From The Treaty of the Treason. In the penance for their uprising each district shall offer up a male and female tribute between the ages of 12 and 18 at a public reaping.

These tributes will be delivered to the custody of the Capitol then transferred to a public arena where they will fight to death until a lone victor remains.

Henceforth and forevermore, this pageant shall be known as the Hunger Games.

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Chapter 11

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For a moment, the cameras hold on Steve's downcast eyes as what he says sinks in. Then I can see my face, mouth half open in a mix of surprise and protest, magnified on every screen until I realize what he said. He told them!

My eyes widen and flicker to the camera screens where I have an extreme close up. Quickly I compose myself leaving my face clean of emotion before ducking my head, not wanting anyone to see the upcoming blush on my face. So many unanswered questions run through my head, but the one that absolutely needs an answer screams the loudest, 'Why!?'

I watch Caesar's and the audience's reaction from under my eyelashes.

"Oh, that is a piece of bad luck," Caesar says and there's a real edge of pain in his voice. The crowd is murmuring in agreement, a few have even given agonized cries.

"It's not good," Steve agrees.

"Well I don't think any of us can blame you. It'd be hard not to fall for that young lady," Caesar says.

What is he doing? Why is he telling them? Was this a set up between Haymitch and him? I'm pulled from my thoughts by Steve continuing to speak, "We've been in a relationship before the games. Have been for the past year and a half." Steve what are you doing?

"Really now?" Caesar asks intrigued and leaning forward in his seat, some of the audience copying his movement.

"Well, what can I say?" he starts looking almost lost for words. "Where do I begin when I talk about Natasha? Just as you said, you cant blame anyone fot falling over her. Well you only know the beginning of her, there's more to her then she's letting anyone see which is what I admire about her. She's like a book, a very mysterious book. I find myself more intrigued everyday trying to unravel mysteries and even discovering some truth behind her. But the more I learn about her, the more I see that there are tons more to learn. She's simply just an amazing woman and, as you all can tell, she's gorgeous. In my eyes, she's the most beautiful human being to ever grace the planet and I still find it hard sometimes to think she's mine. Back home sometimes I would fear that I would wake up one day and see that it was all just a dream, that I was only dreaming and Natasha was never mine, but once I have her in my arms I realize that it's real." I can feel my cheeks burning throughout all the comments. Yes I'm annoyed he's telling everyone, but the things he's saying so sweet. "But she surprises me every time. Natasha is, another thing you figured out, very humorous, but she's smart, courageous, strong, independent and practically every guy's dream girl. I'm very lucky to call her mine and I will do everything in my power to protect her in the arena. I know I'm not coming out of that arena alive. I just hope she does because I love her." The audience sighs in a loving manner and there's a moment of silence before the audience erupts into a loud burst of applause.

Caesar wraps an arm around Steve in a sort of comforting manner. "Of course you will," he says after putting away his handkerchief he pulled out to wipe a stray tear. "We'd expect no less from you Steve. I have to confess, I'm glad you two had at least a few months of happiness together."

Enormous applause. As if encouraged, I look up from my hands and let the audience see my tragic smile of thanks. The residual smoke from the transformation has made my eyes teary, which adds a very nice touch.

"I'm not glad," Steve says, but doesn't offer any more explanation. I duck my head again to hide my confusion, where on earth is he going with this?

From where I can see under my lashes, Caesar seems taken back, "Surely even a brief time is better than no time?"

"Maybe I'd think that too, Caesar, if it weren't…" Steve's voice trails off in hesitation. Caesar's eyebrows rise in curiosity, but also worry.

"If it weren't for what? What?"

Steve takes a deep breath, runs a hand through his hair, which I figured out a nervous tick he has. Is he okay? Steve looks a little pale and he's sweating. He shoots me an apologetic glance."If it weren't for the baby."

...

There. He's done it. Drooped a bomb that wipes out the efforts of every tribute that came before him.

As the bomb explodes, it sends accusations of injustice and barbarism and cruelty flying out in every direction. Even the most Capitol-loving, Game-hungry, bloodthirsty person out there cant ignore, at least for a moment, how horrific the whole thing is.

I'm pregnant.

The audience can't absorb the news right away either. It has to strike them and sink in and be confirmed by other voices before they begin to sound like a herd of wounded animals, moaning, shrieking, calling for help. And me? I know my face is projected in a tight close-up on the screen, but I don't make any effort to hide it. Because for a moment, even I am working through what Steve has said. Isn't this the thing I dreaded most about the future- the loss of my children to the Games? And it could be true now, couldn't it? If I hadn't spent my life building up layers of defenses until I recoil at even the suggestion of marriage or a family? Caesar cant even rein in the crowd again, not even when the buzzer sounds.

Steve nods his good-bye and comes back to his seat without anymore conversation. I can see Caesar's lips moving, but the place is in total chaos and I cant even hear a word. Only the blast of the anthem, cranked up so loud I can feel it vibrating through my bones, lets us know where we stand in the program. I automatically rise and, as I do, I sense Steve reaching out for me. Tears run down his face as I take his hand. How real are the tears? Is this an acknowledgment that he has been stalked by the same fears that I have? That every victor and tribute has? Every parent in every district in Panem? I turn spontaneously to James and offer my hand. I feel my fingers close around his hand and hold fast. And then it happens. Up and down the row, the tributes begin to join hands. Some right away like Bruce and Betty. Others unsure, but caught up in the demands of those around them like Clint and Bobbi. By the time the anthem plays its final strains, all twenty four of us stand in one unbroken line in what must be the first public show of a unity among the districts since the Dark Days. You can see the realization of this as the screens begin to pop into blackness. It's too late, though. In the confusion they didn't cut us off in time. Everyone has seen.

There's disorder on the stage now, too, as the lights go out and we're left to stumble back into the Training Center. I've lost hold of James, but Steve guides me into an elevator. Tony and Pepper try to join us, but a harried Peacekeeper blocks their way and we shoot upward alone. The moment we step off the elevator, Steve grips my shoulder. "There isn't much time, so tell me. Is there anything I have to apologize for?"

"Nothing," It was a big leap to take without my okay, but I'm just as glad I didn't know, didn't have time to second guess him, to let any guilt over my family detract from how I really feel about what Steve did. Which is empowered. Somewhere, very far off, is place called District 12 where my mother and brother and friends will have to deal with the fallout from this night. Just a brief hovercraft ride away is an arena where, tomorrow, Steve and I and the other tributes will face our own form of punishment. But even if all of us meet terrible ends, something happened on that stage tonight that cant be undone. We tributes staged our own uprising, and maybe, just maybe, the Capitol wont be able to contain this one. We hear the elevator door start to open and Haymitch and Effie walk out. I don't even try to conceal our intertwined hands. Their reaction takes me back a bit. They're smiling, but also there is concern in their eyes.

Haymitch walks up to us, "The baby bomb was a stroke of genius." He compliments. "It's madness out there. Everyone's been sent home and they canceled the recap of the interviews on television." Steve and I hurry to the window and try to make sense of the commotion far below us on the streets.

"What are they saying?" Steve asks, "Are they asking the president to stop the Games?"

"I don't think they know themselves what to ask. The whole situation is unprecedented. Even the idea of opposing the Capitol's agenda is a source of confusion for the people here." Haymitch says. "But there's no way Snow would cancel the Games. You know that right?"

I do. Of course, he never could back down now. The only option left to him is to strike back and strike back hard. A hush falls on the room. Tomorrow at dawn, we will be roused and prepared for the arena. The actual Games don't start until ten because so many of the Capitol residents rise late. But Steve and I must make an early start. There is no telling how far we will travel to the arena that has been prepared for this year's Games. I know Haymitch and Effie will not be going with us. As soon as they leave here, they'll be at the Games Headquarters, hopefully madly signing up our sponsors, working out a strategy on how and when to deliver the gifts to us. Coulson and Maria will travel with us to the very spot from which we will be launched into the arena. Still final good-byes must be said here.

Effie takes both of us by the hand and, with actual tears in her eyes, wishes us well. Thanks us for being the best tributes it has ever been her privilege to sponsor. Effie gets extremely tearful when she congratulates us on the baby and wishes me well in the arena. I shift uncomfortably on my feet as she speaks about a baby that doesn't even exist. Effie straightens and then, because it's Effie and she's apparently required by law to say something awful, she adds "I wouldn't be at all surprised if I finally get promoted to a decent district next year!" Then she kisses us each on the cheek and hurries out, overcome with either the emotional parting or the possible improvement of her fortunes.

Haymitch crosses his arms and looks us both over.

"Any final words of advice?" Steve asks.

He shakes his head. What else is there to say? He gives us each a quick embrace and I can tell it's all he can stand. "Go to bed. You need your rest."

"You take care Haymitch." We cross the room, but in the doorway, Haymitch's voice stops us.

"Natasha, when you're in the arena." He begins then pauses. He's scowling in a way that makes me sure I've already disappointed him.

"What?" I ask defensively

"You just remember who the enemy is, that's all. Now go on. Get out of here."

Steve and I walk hand in hand down the corridor and I lead him to my bedroom. This night will prove to be extremely restless, for him and me. What do we do? Do we lay in bed awake? Try to find sleep? No, it will only prove to be useless.

Right now I'm just filled with anxiety of what tomorrow will bring. Will one of us be dead the minute the gong goes out? If so who? Steve or me?... I wouldn't be able to function properly if Steve died in that arena, especially if it was protecting me. How will I handle his death? My reaction to his canon going off scares me. I don't know how I'll act, but I know it won't be pleasant. I shiver against the thought of seeing his face in the sky with the Capitol anthem playing. No, Steve is going to fine. He's going to be with me and I'll protect him. I'll always protect him just like he'll protect me. We'll be fine.

My arms weave around his neck and I place kiss on his cheek as he does on my neck. We pull away only briefly and stare into each other's eyes before Steve leans down and starts kissing the length of my neck. The feeling of his soft plush lips pressed against my neck makes me moan and I push my body against him even more. His hand moves from my stomach to my waist and tighten his grip. I feel us moving backwards. Soon my back is pressed against the wall and Steve's chest presses into mine. I can't help the continuous moans that escape my mouth as Steve kisses and gives his undivided attention to each spot on my neck. My fingers lace in his hair and I bend my head back to allow Steve better and more access to my neck. Soon a gasp escapes my lips at the feel of him sucking a spot below my jaw. One that turns me on and makes my teenage hormones, ones I've hidden until this very moment, explode. I don't try to conceal the look of lust in my eyes when Steve pulls back to give me a smirk. His eyes filled with the same emotion. I wrap my hand around his wrist and push him towards the bathroom door, my breathing shaking slightly thanks to my nervousness. Why am I so nervous? This is just Steve… but it's also my first time and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. And from the look on Steve's face neither does he.

There's one thing that I haven't done and I wanted to be able to do before I die. One thing that I couldn't do by myself. I needed someone I loved and trusted with all my heart and… I love Steve more than anything. He's the only thing left that I have and the only person I'm allowed to love at this point. I wont die without getting I've always wanted. I just hope Steve wont object.

Steve arms wrap around my waist and he breathlessly asks "What are you doing?"

I ignore him and continue to pull him into the bathroom. Once inside I close the door and turn to face Steve, my brain screaming at me to just rip our clothes off of us right now. Steve licks his lips as his eyes scan up and down my body. I do the same before moving to the shower and starting it. At the sound of running water Steve seems to snap back into to reality and his eyes grow wide in innocence. I stay by the showers watching him closely.

"N-Natasha, are you sure?" He asks his voice rising in pitch. He clears his throat to keep his voice steady and from shaking. He's nervous and I'm think I'm twice as nervous as he is. I don't answer his question, instead I walk straight up to him and turn around pulling my hair up.

"Unzip." I tell him.

"Nat-"

"Unzip." I simply state again waiting for his hands to fully unzip my cat suit.

Steve lets out a shaking breath before I feel his hands skimming the back of my neck with his hands as I hear my zipper being unzipped. I smile to myself and bit my bottom lip as I turn back around to face Steve. His eyes are down casted and there's a slight blush on his cheeks.

I put a finger under his chin and force his head up to look at me. "Steve," I whisper. He looks up at me expectantly and I nod reassuringly. "I'm sure… please." I beg. I'm not known to beg and Steve knows. He nods his head, but he still looks nervous. I place a chaise kiss on his lips and whisper against his lips, "Pull the suit down." He tenses against me and my hand comes up to rest on his cheek. I stroke it softly offering him some comfort, soon he starts to relax. I feel the catsuit slide down my shoulder and a draft begin on my the top part of my chest, my breast still covered, I know he wont stop. I open my eyes and look into Steve's sea blue eyes and a smile spread across my face as Steve's hand comes up to brush the stray tear.

"Okay," He whispers back and pulls the suit down even further finally exposing my breast, still covered by a bra.

The next part is a blur. It happens so fast that I barely register what exactly happened. One minute Steve and I are standing in the middle of the bathroom, the next I'm pressed against the bathroom wall, the suit completely off and Steve's shirt discarded on the floor next to it. Steve arms wrap around my waist and I feel myself lifted off the ground, instantly my legs wrap around his waist. He presses himself against me and I gasp at the feeling of Steve pressed against me. Through the feeling of fabric, I can feel how badly he wants me. With one hand wrapped around the back of his neck I use the other and grope him on the outside of his pants. He shivers and moans under my touch and I smile up at him under my lashes. He opens his eyes and his hand comes to caress my cheek.

"Gosh, your so beautiful Natasha." His eyes scan over the top of my chest and he licks his lips. He leans forward and starts leaving gentle kisses on the exposed part of my breast.

"Steve…" I groan and my hand reaches behind me to unclip my bra subconsciously. Only his hand beat me to it. He unclips it easily and I shrug out of the garment before throwing it to the other side of the room.

Immediately Steve's eyes land on my breasts and I find myself feeling a little self conscious under his stare until he reaches out to cup it. I moan full of pleasure and watch his expressions turn from lust to want as he gropes, rubs, kisses and sucks on my breasts. My breath hitches in my throat when his warm mouth wraps around my nipple and his name escapes my lips. I hum in approval as my body bucks back against the wall. When I do that I immediately feel how much he wants me. His hands continues to caress my breast while the other reaches between my legs to grab a hold of the waistband of my panties. I'm caught by surprise when he suddenly rips them off of me and I elicit a lust-filled gasp.

I'm caught off guard by Steve's actions because up until that moment all he's been was gentle, tender, soft and borderline hesitant. I claim Steve's lips again when I bend down to crush mine into his. We kiss and stumble slightly until we collapse in the open shower. We both gasp and laugh slightly when the water catches us off guard soaking Steve's pants. After realization hit that we were in the shower I claim his lips again and my hand wanders downward until they hit what I was looking for, Steve's zipper. I quickly unzip them and pull away long enough to help Steve out of them. Once there is only just his boxers I can see the big bulge that his pants were concealing… oh my gosh.

Without hesitation I grab his boxers and rip them off as his cock springs to life, being freed from its confines. I can feel Steve's eyes watching me as I take in his huge friend. A huge smile spreads across my face as I take it in my hands. Steve jumps slightly at the unfamiliar touch, but relaxes instantly when I start pressing soft kisses to the tip. He sighs in contentment and his hand raises to rest on my head and I allow my tongue to make tiny circles on the tip of his cock. He groans and mutters softly, "N-Nat… stop, please. D-Don't t-tease me." I smirk up at him and all of a sudden take him in my mouth as much as I can. He sucks in a deep breath at the sudden change, but doesn't make any move to protest. He keeps his hand on my head as I slowly bob my head back and forth on Steve's cock.

Steve's legs start shaking and I can see him gripping the door handle tightly, to the point his knuckles are white. Soon enough I can feel that Steve is about to cum. His cock hardens and he starts moaning more. To help him cum faster I grip the part of his cock that I couldn't get in my mouth hard and deep-throat myself gagging on his pulsating, juicy, huge cock. I close my eyes and groan at the same time Steve lets out his juicy delicious cum into my mouth. I suck up everything he just exploded in my mouth, making sure not to let a sip drop pass my lips. By the time I'm done, Steve has just finished taking deep long breaths calming himself from his ecstasy. Crawling my way up to him I kiss him passionately, my arms wrapping around his body and straddling him.

Steve smiles up at me then starts laughing out of nowhere. "What?" I ask innocently. He shakes his head and continues laughing which makes me frown. "What?" I repeat. Steve slowly stands up, being mindful of me strapped to his body by my legs. Once in a standing position I get to my feet and stare at him. He turns me around to face the mirror and I gasp at my reflection. My mascara is running, my hair is flat, and basically all of Phil's and the prep team's hard work is ruined. "I look horrible." I say trying to hide my face in Steve's chest.

Steve wraps his arm around me and whispers into my ear, "I think you look sexy." He kisses my cheek and soon I feel his hand starting to rub shampoo into my hair. I look up at him and quirk an eyebrow.

"I do believe I know how to wash myself." I say smirking. He smiles and nods,

"Yes, but I do it so much better." I shrug and allow him to pamper me as I take care of the damage done to my face. Once I make sure my face is free of make-up and my hair free of the shampoo and condition Steve massaged into it, I turn to him and smirk.

"Your turn." Our positions reverse. I end up massaging shampoo in his hair as he cleans his body just as I did. I lean into his ear and whisper softly, almost purring. "Your so sexy Steve. Why is your body so perfect?" My comment only makes Steve blush even harder and I let out a laugh.

When Steve rinses out his entire body, I watch as water drips down his perfectly toned body and cant help my hands from wandering.

Steve jumps in surprise when my hands wraps around his cock and start pumping him. He closes his eyes and turns to face me, pressing my body against his. I bit my bottom lip hard and look up at his closed eyes purring out the next sentence. "Steve, I have no words for how handsome you are and how beautiful your body is. I love you."

"Natasha, you're the most beautiful human being I've ever laid my eyes on. I love you so much that it hurts. You don't know how much I love you." Steve busied himself in kissing every single part of my upper body that he didn't seem to notice the grin that spread across my face. I surprise myself with the next thing that came out of my mouth, but it doesn't mean I regret saying them.

"Then prove it… Make love to me Steve." I murmur in his ear pressing the soft skin of his cheek. I feel Steve tense beside me and hear him swallow hard before he nods. Suddenly the water turns off and I'm lifted into Steve's arms. What happens next is a blur, but now I'm laying, back against the sheets, on my bed with Steve hovering over me, a determined look in his eyes full of lust. Water drips down his face and onto my body which seems to drive him even crazier. I smile up at him and make a motion for him to come down, "Come here." Steve and I both gasp at the first glide of his dick over my wetness. I buck my hips up in attempt to get him in me. Steve groans, slowly beginning to press into me. I gasp pressing all of my body into him as he leans over me. Then, he suddenly his rock hard cock is completely inside in one swift thrust forward. I press Steve's hand hard on my mouth to keep from screaming as pain rushes through my legs and my entire vagina. I groan and close my eyes tightly. Shit, this hurts… I think to myself. Then all of a sudden there's nothing in me…

"Natasha, oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I-I didn't m-mean to hurt you. I… I-I'm sorry." I look up to find Steve's eyes staring down at me with guilt very apparent in his baby blue eyes. I want to tell him it's okay, that I'm fine, but I can't find my voice. Instead I motion for him to come forward, but he doesn't. He shakes his head, "'Tasha your bleeding." He says looking down ashamed. I look down at my vagina to find it covered in blood, but it doesn't bother me. I reach out for him as I sit up, slowly because the pain is still there, but slowly becoming numb.

Breathlessly I grab his hand pull him forward pecking a kiss to his lips. "Steve it's… okay." I tell him out of breath. "it's normal, it's supposed to happen when you're a virgin. Y-You… you just broke my protective walls, that's all. I'm f-fine, I promise, just please… don't stop. I need you, I want you. Your not going to hurt me." I assure him quickly once I see fear flash in his eyes. I put his face in between mine and force his eyes to look into mine. "Steve I-I love you… I wouldn't be doing with anyone else, only you because I trust you. Like I said before, I know you wont hurt me and if I didn't love you I wouldn't be doing with you right now. Please Steve just… make love to me. Make me forget everything. The games, district 12, the Capitol. Make me forget my own name. Make me only remember you and me. Just us and only us. I only want to think about you and me Steve. Please… make me forget about everything." I beg him adding kisses to his face. I keep in a tight hold closing my eyes and praying that he'll continue. I need him to, I need him to finish what he started. I want him, more than anything in the world… "I need you Steve."

I gasp in surprise then find myself groaning as the tip of Steve's cock touched my entrance. I groan again when Steve pushes in a little deeper, still hesitant. I look up at him and shake my head, "Your not going to hurt me. Just… please Steve! I really need you. Plea-" My plead is quickly cut off when Steve pushes in farther and I let out a different sound which I reprimand myself for. I made a pained noise. I am in pain, but Steve doesn't need to know that, it will only scare him more. Steve freezes and looks at me with fear, I shake my head. "I'm fine." I assure him and place a hand on his chest. "Just go a little slower, g-give me time to adjust." I tell him breathless as sweat drips down my body.

It took a while for Steve to get all the way in, but when he did, it felt wonderful. I hadn't felt anything so tight in my entire life and all I feel is pleasure. The pain is gone, and now all I want is more. More of Steve. I tighten around him and groan so loud that I had to cover my mouth from alerting anyone near my room. Last thing I want is to get caught by a Capitol attendant. Steve began slowly driving himself into me and I cry out, my cries muffled by my hand, as each thrust pressed just perfectly against that spot inside of me. The curve of his dick is just perfect. It sent me over the edge sooner than I had ever expected. Especially when he sped up.

With each new thrust, I cried out and was rewarded with a responding groan. His thrusts were beginning to become erratic, but it didn't matter because I was close too. "Gosh Natasha,"

"Steve…" I groan and arch my back. Then, he gave one hard thrust, pressing directly against my g-spot. I scream, not trying to conceal it this time, and my hands tighten around the sheets as I spasmed around him. I scream his name loudly at the same time Steve screams my name and I cum right onto his dick. His cum comes merely seconds later and he flops down beside me, his sweating wet body pressed against my own. I close my eyes in pure bliss and allow Steve to pull me against his side. I relish in the sweat dripping off of our bodies and the happiness that Steve and I did it.

We had sex and it was the most amazing, fantastic thing in the world. I turn around to face him and smile big when Steve's blue eyes meet mine.

"I love you Steve."

"Not as much as I love you."

As soon as our breathing is under control that's when we realize how tired we are. Sex has taken a toll on us and now we can actually get sleep. I bit my lip. Steve and I need our sleep tonight. Because the moment we give into fatigue in the games, could be the moment we could get a bullet through the head or the sword through the heart. We need our energy. I turn to look at him and find him staring down at me. I give him a kiss and snuggle even closer hoping that if I get even closer Steve might just be able to ward off any nightmares that may come to me tonight.

Hopefully.

I fall asleep soon in Steve's arms with no thought of the Games tomorrow, no thought of District 12, no thought of my family and friends back home and definitely not a thought about how I will die in that arena. Tonight, for the first night since the reaping, I fall asleep with nothing on mind except Steve Rogers and about the amazing time we just had.