A/N - I want to say thank you to thank Princess of Words and tuckerjnp1 for their reviews! It really is nice to hear your thoughts on the story so far! I will be switching back and forth between the capitol and district 12 periodically. I think seeing Bucky and Mrs. Rogers' reactions to everything that happens will really emphasize the familial relationship but also the brutality of the games. I will always state when I'm going back and forth though to avoid confusion! Also if you notice any inconsistencies I apologize, I don't always remember every detail (like I mixed up the order of the preliminary ceremonies) or grammar mistakes and I apologize in advance for those!

But I'm very excited about entering the arena, so let's get into it!

The Showcase & The Arena

The tributes went into the training center and down to the basement. They would each be allowed to showcase their skills and earn a score that would benefit or harm them depending on what it turned out to be.

The higher the score the more "lethal" the gamemakers thought you were. The more lethal they thought you were, the more likely sponsors were going to bet on you, which meant they were more likely to send you items in the arena when your life depended on it.

They spent a few minutes getting into their showcase jumpsuits and taking all their makeup and styling off. Steve didn't have to take off any makeup or change his hair so he just changed suits and went into the training area.

Only a few tributes arrived before him and he was surprised to see Peggy Carter sitting there already. He walked past her to his seat, feeling her eyes on him, but neither said anything. He still hadn't spoken to her yet and the night before the arena didn't seem like the time to start. Who says she wants to talk to you anyhow? He berated himself internally.

After a few minutes, all the tributes were in their designated seats and the showcase began. It went quicker than the interviews and for that Steve was grateful. He was tired and ready to get as much sleep as possible before the arena tomorrow. Who knew what type of sleep he would be getting in there.

Before he knew it, he was being called in. Maureen grabbed his hand and squeezed it with encouragement. He squeezed back and walked through the door.

He walked into the giant room and took it all in. The gamemakers were standing in a large room elevated off the floor. There was a giant opening for them to see out of and to Steve's surprise, for the first time since he'd arrived, the head gamemaker was there. Arnim Zola, a tiny man with glasses and a twisted sense of power sat in the middle. While the other gamemakers looked like they'd had too much to drink, Arnim sat there with laser focus.

Steve walked past all the weapons. Those were not his strengths and he knew they would not be impressed with him if he tried to pretend.

He grabbed a cloth from a nearby station and walked to a table that was usually forgotten about and never used. He pulled it forward and looked at the gamemakers. Only some were paying attention.

He tied the cloth around his eyes, blindfolding himself. Then he reached out and mixed all the fruit, flowers, and plants on the table. He couldn't see how well he'd mixed the items, but he hoped it would be impressive enough.

He reached forward and picked up something at random, whatever touched his fingers first. Then, he examined it using his fingers, and sometimes his nose. He worked through each item on the long table until they were separated into categories.

He felt his way over to the "nutrition" category and picked up each item, speaking loudly towards the gamemakers about what each was without being able to see it. After each description he would prove his point by taking a bite. The last item was a blueberry, he knew that it and a nightlock berry were incredibly similar, but he was sure in his abilities to tell the difference so he popped it into his mouth.

He moved on, describing each plant that had healing properties, and then each plant that had toxic qualities, going into detail about what horrible symptoms they could cause if ingested or used against another tribute. After he finished each plant he took off his blindfold.

The gamemakers were all standing directly behind the glass staring at him. He looked around unsure of what to do, so he saluted awkwardly and headed towards the door.

Once outside he hit his palm to his forehead.

"Why did I just salute to them?" He groaned out loud. After a moment, he walked to the elevator and pressed 12.

He rode up the floors, thinking over his showcase. He could have tried to show off his decent aim, or his ability to knot anything, but he figured that his plant survival skills were going to be his best asset. He hoped he was right.

Back in the room he took a shower, getting rid of all traces of the day. After being dried he put on his pajamas and tied a soft robe around him. He then headed out to the room where the giant projector screen was. They would announce the scores in just a bit.

When he sat down he was surprised to see his whole team there. Even Erskine who Steve hadn't seen very much of since the train. Tatiana ushered him over and tapped the spot next to her. He obliged and tucked one leg up under him to sit steady on the couch.

After a while Maureen appeared from her showcase and said she'd be right back. Steve heard her shower and soon after she appeared dressed in a similar set of pajamas as his. She plopped next to him, smiling and Steve smiled back.

"It went well?" He asked,

"I think so." She shrugged, "they don't give you much of a reaction when you finish."

He laughed. "Tell me about it, I felt so awkward I saluted and basically ran out of the room." That made her giggle and they talked about it until the capitol anthem rang out from the screen.

After a brief interview of Zola by Hayweather, the scores started being announced.

Districts 1-4 average between 7-11, with Desmond, District 2's male, being the highest scorer. He takes a deep breath and lets the realization sink in that he will probably be Desmond's first target. He barely registers as District 5's tributes tie with a 4 and is impressed but not surprised when Peggy scores a 9.

Steve closes his eyes as his score is about to flash on the screen.

"And for our underdog volunteer, we have a score of…" There's a dramatic pause before Hayweather speaks again, "A 7!" Steve's eyes widen and there's clapping around him and Maureen is shaking him so hard that his joints protest.

"Steve that's amazing!" Tatiana yells. Howard, Phillips and Erskine all congratulate them quickly but grow quiet again as Maureen's score is about to be announced. She pulls an 8 and they all scream and shout at how well she did.

"Well young lady that is a very decent score!" Tatiana cries out clapping gleefully. "You both will have surprised the rest and I can't wait to see you in the arena!"

She starts talking to Howard in a rapid fire tone about tomorrow and the outfits and the details and the preparations. Howard begins taking notes and they get lost in preparation talk.

Erskine bids them farewell after another round of congratulations and Phillips does the same.

Steve retires to his room soon after and Maureen follows. They stop outside their doors and stand silently.

"How can-" Maureen starts, "I don't even know what to expect."

"Me either." Steve says, looking back the way they came at the lights from the living room.

"I don't want to die Steve." Her voice cracks and his head whips back to her. She's on the verge of tears and real fear is in her eyes. His throat immediately constricts and he feels his own set of fears rising. Stepping forward he wraps his arms around her to comfort her.

"I don't want to either." He said, his voice deepened with emotion. Her arms wrap around his waist and they just stand there for a moment.

"I know we're all supposed to try to win." He said quietly, "But if it's within my power, I will do everything I can to make sure you make it back home." He sighed heavily, his promise to her would break his promise to his ma, and to Bucky. But he knew that helping her was the right thing to do. And if it came to it in the arena, then he hoped they would understand.

She just sobbed in response and held him tighter. It was the most physical contact he'd ever had from a girl, but he just felt like a protective older brother.

After a minute she pulled away and looked embarrassed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to have a breakdown."

"We're about to most-likely be murdered by other teenagers in less than a week, so I think. A breakdown is actually an appropriate response."

She smiled weakly at him and then left him standing alone in the hallway.

He walked softly into his room and closed the door.

He slipped into bed, and tried to turn off his brain. No use thinking about and wasting his precious sleep on things he couldn't control.

Vivid dreams came to him that night. His ma's face featured prominently and scenes that he knew hadn't happened played out like memories in his mind.

Steve standing as Bucky's best man at his wedding. His ma growing older and him building her that front porch they'd always talked about. He even pictured a little baby in his ma's arms. One that had blonde hair and blue eyes just like his, with him standing there proudly next to her. He'd never let himself dream of having a family, there wasn't even a girl present in the dream, it hadn't really seemed like an option back home, but now in his dreams, on the last night he'd ever spend in a comfortable bed, his mind ran wild with whatever future scenarios it could.

—-

Back in District 12

Bucky stood outside. He'd watched the Showcase scores and left his ma and pa sitting at their dining table with Mrs. Rogers.

He took a long walk around the District. Technically there was a curfew and he was breaking it, but there weren't any guards posted where he was walking and Steve and him hadn't gotten caught on this route yet.

His mind was filled with the terror of what tomorrow would bring. The games were required viewing. He should be happy to have time off from the mines, but instead he dreaded having to sit there and just watch, waiting until… he clenched his fists and pressed them to his eyes, causing stars to burst into his vision. Until the worst thing he could ever imagine happened.

He'd been surprised when Steve had scored a 7. He didn't know how he'd done it but, then again… it was Steve, and Steve always managed to surprise him.

He couldn't believe Steve was going into the arena tomorrow. Bucky hoped that whatever happened was quick and painless. He then felt violently ill at the thought of Steve's death and the fact that he was already trying to prepare for the ineveitable. He fell to his knees and hunched over. He heaved until his stomach was empty.

When he regained his breath, he leaned back and laid down flat on the grass. Bucky watched the stars like Steve and he used to do back when they were little. He felt tears slide out and down the side of his face and he let them fall.

—

The Capitol

Light filtered in soft through his giant window. He opened his eyes and laid there, waiting for the knock he knew would come.

Soft feet padded outside his door and the knock sounded. He called out that he was awake and the feet padded away.

He got out of bed, and went into the bathroom, he then dressed in the simple pants and shirt that had been placed on his bed while he showered.

The kitchen was empty except for one servant standing quietly in the corner. He ate a bit and was about to head out when he stopped in front of him.

"I know that we haven't been able to communicate, and I'm sorry that I haven't spent any time getting to know you. But I just wanted to thank you, and everyone else for all you've done for us these past few weeks. I don't think I'll see you again, so I just wanted to make sure you all knew how appreciative we are..." The man nodded slightly and Steve took that as his dismissal.

He met Maureen at the elevator.

"You weren't hungry?"

"I'm starving, I just assumed I'd end up throwing it up out of sheer nerves."

Steve grimaced. "You're probably right… Oh man I shouldn't have eaten."

She laughed softly and the elevator dinged as the doors opened.

—-

They passed through the City Circle and huge crowds cheered as they drove past heading towards what Howard called an airstrip.

They arrived and climbed aboard a huge transport airship. The jet engines roared loudly as they were strapped into their assigned seats. A lady in a lab coat came around and injected them with their trackers.

It was a shorter flight than he expected, or maybe he was just experiencing so much dreaded anticipation that time felt like it was speeding up.

The other tribute's faces ranged from terrified to excited. Desmond kept sneering at him and he studiously ignored it. What was with bullies and picking on the smallest guy? What had he ever done to Desmond to make him feel this way? The thoughts were pushed out of his mind as they were taken underground and separated.

He waited an unusually long time so he assumed that Howard was taking care of Maureen first.

After awhile he heard arguing, he strained to hear but only caught snippets of words.

"It's not ready"

"It should be him"

"Only he could-"

"-pens if he doesn't make it?"

He tried to string them together to make sense but the voices stopped abruptly as they got to his door.

He stood up and waited as Howard, Erskine, and Phillips entered his room. Howard was holding his arena suit in his arms and Erskine had a concerned look on his face.

Phillips spoke first, "The suit materiall doesn't tell us much about the arena. It seems to be multifunctional so I can't make any guesses as to the weather. But I think that if you follow all the advice and training sessions we had, you'll do okay." Steve was glad he hadn't lied and said that 'he'd win'. Steve wanted to win, he wanted to go home, but he'd settle with going out with honor.

Howard handed him the suit with a half smile that lifted his mustache.

"Here ya go pal, I took what they gave me and I did the best I could to make it work for you."

"I'm sure it's great Howard, thanks." He disappeared behind a barrier wall and changed.

He pulled on the soft but sturdy pants. They had pockets on the front and back, with lower pockets on the side. They were a dark dark blue, almost black. Heavy boots that had padding for the joints at his toes and ankles fit snugly and he knew they would protect his feet well.

The undershirt was light and breathable. Then a long sleeve shirt was next that had padding over his arms and elbows. He tucked it into his pants to keep it from moving around. A padded vest, that was matching dark blue, went over his chest. It had a muted red stripe down each side of his torso. It has a small white star design on the chest and three white strips stretching out across his chest and biceps from the star. The padding on his shoulders and down his torso and back made him feel like he could face a good fight. He was appreciative of the design, something about stars was attached to his capitol/arena persona now.

He had a brief memory about watching the stars with Bucky but he put that out of his mind. He would save happy memories for when he needed them in the arena.

He clicked a belt around his waist that had spots to hold things but wasn't filled.

He stepped out and saw the three of them whispering urgently in hushed voices. They stopped when they saw him and Howard broke into a smile.

"Man, looking good pal!" He clapped him on the shoulder and Dr. Erskine approached.

"Steve." He looked serious and he watched as Howard and Phillips' demeanor changed. "I wish…" he paused and stared at Steve so deeply that Steve almost wanted to shy away. What was wrong? "I so wish I could do more to help. There was something that we… that I— A plan… A way for you to realize your true potential. But I couldn't- It wasn't ready- and I wanted you to know, before you enter that arena, that you are— You are a good man, Steven Rogers. And we hope, with all our hearts, that we see you on the other side."

Steve didn't know what to say, he sat dumbstruck and Dr. Erskine smiled a sad smile.

"He's right." Howard said. "I've seen a lot of tributes, and there's none who's got a heart like you."

"I don't- I" Steve stumbled on what to say.

"Just take the compliment son," Phillips said gruffly, "May be the last nice thing you hear."

Always the honest one, but Steve appreciated it.

"Thanks, I'll make you all as proud as I'm able."

They nodded and did final checks, making sure his suit was on correctly.

"Mr. Phillips?" Steve called out, remembering. Phillips turned to him from the door, "There's some letters, in my top drawer in the Tribute center apartment, in my room? Could you deliver those if…" He didn't finish the sentence but he didn't need to. Phillips understood and gave a nod of assent.

Steve smiled his thanks and reached into his old clothes. He pulled out the compass and tucked it into one of his many pockets. "My token." He said embarrassed as Howard arched his eyebrow in question.

Erksine said his final goodbyes and left. Howard walked him over to the pneumatic tube and he stepped into the circle.

"You…" Howard started to say. It was unusual for Howard to run out of words, so Steve waited. "You show them who you are Steve. You remember who the enemy is."

Not a second later the glass came down around Steve and he felt himself moving up.

Howard saluted with a smile and Steve saluted back, still processing this last conversation.

—

He'd expected light, as the floor propelled him up and he entered the arena.

But he was greeted with a dark black night, the only light was the moon, but the gamemakers had obviously muted its shine. He knew that everything in this arena was artificially created, but it still stunned him that they could create a world so lifelike.

He looked around at the 23 other tributes standing in a huge circle around the cornucopia. He couldn't see Maureen which meant she must have been directly opposite of him. It made him nervous that he couldn't see her, but he remembered their pact to stay on opposite sides of the arena as much as possible so he took a deep breath and let it go.

The cornucopia had a lot of things that Steve wanted to run forward and grab. But he'd been told at length to avoid the initial bloodbath. So as the countdown reached its final digits, he twisted around. The final three booms of the countdown sounded and a siren rang. They were free to run and he took off. He was thankful that the tree line wasn't too far away from his pedestal.

He made it into the trees and kept running, slowing down to make sure he didn't over extend his heart or lungs. Having a fit in the first 10 minutes of the games was not going to be to his advantage.

He eventually slowed to a steady pace to keep putting distance between him and the bloodbath. He was not looking forward to hearing the nightly canon booms that would tell him how many of his competition had died.

He wasn't sure how long this nighttime phase would last so he decided that sleep might be in his best interest if they decide to play with time.

He kept walking until he noticed more rocky terrain. The flora around him was a mix of jungle and forest. He wasn't sure how the gamemakers could mix the two but he knew it didn't matter, he was just glad when he noticed some plants that were native to District 12.

He found a small stream and followed it, hoping for a good hiding place close to fresh water. He could climb up a tree like he'd seen past tributes do, but he was too worried about being found and then stuck. The ground was a better place for him.

He started exploring the rocks to see if any caves or openings were there. After a few minutes search he found a small opening in between two rocks and hidden by vines.

He smiled ruefully as he realized if he was any bigger he wouldn't have been able to shimmy inside. Once inside he felt safe and out of the way. He crawled out once to drink water from the stream but quickly went back and hid when he heard something moving. Even after just a few hours of exertion he felt stiff and achy. His heart was beating a bit fast but thankfully his lungs were doing okay. He laid down and closed his eyes.

He wasn't sure how long it had been before the capitol anthem began playing. He crawled out until he could see the night sky.

He watched face after face fly by. The first shock was that the male tribute from District 1 was killed. Steve's mouth gaped as his face flashed across the sky.

Both tributes from district 2 were still alive as the projection skipped to Freesia's face from District 3.

Both tributes from District 4 had survived but District 5's female, Opal, was not so lucky.

The male tribute from District 6, Hansen, appeared and Steve held his breath to see if she had made it through the initial bloodbath.

Both tributes from District 7 were flashing across the sky and he sighed realizing she'd made it out okay.

When Dove's face, the youngest tribute in the group, and the one Steve had made friend's with during training appeared next, he felt his lungs tighten. Her tiny shining face disappeared and even though he was aware that both tributes from 9 and 10 had been killed he still could only see Dove's eyes staring at him. He should have stayed.. Maybe he could have protected her.

Suddenly his eyes snapped up, the anthem blared again and the projection disappeared. Maureen… She'd made it! Along with both tributes from District 11.

He went back and counted in his head. 14 dead… 10 left.

He shuddered to think what the first few hours around the cornucopia had been like to have such a high body count…

He slithered backwards back into his space and took off his padded vest to use as a pillow. Thankfully it wasn't cold, at least right now.

He slept knowing that it was unlikely for anyone to find him, but self-preservation kept him just alert enough to know that the gamemakers play these games along with them and he wouldn't be safe just hiding forever. They wanted a show, and they'd make him give them one whether he wanted to or not.

—-

*A/N Alright we finally made it to the arena! I am excited for the upcoming scenes that I have in mind! Some will be a bit brutal and will have some h/c in them. And the next chapter will start with Bucky and the first day through his eyes. So follow along! And let me know what you think if you have the time!

(Also the suit that Steve is wearing right now is the Winter Soldier stealth suit. I decided that having him dressed fully as Cap with the bright colors probably wouldn't fit in the universe super well at this point for the arena.

Also! The serum WILL be featured in this three part series, so if you're looking for big Steve, don't worry he will appear at some point!)