This is almost (ALMOST) like a combination of A:TLA (Avatar) and The Hunger Games (don't worry, there aren't any spoilers for either books.) The reason I didn't put it as a Crossover is because I'm only borrowing and changin ideas, like I do with times, writing styles, ideas, and feelings from books, stories, and other fanfics from fansites here and in other places. If you haven't read the Hunger Games…don't worry. I don't give anything away…(but you should read it...you really should...but only if you enjoy violence, death, destruction, and a dysfunctional society that likes to kill off the youths of their nation.)

Oh, and this is my first time writing a story on FF since…well…a long time ago. I'm used to writing on another website that limits the amount of space you can take up (I think it's like less than nine-hundred and fifty words and less than two pages or something like that,) so don't be surprised by short chapters. I've kind of been limiting myself on the amount of words per chapter.

So this is how it works. Next to each chapter is where they are from, or what place the character is representing. In the Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins uses Districts. I'm using Provinces. The POV is followed by a character's name, which is then followed by a place. The Place is where they are currently and you can figure the rest out. It'll all come clearer in the end.

Disclaimer: I don't own A: TLA or The Hunger Games. However, I can combine them for my own amusement. Hehe.

Chapter One: Earth Kingdom-Province Six.

POV: Toph Beifong- Gaoling

I didn't quite get what the purpose of this all was.

Let me rephrase that. I completely understand why this is happening (because people of the Fire Nation are all a bunch of disgusting nincompoops, and now-ruling the world and all-they're trying to get rid of our morale and prove their power,) and I understand how they choose the Contestants. But what I don't get is, why, do they have it in the morning? From what I can tell you, I am not much of a morning person (and it probably doesn't help that I enjoy staying up late every night.) I'm figuring the reason they do it so early is to make us feel worse about our situation. Though I don't know if that's possible. I feel awful enough as it is.

…Although, that could be due to the fact that I'm wearing a disgustingly cute dress with lacey frills on the ends (I hate lace and frills-and putting them together is just plain torture in my opinion.) That and I have makeup on (thanks mom.) Oh, and said mother keeps fussing over me every twelve seconds commenting that my dress isn't straight, or my hair is messed up or…

"Are you sure you'll be…"

"I'll be fine Mom!" I say for the hundredth time in the last hour. In response to that, she decides embrace me in a bone-crushing hug that causes me to grit my teeth in agony. Seriously? Was that truly necessary? In front of everybody?

"Oh Toph, your hair's coming undone…Let me just…" I wilt, cringing as my hair is yanked and pulled into some 'adorable' arrangement. I think when you're in PAIN that means whatever you're doing should STOP!

"You sure you'll be fine Toph? I mean, we can always skip this year…what are the odds…"

"Dad-I'll be ok. The Ceremony isn't that long." I'll be fine, if it at least gives me a chance to be out in public instead of locked away behind iron gates for a change. I can almost feel his doubtful look. "Don't worry."

"Alright. But if you need anything-just call…"

I'll be sure to do that.

I burrow closer into the crowd of kids my age, feeling the buzz of excitement, desperation, and fear. Well, these guys have a good reason to be scared; I don't blame them. The Yearly Ceremony is nothing to be happy about. Every year, the Fire Nation goes to all the far reaches of the world and into the Provinces to round up a few more kids for their Arena. There, we're forced to fight each other until we either…well…you know… The only other way out is if the Fire Nation decides to show us mercy.

Believe it or not, the latter almost never happens.

I hear a loud voice boom out across the crowd, causing complete silence. "Ladies and Gentlemen! All rise for the Fire Nation National Anthem!"

There is a brief pause before a man begins to sing…really, really off key. "Fire Lord! My Flame burns for Thee…" I ignore most of it as does the rest of the crowd. We honestly don't care about the Fire Lord or the Fire Nation…or the fact that we lost the war that caused them to take control-we just want to get this Ceremony over with.

"We'll now choose the Contestants for the Arena this year!" I lean forward, as do many others. A rush of whispers flow past along with the usual rumors of how the Choosing is rigged.

"ARATA YU!" More mumbling, except this time it is faster and more furious. This guy is obviously a bender from the way he walks; a lucky one. Several years before, it was just benders who got picked for the Arena, mainly because they caused all the trouble (and put up the best fight.) But after Rebellions throughout the provinces…well, then nonbenders were put into our mix. This Arata kid might have a chance…

Although it's unlikely he'll last more than five minutes in the games. Our province usually doesn't. After the Announcer introduces the Arata kid (I stop paying attention after they list his age and family members,) there is an unbelievable silence in the crowd and I assume the last name is being drawn. I almost wish I could see our Announcer reaching into the earthen dish. It isn't the same trying to listen for the gasps in the crowd. I hold my breath during the moment of truth; wishing this could be over with and that I could be home in bed. I had some serious sleep to catch up on.

"TOPH BEIFONG!" He called, and I did a double take.

"What?"

Thanks goes to all those Hunger Games and Avatar (The Last Airbender) stories that inspired me to write this.