide blonde, as it had been for as long as Santana could remember, and her bright blue eyes, reminded Santana completely of the capital. It gave her a headache.

"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour!" Santana zoned out as Holly continued her rant for a bit, catching Puck's eye. He raised an eyebrow at Holly's antics and Santana rolled her eyes in response. He turned back around, the ghost of a smile on his face.

Santana turned her attention back to Holly as she announces it's time for the drawing. As always, Holly starts with her "Chicas first!" and crossed to the ball with the girls names, rooting down deep before picking out a slip.

Santana dug her fingernails deep into the palms of her hands, trying her best to keep her breathing normal when all she could think of is how her names in there twenty times.

It's not you. It's not you, She thinks to herself over and over.

And it's not.

It's Elisabeth Puckerman.

Xxxx

Santana felt paralysed to the spot, as she turned her head like all the others to watch little Elisabeth Puckerman try not to burst into tears and make her way to the podium. The girl's tiny hands were clenched in tight fists, her knuckles white. She could hear Puck shouting and screaming but she knew he couldn't volunteer; If he did, Jake and his mother were as good as dead, so was Elisabeth if he wasn't around to get food.

She turned her head and saw Puck being restrained by Peacekeepers as Holly

encouraged Elisabeth on stage. Time seemed to freeze as Puck's wild, desperate eyes met hers, and a sad smile crept to her features when she knew what she had to do. Puck's eyes widened as he realised her train of thought, and opened his mouth to scream at her and stop her. But it was too late; When Santana Lopez makes up her mind, that's it.

"I volunteer."

Confusion took over the stage at the announcement. Twelve hadn't had a volunteer in decades, and despite the protocol being rusty, after the initial shock Holly Holiday's wide smile returned.

"Moy bien! Let the brave chica come forward." Santana ignored the blatant stares and Puck's roars as she made her way to the platform. Elisabeth was like family, and to her that was reason enough for volunteering. Puck would look after her own family, they wouldn't starve. And damn it, if anyone had any chance of winning in the district it was her.

"Tana!" Elisabeth shouted tearfully as she walked past, being held back by two older girls. Santana gave her a small smile, before holding her head high and walking carefully up to the podium. Suddenly she was self conscious of the fact that all of Panem was watching her, and kept the tears that threatened to spill at bay. She would not appear weak and look like an easy target for those damn Careers. She was Santana Lopez; The best freakin' hunter this side of the Capitol.

"So young lady, tell us your name!" Holly was even more obnoxiously glowing up close and Santana scowled slightly.

"Santana Lopez." Santana swallowed the lump in her throat as she saw her Mami weeping into her Papi's arms. She caught. His eye for a brief moment, and underneath all the pain she could see his pride in her actions, something she'd sought for her entire life. The corners of his lips curved upwards slightly and he nodded to her in encouragement. She didn't look for her grandmother.

"What a delightful name! And tell me, Santana, was that your sister who's name was just called?" Santana looked down at Puck, who was holding Elisabeth now firmly in his arms, while she sobbed into his shoulder and his own eyes watered.

"She's as good as." Holly's smile softened slightly at Santana's words and she started clapping. Santana remained still where she was staring blankly ahead of her.

"Well that's the spirit of the Games, volunteering! Come on now, let's give her a round of applause!" No one moved. Santana allowed her eyes to examine the faces of the sullen crowd before her, who were so blatantly defying the Capitol. They're silence spoke a thousand words; They did not condone. They did not approve. Then one by one, the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to an old and rarely used gesture in the district which meant thanks, admiration and usually used at funerals. It was used to say goodbye to someone you love.

"I like her. She's got balls," Santana's head whips around at Sue Sylvester's sudden outburst. Her eye's meet the icy blue ones, which hold only approval. The middle aged woman sits in the chair next to an impressed looking Will Schuester, and is wearing one of her trademark Capitol tracksuits, the likes of which are never seen in District 12. With the cameras on Sue, Santana let out the shaky breath she was holding, before giving the Victor a small nod. Sue's approval already made her a force to be reckoned with, and was sure to earn her some sponsers. Santana hated how she had to think like that, but it was necessary for survival.

"What an... eventful day! Now time to choose our boy tribute." She walked briskly back across the stage, all the while Santana whispered, "Not Puck, not Puck." Under her breath.

"Blaine Anderson!" Santana rested her eyes on said boy at the announcement, who was frozen for a moment in the shock. She wasn't friends with him; He was a wealthy merchant's son, and didn't mix much with her and her friend's from the Seam. He was known for singing or something like that, and Santana knew he was gay. What made him differ from all the other merchant's kids, was his dark hair and brown eyes, making him look more like a kid from the Seam. His mother, apparently, was born near Santana's own home and was friendly with her own Mami before she married the butcher.

Blaine kept a blank expression as he joined Santana on stage, smiling to her as he did so. She merely kept the scowl on her face, and ignored the feeling of dread in her stomach as Figgins finished the dull Treaty of Treason and motioned for Santana and Blaine to shake hands. Santana noticed how his were soft and warm, largely contrasting to her own rough, scarred pair. In a way, she noted, they reflected their different upbringings. Blaine's sheltered and pampered, while Santana's full of struggle and hard work. When Santana initially makes to pull away, he holds her hand for a moment longer, looking her right in the eye as if trying to reassure her, before releasing her hand. She's not used to such kindness and frowned as she turned away.

They turned back to face the crowd as the anthem of Panem plays. Santana warily eyes Blaine up and down from the corner of her eye, disliking the idea of killing him already.

Well, there'll be 24 of us in there. Odds are one of the careers will kill him anyway.

But the odds had been a bitch lately.

Xxxx

Santana looked around the large lush room she'd been allotted after she'd been taken into custody. She'd never been anywhere nearly as well furnished as the room, and refused to be impressed by the lousy compensation of luxury for her life. She sat patiently on the couch as she waited for her parents to be brought to say their last goodbyes. She wouldn't let herself cry; That would make her look weak, and Santana Maria Lopez was not weak. She'd spent her entire childhood being called garbage by her Abuela, and had to hunt for her family's survival. There was no way in hell she'd be chosen as meat for the Careers just because she'd shed a few tears saying goodbye to her family.

Her mother entered the room first, throwing arms around her daughter and sobbing uncontrollably. Santana helplessly wrapped her arms around her mother's shaking back, listening as her Mami whispered "Te amo, Mija, te amo." Over and over again. She quietly said it back as her father entered, his eyes red and puffy. He strode over to them and embraced them both, so Santan could feel safe in her father's embrace one last time.

"I'm proud of you, mija, so proud," he said wearily, and Santana had to shut her eyes tightly to prevent the tears from spilling. She nuzzled her face into the crook of her Papi's neck like she did when she was young.

"I'm scared, Papi," she admitted quietly, her mother's eyes subsiding slightly. She stroked her hair softly as her father answered her strongly.

"I know Mija. But you're a Lopez, and Lopez's win. You go in there, and you make them sorry they ever heard the name Santana Lopez." Santana gave a choked laugh, pulling back and taking in both her parents one final time before they were taken out by the Peacekeepers.

"Te amo!" she shouted after them as Puck ran in. He lifted her up as he hugged her, his arms around her waist and his face in her hair. She gingerly wrapped her own around his shoulder, a little unsettled as Puck's body was wracked with sobs.

"Thank you, San, thank you. I'm so sorry you had to- If there was any way I could- I'll look after them all, even your Abuela, I swear. I'm so sorry San," his voice was muffled in her hair and she gave a small laugh.

"You owe me big time, Puckerman," was all she managed and he choked a chuckle himself. He pulled back, looking her dead in the eye.

"Just give em a good game, San, that's all they want. And you win, you show them what its like to mess with Snix." Santana smiled into Puck's shoulder, and pulled back to face her best friend. He did his best to smirk at her, before turning to look behind him. Santana raised an eyebrow as he turned back around, pulling something out of his pocket. She watched as he opened his fist to reveal a small wooden carving of a mockingjay hanging on a piece of black thread. He placed it in her hand and closed her fingers around it, not letting go.

"You're allowed bring one thing as your token; I carved this from that stick you hit me with the first time we met. Its a mockingjay; Reminds me of how strong you are, even back then you could kick my ass and I was twice your size. Will you take it?" He asked as the Peacekeepers came in and began to pull him away. She nodded fervently, watching him be dragged out of the room.

"Good luck San!" The doors slammed shut behind him, before another set opened and the Peacekeepers came to escort her out to Blaine and Holly, where they'd board the train and leave for the Capitol. As they came into sight, and Blaine smiled at her, she sighed.

I think I'm gonna need it.

A/N:

So this is my first fanfic, and its quite long. Updates will really depend on time I have to write, and they'll be quite long, but they will go up eventually. So please review and tell me what you think! -Q