AN A warning that this may contain spoilers for those who haven't read all three Hunger Games books. This won't follow the exact plotline but their will be elements taken, but I will not indicate which is which if that helps :)

Also throughout there may be references to the How to Train Your Dragon books and the Guardians of Childhood series but there shouldn't be any spoilers

Lastly, OCs will be in this but briefly and essentially only to die... as I son't want to kill canon characters (breaks my heart too much)

Enjoy!

Story 1 – The Fishbone of District 4 (aka the Tribute of the Fishing District)

Part 1 – The Fishbone is Prepped

Chapter 1 – The Tribute and the Victor

Hiccup took in a deep breath of the ocean air allowing it to fill up his lungs. The air was biting, typical of a winter's day in District 4, home of Panem's fishermen.

He was trying out a few new designs for an invention he was working on, something to help thaw out the ice as to make fishing easier during the cold weather. His sketchbook however was strewn across the dock where he sat. He could not keep focussed for even a moment.

This was the time of year when the Victory Tour would take place and that day was the day that the winner of the last Hunger Games would be coming to District 4. This meant that soon, Hiccup guessed in around an hour's time, a camera crew and other annoyances would be arriving at the Victor's Village to invade their house for a moment before the 'star' arrived.

Hiccup huffed out a puff of white smoke as he trudged back to his house.

He should probably consider himself lucky he supposed. Many people would kill to live in that sort of luxury (thinking that made him cringe as most actually had killed to live in those houses). The only reason that Hiccup found himself living there was because his mother had been a Victor of the Games many years ago.

Unfortunately she had died six years before when Hiccup was only eight from a sudden illness that had taken them all by surprise. Hiccup could say that he was used to the crazily dressed interviewers poking around their home speaking of 'a fallen Victor, the Great Viking Valhallarama from District 4' but he would have given up the house and added luxuries of being a Victor's child just so he would never have to see those people again.

It disturbed him when they talked about his mother because they weren't really talking his mother. Rather, they were talking about a desperate young woman fighting for her life, a woman who was just really a girl who screamed like a feral animal as she cut her way through her opponent with an axe. That wasn't his mother, the woman with a soft yet strong voice who promised to chase his bad dreams away even though he could still remember her screaming from her own nightmares as she cried and clung to his father not noticing the little boy peeking through the doorway.

Those people didn't care about that woman. No. They only cared about the blood she had spilled, had praised her for it even. They cared little for the woman and even less on the life she had brought into the world, focusing instead on the life she had taken away.

Hiccup hated to think of his mother as a killer and tried to distance himself from the fact as much as possible. Not his kind, sweet mother, the mother who had sung him lullabies and read him stories, who had even made him a teddy from her only two hands to scare his bad dreams away. In a bout of naïve innocence, Hiccup had asked her why she didn't make herself one. Looking back, he would remember that she was teary-eyed, probably only realizing that her baby boy had known that something was haunting her. He remembered her answer clearly.

"That's what your daddy is for sweetie. He chases mummy's nightmares away just like that little dragon will do for you."

He still had that thing. There were nights years after she had died, when he discovered what haunted her, that it was not bad dreams but rather memories that had her screaming. Those nights he clung to the toy as he remembered those horrible clips he saw from her Game as he imagined, not the girl but rather the woman screaming, covered in another's blood.

Every six months he had to remember this and it had only gotten worse since he turned twelve. Every year his chances of entering those horrid Games increased, four more years he had to endure the terrifying moment when the moment a name would be drawn and there was a chance it was him.

He remembered his first Reaping. The night before he had cried and cried, thinking for sure it was going to be him. It was one of the few times that his father had held him, much like his mother had done long ago. Stoick reassured him that one of the older children would volunteer as that is what they did in District 4.

Much like Districts 1 and 2, some children were raised for the Games, trained in surviving and killing until they turned the age of eighteen when they would then volunteer to 'bring honour and glory to their District'.

Hiccup looked up from his shoes to find he had arrived at the Victor's Village looking particularly eerie in the dull light. His father was at the door standing tall with a grim expression.

"Get cleaned up. They'll be here soon."

That experience was as bad as it always was. Of course the cameras avoided him as usual, talking briefly about Valhallarama and asking Stoick a few questions about what he thought about the recent Games and Victor. This year however there was a new interviewer who was particularly bold. They had asked Hiccup if he was excited for this year's Reaping, at the thought of 'following in his mother's footsteps'.

Hiccup remembered his father taking in a breath as he could feel his short nails biting into his shaking palms. His father had told him not to speak in front of the cameras in fear that he would say something considered 'offensive' to the Capitol. So instead he held back his outrage and kept a blank expression, playing mute until the interviewer moved on. Hopefully it would be overlooked.

Hiccup stood in the crowd waiting for the newest Victor to come onto the stage. If the Games weren't bad enough, this was like grinding salt to the wound. The families of the fallen Tributes would stand in front of the child that survived when theirs had not. The Victor, who could be the one to have killed their kin, would stand there and talk of them as if they knew the dead. The family would be forced to stand in mourning silence, unable to even speak out at them, to ask the Victor why they were alive and not their son or daughter, brother or sister.

And the same as every year, the families stood above the rest waiting for this year's 'winner'. It would not be as bad this year, the Victor had little interactions with District 4's fallen. As was common they had joined up with the volunteers from Districts 1 and 2, however, there had been a falling out which had led to half of the Careers killing each other – both from District 4 and the boy from District 2.

Silence filled the square as the doors slid open and the Victor stepped in. This year's winner was a seventeen year old boy from District 10. He was not trained for the Games nor was he actually reaped. Hiccup remembered them showing the young man volunteering to take the place of a boy who looked like he could be a younger brother. However, they revealed in his interview that the boy was a neighbour and a dear friend to his sister.

Jackson Overland.

Hiccup remembered that the boy had had soft brown hair and eyes to match on the day he put himself up for sacrifice however his whole look had changed by the Tribute's Parade. His hair was dyed a startling white and even his eyes had changed colour. Hiccup briefly wondered how they could possibly change the colour of someone's eyes but then again the woman who had reaped him had impossibly purple eyes. Jack's eyes were now a bright blue.

He looked like the embodiment of winter itself. Apparently that was the idea as his escort had remarked that his teeth looked 'like freshly fallen snow'. She began to call him Jack Frost and everybody followed.

He had won the Capitol over with his good looks and charm alone, he had been one of the more good-looking tributes in years. His smile won him sponsors which had saved his life in the Games.

That same boy was standing of front of them now and Hiccup had to agree, he was indeed very good-looking, especially in person.

At the same time this wasn't the same boy who charmed the audiences. He stood there staring at the families of the young tributes, their faces shown on a holographic screen behind them. Hiccup was standing in the front with his father by his side and could clearly see the expression on his face, he wondered if those blue eyes were actually teary or if he was imagining it.

Finally Jack took in a shuddering breath as he took out cards from his pocket.

Glancing down he began to read, "District 4…" he stopped for a moment to clear his throat before continuing, "District 4 I did not know your tributes. I had only seen them in training but from what I saw there they were strong and brave and you should be… honoured…"

Jack trailed off as he glanced up at the families that stared holes through him. He quickly pocketed the cards and met their stares, a determination in his eyes as his voice filled with sincerity, "Your children fought for the honour and pride of their District – for you… and I have the utmost respect for them."

Jack looked down again, pausing as if fighting with himself, "From the bottom of my heart… deeply… and truly… I am sorry for your loss."

And Hiccup believed him. The people of District 4 were not the sentimental sort but they could appreciate the boy's words. If their own tributes could not win they were at least glad it was him.

"Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever."

At last he smiled, a bright and gorgeous smile as a tear rolled down his cheek and he turned to leave.

Hiccup rubbed at his arms in an effort to warm up. For the second time that day he found himself sitting at the docks. It was much cooler now that it was night-time but he was glad to be away from the crowd at the feast for a little while.

He was cold, hungry and bored – a lethal combination that could lead to all sorts of mischief. He wished that he could go back to his house but his father had the keys and wouldn't let Hiccup go home for hours, hoping it would force the boy to socialize.

He laid down on his back, his legs swinging off the edge, if he had had his sketchbook at least…

Hiccup noticed a figure by one of the boats not too far from where he was. Everyone was supposed to be at the feast, celebrating their guest, sure he wasn't there but it left him wondering who else decided to skip out.

He should leave it. Maybe he could still go to the dinner and get some food… bask in the warmth…

But he was so bored.

Hiccup crept as silently as he could, ducking behind a post at a safe enough distance before peering curiously over at the figure. It was Jack Frost himself inspecting the simple wooden rowing boat with such utter fascination that Hiccup couldn't get over it. The boy climbed into it like a over-enthusiastic child, picking up an oar and rocking side to side trying to see how it worked.

This was a seventeen year old boy who had killed people and here he was acting like… like a puppy! Hiccup let out a chuckle. Jack froze, dropping the oar and swiftly turning his head in Hiccup's direction.

"Who's there?!"

Of course the boy would be on high-alert, he had only been out of the Games for six months… Hiccup clamped a hand over his mouth hoping that Jack would brush it off as paranoia.

Against his hopes, Jack jumped gracefully out of the boat and made his way towards the noise. Hiccup shrunk back against the pole hoping that the Victor would miss him.

After seemingly nothing happened Hiccup peered around it to see if he could find the older boy, seeing nothing he nervously turned to find Jack glaring at him.

"Woah!" Hiccup jerked back slipping off the side of the dock and almost landing in the water. Luckily he had a reaction to this after fourteen years of clumsiness and he just managed to claw at the planks his knees bent to keep them out of the water.

Jack's angry demeanour fell as he scrambled to help Hiccup up. With a breath Hiccup threw his legs over, rolling to safety. He took Jack's offered hand and was pulled up.

Hiccup rubbed his shoulder avoiding the other's eyes, "Um… Hi… there…"

Suddenly Jack let out a burst of laughter. It was wonderful and filled with the utmost joy that Hiccup couldn't help but smile a little even though he blushed with embarrassment.

Jack bit his lip as if to try to stifle his laughter but it was too late now. Hiccup pursed his lips together not sure whether to smile or scowl, "Could you please stop laughing at me?"

Jack gave him a sympathetic smile, "I'm sorry… Are you alright? You're not hurt are you?"

Hiccup looked down, inspecting himself, "No I'm fine. I'm pretty used to falling."

He could have put that better.

The small smile turned into a grin, "I'm Jack by the way."

"I know."

His smile fell. Jack looked away muttering to himself, "Right… I keep forgetting that I don't need to introduce myself anymore."

"I'm… My name is Hiccup."

Somehow he knew that would bring the smile back, "Hiccup?"

"Yes I know – hilarious! Go ahead laugh it up Frosty."

Jack laughed again, "'Frosty'? I'm sorry Hiccup your name's nice – it's cute."

"Utterly adorable," Hiccup deadpanned.

Jack marvelled at his own laughter. He hadn't laughed this much in ages! If only the kid hadn't thought it was at his expense (though it was a little).

"Were you spying on me Hiccup," Jack asked, tilting his head.

Hiccup chewed on his lip, his fingers curling nervously, "Uh… I-I'm sorry… I saw someone at the boats and I… well I thought I should check it out. Shouldn't you be at the feast?"

Jack fell suddenly into a sitting position, crossing his legs with a sigh, "Shouldn't you?"

Hiccup joined him on the wooden planks, "Well no one would notice if I was gone but you're… kind of the reason we're having it."

Jack looked out into the water, the wind playing with his hair, "I just… wanted to get away for a while…"

"Oh…" Hiccup fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, "I'll, uh… I guess I'll go then-"

"Can you stay?" Jack asked abruptly, "Just for a little while? I wanted to get away from the crowds but… I don't really wanna be alone either…"

Hiccup stared at Jack for a moment before giving a slow nod, "Okay…"

He turned out to the ocean in the same way that Jack did, unsure if he should say anything or if Jack simply wanted another's presence. Not many people wanted Hiccup's company and it left him with no clue of how to act in such a strange situation.

After minutes of silence Jack spoke in a quiet voice, "We don't have the ocean back home."

"Huh?" Hiccup turned, watching Jack who still stared out into the open sea.

"In District 10," he clarified, "We have a lake but… it doesn't even compare… It's… it's magnificent."

Hiccup didn't know how to react. He saw the ocean every day, to him it was nothing special, "You should see it at sunset…"

Jack smiled, "It's probably beautiful."

"Yeah… it is."

Jack was smiling fondly, recalling a pleasant memory, "At this time of year… I would take my sister out to the lake. It'd be frozen over and we'd skate…"

He finally looked away from the water, his smile gone once again and immediately Hiccup knew what Jack was thinking about.

Jack's arena had been set in a winter wasteland. While the upper Districts had been well taken care of it hadn't prepared them for the freezing cold and it became their disadvantage. The final two were Jack and the male tribute from District 1. There was a rough fight and it was obvious that the other boy was much stronger than Jack with more experience in fighting. However, Jack was fast.

He managed to make it over to a frozen lake and had slid across it even with his injuries. The Career followed him but his bulky size was turned against him as the ice could not support him. He fell through the ice and drowned. Jack had briefly fallen in as well but had just barely managed to get out for the hovercraft to collect him.

Jack wouldn't be ice-skating with his sister anytime soon.

Without thinking Hiccup placed his hand on Jack's and gave it a tight squeeze. It was one of his father's ways of reassuring him – it wasn't the best way but it was the only way Hiccup knew on how to give some semblance of comfort to a stranger.

Jack looked up and gave him a small rise of the lips. Again he looked out onto the horizon, not moving his hand in the slightest.

"Has anyone ever taken one of these boats and just… left?"

Hiccup shook his head, "There wouldn't be anywhere to go."

"Maybe… but maybe… there's some land out there somewhere from days past, waiting to be rediscovered."

Hiccup furrowed his brows thinking about it for a moment. Could it be possible to leave Panem – to just take a boat and never look back?

"It'd be awfully lonely…"

Jack met his eyes, "Not if you went with someone you cared about."

Hiccup's heart thumped wildly in his chest even though he knew Jack wasn't talking about him, maybe he wasn't even talking about himself. Just… contemplating.

"Jack!"

Jack's head shot up, "Tooth's worried about me… I should head back."

He removed his hand from under Hiccup's as he got up to go, Hiccup rushing to a stand as well.

They both stood there staring at each other before Jack grinned and ruffled the younger boy's hair, "Thanks for staying with me Hiccup."

He walked towards the voice that was calling him before turning back to him, "I won't forget it."

With that, he took off in the darkness though what little light there was from the full moon reflected off his hair making him look like a spirit in the night.

Hiccup combed his fingers through his hair, befuddled. The meeting would confuse him for many weeks to come accompanied by dreams of sailing off in a row-boat with only his sketchbook and a handsome white-haired young man…

Jack was glad to have the coat off him. He lit up when he saw his little sister at the kitchen door but frowned when he saw her expression – in her hands was a tray with two cups of tea, she looked frightened.

"Emma, are you okay?"

She gave him a strained smile, the same one he would wear when he was forced to act happy.

"We have a guest Jack. He's in the study."

The study. Only a few months ago the two siblings didn't even have separate bedrooms, never mind a house so big they had an excess of rooms. Jack would gladly use the extra rooms to house his former neighbours, the Bennett's, however that was apparently not allowed.

Entering the room, Jack froze when he saw a dark, tall man sitting in front of him behind the large desk.

"President Black…"

Jack immediately turned to Emma, taking the tray from her so that she wouldn't have to come in. The door shut behind him as he placed the tray on the desk, standing awkwardly, "This is… an unexpected visit."

Jack had only seen the President Pitch Black twice in person – the first when he was crowned Victor and the second only a few days ago when he was at his house in the Capitol to end the Victory Tour.

"Ah Jackson, give your sister my thanks for the tea. She really is a sweet child… she's turning twelve this year is she not?"

Jack's blood boiled but he reined his temper in. It was a veiled threat, one toe out of line and Jack may as well escort Emma to the Games himself.

"Please take a seat."

Jack sat without delay, not even bothering to point out that it was his home, but then it wasn't really his house was it? Really it belonged to the Capitol and was simply one of his 'rewards' for winning the Games.

"You made some lovely speeches to the Districts Jack."

Jack tensed further (he didn't think that was even possible). He went away from the cards. His mentor Aster had warned him about that but really… he hadn't gone off them much just gave his sympathies in his own way.

Pitch grinned at Jack's obvious fear. He knew that he would like this one…

Smiles were supposed to be comforting, a sign of friendliness and peace. However, this was not the impression Jack got from the president's grin – his teeth were sharp, as if filed down to points.

Finally he found his nerve to speak, "I wasn't aware that you gave visits to the Victors' houses."

"I don't. Not usually, not unless they are particularly special. And you Jack… you are special."

How could one Victor be more 'special' than another? They all did the same thing…

"Are you aware of what I can do Jack?" Pitch spoke in a casual voice as he sipped his tea.

Jack didn't respond, unsure if the question was rhetorical or not.

"Is there something you want of me Mr. President?"

Pitch laughed darkly, "Why yes Jack, yes there is! People have approached me in the Capitol about you."

Jack's brows furrowed, "About me sir?"

"They wish to buy some time with you."

Jack clenched his hands into fists in an effort to prevent shaking, "I don't understand what you mean sir."

"Aha…" Pitch looked him up and down, wondering what the boy's reaction would be, "Are you surprised? The people of the Capitol love you Jack. Men and women swoon at the very flash of a smile. There are many high bidders wishing to bed Jack Frost."

Jack's head snapped up to meet the man's gaze, finally fully aware of what he was being asked – told to do.

"What? No I-! I can't!"

Pitch chuckled, getting up to walk around the desk to stand in front of Jack, bowing until his face was level with the boy's, "Oh Jack… You don't have a choice."

Jack glared at him defiantly, "I won't do it! You can't make me!"

Pitch sighed dramatically; he walked over to the bookshelf looking through the range there, "Are you aware of what I can do Jack?"

There was that question again. What more could he really do? Jack had already been in the Games, he was pretty sure there was no worse he could do.

"Imagine… the thrill of the Capitol if Jamie Bennett, the young boy you put your life on the line for… were to be chosen for Tribute again?" and like that Jack's flicker of ferocity was extinguished. He knew where this was going… "Or even… only one year after Jack Frost won the Games his younger sister were to be reaped-"

"Alright I-!" Jack looked down in utter defeat, "I get it…"

Pitch smirked picking up his now empty teacup to inspect the designs, "Good to know you are aware of your place."

"I won't be…"

The man looked over at Jack again, barely hearing the low voice.

"I won't be any good… I've never…"

Pitch's voice was filled with curiosity, "Really? A handsome boy like you…"

Jack shook his head. An emotion that Jack couldn't quite define flashed through Pitch's silver eyes and quite frankly Jack didn't want to know what it was, "Well now… that does change things."

Did it? Did Jack really not have to do this? For one moment he was filled with hope until was crushed by a hand falling on his shoulder, "Someone will have to show you what to do then."

Jack was trembling now as he tried to blink away tears. No… It had made things so much worse.

There was a hot whisper at his ear, "Remember Jack… you must do everything that I say, exactly as I say."

It was Reaping Day. Every year the Districts would shy away in fear – the fear of not knowing which one of their children would be spirited away to their deaths.

At least, that is what it was like in most Districts. District 4 was one of the Districts that was set a little more at ease. They had kids who trained all their lives for this day and they would volunteer themselves, taking the place of another.

Hiccup was still full of nerves however. There was still a chance that something could go wrong, like an announcement that volunteers would not be allowed this year, in an effort to stir things up in the upper Districts.

As he had the past two years, Hiccup had washed and dressed in some of his best clothes. Standing in the kitchen was his father, staring out the window. Upon hearing Hiccup enter he turned with a smile.

"You look so much like your mother."

He said that every year on Reaping day. Was it because Stoick had been there, only a teenager himself, when Valhallarama had been reaped herself?

His father placed a comforting hand on Hiccup's shoulder, "Don't be nervous son. Your name will only be in three times."

Briefly a worried look crossed his face but left as quickly as it came.

"Besides even if it does happen, I'm not saying that it will! But if it does… that older lad will be there to volunteer – like every year!"

Hiccup didn't know who was volunteering this year even though his father probably told him about it a few days ago. It was far easier not to know them. In three or four years however, Hiccup wouldn't be able to avoid 'not knowing them' as a few of his classmates (one being his cousin) was training to be Careers.

When Hiccup and his father reached the square, they separated, Stoick going over to his best friend Gobber. Gobber waved at Hiccup and gave him a reassuring smile. Hiccup returned it, though not with as much confidence, and made his way over to the sign-in table.

He winced as the man called "Next!" so coldly, and again when his hand was grabbed roughly and his blood was drawn.

He walked over to the boys' side, standing in line with his year.

Waiting and waiting their Reaper finally made her way onto the stage.

She had been the Capitol representative for District 4 for a few years now. She must have been at least in her late forties but seemed to have work done. She wore heavy make-up and had her long, dark hair in curls. Hiccup remembered her name to be 'Gothel'.

She gave the crowd a big grin and spoke in a sickly sweet voice, "Hello District 4! And Happy Hunger Games!"

There was the usual speech with the usual video from the president that was shown every year. Hiccup's stomach was in knots. He just wanted this day to be over so he could push it out of his mind for another year.

"As with every year… the ladies first!" Gothel stuck her hand in the bowl, twirling her hand around before snatching up a piece of paper.

Slowly for dramatic effect, Hiccup supposed, she unfolded the name and proclaimed, "And the female tribute for District 4 is-"

"I volunteer as Tribute!"

Gothel scowled, obviously displeased at being interrupted.

"Traditionally I have to read the name first," she states coldly.

"Who cares? We all know that someone will volunteer anyway," a tall, muscular girl strode up to the stage oozing with confidence on every step.

Gothel plastered on a fake smile once again, "Well then! What is your name my dear?"

"Hilde Finn," she says proudly.

"Right, well… Let's move onto the gents now shall we? No interruptions please."

Again she placed her hand in a bowl, this time one filled with the names of boys and young men.

Hiccup reminded himself that there was nothing to worry about.

Unfolding the piece of paper she gave a smile, "Hiccup Haddock."

It was as if the air had been forcibly pushed out of Hiccup's lungs. This had to be a dream – a nightmare. This couldn't be real.

"Come on now don't be shy!" her voice rang through the air.

The male Tribute had to volunteer. His father had told him that – he wouldn't be going into the Games!

He broke out of his trance as two Peacekeepers approached him to escort him onto the stage.

Hiccup took a few steps forward. His eyes looked for his father. Once he found Stoick he noticed that the man was glaring at the group of older boys. He followed his gaze to see them staring at one particular boy.

That must be him – the volunteer.

But he was staring at the ground, why wasn't he saying anything?!

Hiccup was on the stage. Gothel placed a hand on his shoulder, just as his father had done earlier that day but this brought him no comfort – it only made the situation more real.

"Are there any volunteers?" Gothel asked expectedly.

Nobody spoke. What was happening?! What was going on?!

Then it hit him. The boy wasn't volunteering – he had changed his mind at the last minute. Hiccup felt like he was going to be sick.

Hiccup was the male tribute for District 4 this Hunger Games.

AN There's chapter one! I'm on my winter break so hopefully I'll be writing a lot but I'm not sure how often I'll update.

I'd love to talk to people about ideas and such and feel free to ask questions as I reply to reviews

Also note that later on (waaaay later) characters from Tangled and Brave may come into this...

If I don't update soon Happy Holidays!