Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter characters, they belong to J.K. Rowling and the concept of The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins.

A/N: This fic takes the Harry Potter characters and places them in the Hunger Games universe based off of the novel The Hunger Games. It is not a crossover fic, does not include characters from The Hunger Games, and will be different than the novel itself, but as stated the concept is from the books. Any other questions please feel free to ask and as always please review.

Prologue

Sweat dripped down his dirt stained face, but he paid it no mind, instead trying to focus on evening his heavy breathing. If another tribute heard him it could very well mean his death.

Taking a quick glance around after he caught his breath, he looked out of the tree to see if the beast was still down there. If only he had a wand it would make things so much easier, but the Gamemakers hadn't allowed them to be used yet.

Suddenly he heard voices and he paused, retreating into the tree so the other tributes wouldn't see him

"He must ve around here," came the gruff and accented voice. Harry instantly knew it was Viktor Krum from District One, the leader of the Careers, but who was he talking about?

"We've been searching all day," whined a female.

The group came into view and Harry could clearly see the four remaining Careers, but where was Draco?

"Shut up," growled Viktor.

"Don't tell her to shut up or I'll send a knife through your throat," a redheaded male shouted with narrowed eyes as he stepped closer to Krum. The redheaded girl must have been the one who complained because Harry knew that the redheads were the Weasley siblings. He clearly recalled his shock of when he first found out that siblings had been chosen for the Games, but they were both Careers, born and raised to fight in the Games so it shouldn't have come as a surprise.

"He can't ave gotten far," Krum stated. "He vas injured after all."

"We could split up," said the other remaining female, an Asian girl also from District One.

"No," barked Krum, who was clearly the leader among them all. "Forget him. He vill die anyway with zat cut I gave him."

There was a low murmur of dark chuckles among everyone until they suddenly subsided.

"Then let's go after the other one. He'll be looking for him anyway. I say we keep going because I'm sure Malfoy didn't head back towards the lake," stated Ron, his hand resting on the knife around his leather belt.

"The sun is going to set soon though," said Cho, looking towards the sky.

She was right. The sun was slowly going down and there were far more dangerous things in the night than the other tributes trying to kill them that they all had to worry about.

"Vill come back here tomorrow zen, neizer can be far. Back to the lake now."

But before any of them had the chance to leave a cannon sounded and everyone, including Harry, looked towards the sky. The face of another tribute, Colin Creevy, floated in the sky before it disappeared.

"That's one more gone," Cho stated indifferently.

"Good," another muttered and then they turned to leave.

As soon as they had come they were gone, their footsteps retreating in the direction they came in back to their safekeeping near the lake where Harry was sure they made camp.

Reaching for the bright orange backpack Harry grabbed the small sleeping bag and unrolled it. He would once again have to sleep in the trees tonight where he would be safe from the others and the dark creatures that thrived in the night.

Tomorrow he would search for Draco. He had to find him before the other tributes did and from the sounds of it he was also injured. Harry just hoped they would both survive to find each other.

Chapter One

"There Teddy. Aim lower, to the right just a little. Now!"

The young boy let his finger off the bow and they both watched as the arrow hit the rabbit, stalling the prey from any further movement.

"I did it Harry! Did you see that?" The boy, who was barely twelve years of age, turned towards a tall, muscular, young man with messy dark hair and grinned.

"I did! Shall we go see it?"

He ruffled Teddy's hair before Teddy ran forward towards the rabbit and he followed at a more leisurely pace, content to spend the day with the only family he had left, even if it wasn't by blood. Harry had seen too many losses in his seventeen years, first from his parents he had barely known and most recently within the past two years it had been his godfather and Teddy's father. The young boy only had Harry to rely on and he would do anything to protect him.

"I think it's dead," stated the brown-haired Teddy, poking the grey fur of the rabbit. Harry chuckled and bent down over it.

"You had a good shot. Now take the arrow out and we'll bring the rabbit back with us after we check our other traps."

The arrow was retrieved and the rabbit was placed in a knapsack that they carried with them.

"Harry?" asked Teddy as they walked closer to the edge of the woods where they had several traps set. "Why do we have to use bows and arrows and set traps when we can just use our wands?"

A brief flood of anger rushed through Harry as Teddy brought up wands, the object that everyone had but could hardly use due to the strict Ministry regulations unless you were an employee of the Ministry or were a winner of the Games.

"We still have to known how to survive without wands. We can't use that many spells that would go undetected by the Ministry so it's a good skill to have. Plus, your dad and Sirius taught me to hunt and I know they would be proud that we're still doing it."

Harry slung an arm around Teddy's slumped shoulders. The blue eyed boy looked at the ground, kicking the dirt and twigs that had fallen from the forest trees above.

"Dad said I had to wait til I was ten to hunt. He never got to show me."

Harry stopped and bent down so that he was at Teddy's level. Gently, he placed his hand on Teddy's jaw to make the boy look at him.

"I'm sure your dad didn't mind that I taught you and he would be very proud of you, Ted."

Tears welled in Teddy's eyes, but he only nodded and puffed his chest out as if reigning in his emotions.

"Yeah. Thanks, Harry."

Harry stood and put his arm back around the boy as they continued on towards the traps, but the silence was interrupted by Teddy's own thoughts said aloud.

"Dad told me he wanted to teach me to hunt in case I ever was called for the Games. Is that why you're teaching me?"

Harry froze at Teddy's words, not quite sure what to tell the boy. Yes, it had been true that both Sirius and Teddy's father Remus had taught him how to hunt in case Harry's name had ever been called, but after they both died it was more of a survival technique. Harry could not work in the mines until next year and what other job was there for the likes of him? He was poor and he had to hunt in order to supply food for himself and Teddy while also catching other game so he could sell on the black market in Knockturn Alley. No, he no longer hunted thinking about the Games, instead thinking that he had to live.

"We've got to eat haven't we?" Harry asked. "The more help I get the more food we have."

Harry wasn't sure if Teddy believed him for he was at the age where he didn't take everything people said for truth anymore, but the boy didn't say anything else.

"Oh look Ted! I think we've got something in the trap up there. Want to go see?"

The trap provided a much needed distraction from the conversation at hand as Teddy raced ahead, but the unsettling feeling stayed with him, sure that it was the fact that the reaping, the day where the names were announced for the upcoming Hunger Games, was only days away and it would be the first time Teddy would be entered. He was too young and what if he was selected? Harry was sure the boy wouldn't survive and he wouldn't let that happen and lose another person so dear to him. All they had was each other.

When Harry was just a baby his parents had been killed in a raid that had taken the District years to recover from. Since that time he had lived with his godfather, Sirius Black, and both his father and Sirius' best friend, Remus Lupin. Remus had eventually married and moved out leaving Harry and Sirius on their own, but they saw each other frequently especially on the weekends when they hunted. His own father along with Remus and Sirius had been taught by their fathers after District Thirteen had been destroyed by the Ministry all those years ago when it was necessary to fend for yourself since wand use was put under strict regulations.

When Sirius and Remus had both been killed in the mine blast Harry had been devastated. He was only fifteen and Teddy's mother had died in child birth leaving them both alone with no other family. The boy was only eight at the time and understood that his father had been killed in an accident and from that moment on Harry knew he was the one who would provide for Teddy.

"I'll be back Teddy," Harry called into the house as he took the extra game they had caught with him.

It was time to go to Knockturn Alley, a place where Harry refused to let Teddy go until he was older. The only reason Harry went was because he needed the extra income or other products he traded for. Knockturn Alley was known as the Black Market and although there was nothing devious about the Alley it was where all the illegal transactions took place. Thankfully it was kept under the radar in their District, but Harry suspected that had something to do with their very own mayor occasionally trading there.

There were still a couple of hours left before the sun set which meant it was the busiest hours in Knockturn Alley. People would be bartering and selling their items for that evening's meal or whatever other needs they had at the moment. Harry first went to an elderly lady's house, Mrs. Figg, who always gave him cheese and milk in return for squirrel, a meat that neither Harry nor Teddy were fond of but would eat if that was all there was.

"Squirrel today Potter? Well come in, come in. I've got some goat's cheese and milk for you this evening."

Harry stepped into the back of the house in the kitchen where Mrs. Figg ambled about retrieving the items for him.

"And how is Teddy? Doing well in school, yes?"

Although the elderly lady had never met Teddy she knew, as did most other residents in town, that Harry was the sole caregiver of him.

"Just fine Mrs. Figg."

"Good good. Here you are now."

Harry thanked the lady and quickly went back into the Alley, hoping he could trade some of the eggs he found in a nest in the forest.

"Harry!"

Said teen turned around when he saw Neville Longbottom calling his name and waving towards him. Neville lived with his grandmother who was more often than not ill, but thankfully Neville had learned how to heal from her and had his own herb garden. Occasionally Neville would venture into Knockturn Alley to sell some herbs he had an oversupply of, but usually he stayed clear of it.

"Hey Nev! How's your gran?"

"She's doing alright. How's Ted?"

"Fine, just fine."

Neville eyed Harry, noticing that the other teen seemed on edge and nervous and there was only one guess.

"You're nervous about the reaping."

In the new world that they lived in there were twelve districts and Harry lived in District Twelve, the coal mining district. Long ago there were Thirteen Districts, but District Thirteen had been destroyed by their government, the Ministry, after District Thirteen started a revolution and wanted to overthrow the Ministry. Needless to say District Thirteen was obliterated and was now a wasteland. After the revolution the Ministry decided they would begin the Hunger Games, a sick and twisted game that selected two young people from each district between the ages of twelve and eighteen who would compete in a televised competition until only one competitor was living. They had to fight to their deaths and the winner would be brought back to their District as a champion.

The reaping, where the two candidates from each District were chosen, was only days away. It would be Teddy's first. As the days grew closer to the reaping Harry could feel his agitation, nervousness, and anger towards the Ministry rising. How could they do this to children, to receive pleasure in watching innocent children kill each other? It was a punishment for them all so none would defy the Ministry again. The message of the Games said, 'Watch what I will do to you and your family when you go against me'.

Harry nodded his head and ran his fingers through his unruly hair.

"I'm afraid Ted might get called. He's so young and can you imagine if he went against some of those in Districts One or Two? The Careers would take him out within minutes that the Games started."

"You need to have more faith in Teddy, Harry. I know you're protective of him, but you've taught him well and who is to say that his name will be called? There are hundreds of other candidates including both of us who could go in. You can't worry yourself to death."

Harry knew that Neville was right, that there was no use in worrying over the reaping or the Games until the day came.

He forced a smile on his face and patted Neville's shoulder.

"You're right Nev. I'm just anxious, that's all."

They both could see the lie, but Neville thankfully changed the subject.

"Been hunting some more I see," said Neville, looking at Harry's goods from Mrs. Figg.

Harry grinned. "Of course."

Around the edge of town there was a fence that kept everyone in so that they couldn't escape off the Ministry's radar or try to go to other Districts. The forests that surrounded the area were strictly off limits, but years ago Harry's father, James, and Sirius, and Remus, had been shown a remote area where the fence was broken and one could easily slip in and out of unseen. Harry had been going there to go off and hunt ever since he started and although everyone in Knockturn Alley knew that Harry had to go outside of the fence, no one said anything. They all had to survive after all and to each their own.

"Here, take these."

Neville handed him several different herbs that Harry recognized as basil, mint, and rosemary.

"Nev, you shouldn't. I know your gran is sick and -," but Neville shook his head and cut him off.

"It's fine Harry, really. I best sell these before the sun goes down. I'll see you at the reaping though, yeah?"

Harry nodded and turned away, not wanting to think about the reaping. Instead he focused on selling the last few eggs and returning home to Teddy.

The next day Harry woke early, helping Teddy get ready for school before going off to the forest. He needed time to clear his head before the reaping tomorrow and he knew that one way to do this was to practice with his wand.

Before the country had fallen into despair and the Ministry had taken total control over everyone owned a wand and could freely practice spells. There was no need to hunt, to worry about a common cold killing you, and one could easily protect themselves, but now things were different. After the Ministry had taken over several regulations were put on the use of wands. Certain spells were banned and when District Thirteen was destroyed the bans became even stricter. Learning how to wield magic with a wand in schools had taken up a great portion of their education before the fall of District Thirteen, but now the spells they learned were common household and healing charms and basic transfiguration. Like Knockturn Alley, it was a well known secret that there were those who still learned the spells of old from before the Ministry took over, although many people had forgotten about them over time.

Harry remembered the first time Sirius had brought him to the forest. He had been five at the time and to Harry they had been walking forever. He was tired and hot with the warm sun beating down on them and when were they going to get to wherever it was Sirius was taking them?

"Through here, Harry. Just a bit further."

Sirius grinned and held open the broken fence, ruffling his hair before slipping through.

"Siri, this is the forest."

Harry stopped before the looming trees. He had heard the tales and stories of the creatures that dwelled in the woods; monsters that came out at night and preyed on humans who were never to be seen again. Despite it being the day Harry was terrified.

"We won't go in far."

Sirius took him by the hand and they entered the woods, Harry's grip tightening as he stared wide-eyed at the trees and his head whipping at the noises within.

They walked a couple hundred yards before stopping, although Harry refused to move far from Sirius. The older man let go of Harry's hand and pulled something out of his pack and Harry instantly recognized it, his face brightening as he forgot all about where he currently was.

"A wand! Is that yours Siri?" Harry asked excitedly, moving closer to look at the long mahogany wand. He had seen both Sirius and Remus use their wands before, but it had been for simple tasks such as cleaning the dishes or healing a cut.

"Yes, it is. Wands can be very dangerous, Harry, so you must be careful with it. I want you to watch."

Harry watched with awe as Sirius transformed a fallen branch into a hissing snake and the snake slithered closer to them. He had never seen Sirius do this kind of magic before and why was he showing him now and in the forest?

The snake was coming closer to them, baring its fangs while it hissed.

"Avada Kedavra!" shouted Sirius, pointing his wand at the snake and a jet of green light streamed from it, hitting the snake. The hissing ceased and the body of the animal was lifeless.

Harry turned his head, eyes wide with a mixture of wonder and horror.

"Did you kill it?" Harry whispered, not daring to step closer to the fallen snake.

"Yes. This is why wands are dangerous and why there are many spells that the Ministry doesn't want us to know about or use."

Harry didn't understand it at the time what Sirius was telling him, but years later he did. Sirius was teaching him the ways of the old, how to protect himself in case something ever happened. When Harry was older he asked how the Ministry hadn't detected them doing the prohibited spells.

"The Ministry doesn't watch over the poor Districts like ours as closely and those Districts they do watch over, like Districts One and Two, they'll turn a blind eye to many things. Plus, we're doing it out of the town where things aren't as easily seen or detected."

Harry took his own wand out and began to practice, needing to release the anger and hurt that the memories and the upcoming days were bringing him. He cast offensive and defensive spells, transformed the inanimate twigs and leaves around him into small animals and spiders, casting the Unforgivables, the three spells that were always illegal.

The sun was high in the sky by the time Harry stopped, panting and sweating from the exertion. He lay back on the forest ground and closed his eyes, hoping that the dread that was in his heart had nothing to do with tomorrow being reaping day.

"Are you alright Harry?"

Harry's eyes fluttered closed at Teddy's words, the boy who was too innocent for his own good sometimes. Teddy knew what today was, but he was sure that the impact of what could happen was not even a mere passing thought for the boy.

Turning, Harry forced a smile. "I'm fine," he said as he set down the porridge and passed a spoon to Teddy. The boy eyed him warily, but said nothing and they ate in silence.

"Well," said Harry after the dishes had been washed by a quick cleaning spell from Teddy. Everyone received a wand at age eleven and ever since Teddy had gotten his wand he was more than eager to help with the chores around the house just so he could practice. "I suppose we should be off to the reaping."

Teddy nodded and Harry put his arm around the young boy, not sure if it was bringing more comfort to Teddy or himself. They walked leisurely towards the center of the district where the reaping would take place at midday.

Even from a distance Harry could already see the packed square, the possible tributes assembling in the center before a large stage where the tributes would be announced. A large, clear, glass bowl was on the center of a small table, the hundreds upon hundreds of names swirling about.

Harry guided Teddy towards the male side of where the tributes were and they found Neville, all echoing hellos. On the other side were the possible female candidates and there was a wide berth around them where the families and other citizens watched, all hoping that somebody they knew wouldn't be called so they could go home and celebrate afterwards.

In the past the two tributes had been a female and male each, but the rules were changed within the past twenty years. If a name was called for the Games another person could volunteer to take their place, male or female, and occasionally there would be only male or female tributes. Harry recalled one year when he watched the Games where out of the twenty four tributes seventeen of them were female.

The sun rose higher in the sky, signaling that soon the reaping would officially begin. Murmurs ran throughout the crowd, but it was low and hushed, the entirety of the district on edge. All fell silent though when a man walked out who was the district chaperone. He had hair the color of wheat and wore outrageously bright, canary yellow robes while his white teeth flashed luminously to the crowd.

"Hello hello District Twelve! Welcome to the reaping for the Hunger Games! My name is Gilderoy Lockhart and I am the district chaperone for this year's tributes!"

The obligatory applause rang throughout the square and all fell silent once more.

"Now," said Lockhart, "how about we bring out Mr. Snape now, hmm? Where on earth is he?"

Lockhart placed his hand over his eyes to shade it from the sun as he over exaggeratedly scanned the crowd.

Severus Snape was the only tribute from District Twelve to have won the games in the seventy four years that they had been going on. He was a dour man that wore all black and was hardly seen about town for he mostly kept to Victor's Village, a place with twelve houses where the winners of the Games lived permanently after they won. The man never seemed friendly and Harry couldn't imagine having to take advice from Snape on the Games.

"Oh there he is!" shouted Lockhart. "Yes, yes, come on up here Mr. Snape! Ladies and gentleman, a round of applause please for your district champion from the Hunger Games!"

People clapped once more as Snape rose to the stage, his expression sour and unpleasant as if he would rather be anywhere than here and Harry had to agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment.

"Shall we officially begin the reaping? Let's! May the odds be ever in your favor!" shouted Lockhart parroting the Ministry slogan for the Games. Lockhart grinned and the citizens fell silent.

Teddy's hand found his and Harry gripped it, the sweat from both of their palms intermingling as they waited for their fate. Harry's heart was pounding and he was sure that the others nearby could hear.

Lockhart reached into the glass bowl with the swirling papers and unfurled the paper, his blue eyes looking up and the permanent grin still etched on his face.

"And our first tribute is…Theodore Lupin!"