Prompt 11: It's time to make a crossover. Mash up your favorite story universe with your favorite set of characters in the setting of a first chapter to an entire series.

Answer: Definitely the Hunger Games. I really just like the universe and how everything is set up. The characters I'm picking are Kate and the Fuller family with a brief cameo of the Geckos. I'd really like to expand on this but for now this is all I'll have.

Third day of the Second Arena in the Quarter Quell:

"Don't move, Katie-Cakes. I'm coming for you!"

They say the human body is one of the most extraordinary things in the entire universe because of its limitless capacity to withstand pain.

"I can't let you get through. I can't let you win!"

Sometimes adrenaline allows you to act without even feeling so much as an arrow sticking out of your shoulder or a large hook impaling your calf.

"Can't you see? This is more than the Game! This is more than winning!"

Shock also keeps you from feeling the hurt but in shock you freeze up and crash and die just as fast as if you never got mixed up with the two.

"I know. That's why I can't let you do this."

In that moment Kate found herself on the freezing cold end of shock hoping for adrenaline to take away the pain. She could feel the blood leaking out of her and though she didn't know where the hurt was coming from she knew it came from somewhere. It was a dull, throbbing discomfort that grew weaker as she did though it was still strong enough to be felt. Her eyes lolled open and found Seth running toward her in the middle of a scream she couldn't hear. Slowly her head turned upward and there was that stunning woman standing over her with the large staff aimed to impale her heart.

Darkness over took her senses but her mind was conscious enough to understand one clear thought.

Crap.

Two Weeks Before:

As the Fourth District of Panem gathered to watch the Reaping of the 75th Hunger Games a growing excitement filled the generally blissful air. Just as every year before, the District met in the town square that was located conveniently against the sweet shores which allowed even the most anxious child a breath of heavenly ocean air. The citizens descended upon the square from two separate locations, making it obvious exactly where the united front did divide. District Four was split into two easy sections: the Bayou and the Beaches. The Bayou was home to the lower class while the Beach held the most fine and noble individuals that did more than benefit the many lives of Panem.

And yet despite the financial gap each person joined hands under the threat of Peacekeepers that wanted nothing more than absolute chaos, which was the perfect setting to enforce their power. Kate Fuller stood among the other children at the center of the growing crowd and found it once again disturbing how each person smiled with the not-so-invisible gun to their head. Peacekeepers more than out numbered the simple citizens of District Four and yet still more numbers continued to be added with each train ride. It had been made clear to each man, woman, and child at birth that no one was allowed to venture out beyond the safe zone of the ocean under any circumstances and yet it seemed the President did not believe simple conditioning was enough. Kate reached up and grasped the pendant dangling beneath the neckline of her dress; it gave her comfort when no friendly officer could which was strange because it was a constant reminder of her mortality.

Standing in the row closer to the stage in the section just for girls, Kate appeared like any other possible tribute and yet she was not. Because her chocolate hair was rolled into a sweet bun on top of her head, because she wore the pink lace dress her father had gotten her from the Capitol, and because of the dashing make-up adorning her features—perfect all but a bit of smudge around her eyes from wiping away tears—she appeared to be the perfect sixteen year old (perfect because of her father's Victory in the 34th Hunger Games at the age of fifteen) but her flaw laid deep beneath the surface of her genuine smiles. At birth she had suffered from a heart defect that almost killed her but because of her father's high status she survived by an implant that worked tirelessly to keep her alive. The necklace around her neck monitored her heart rate and the battery life of the technology keeping her organ in tiptop shape but she never knew how to really read it. Her father would check it every now and then and some days he would say "The battery is low" and while she slept he would recharge it someway or another. Her defect was a family secret kept between Kate, her mother that passed, her father Jacob, and her brother Scott standing all the way on the other side of the group for young men.

Kate turned her head and found him standing slightly away from the other boys in line with that sour look on his face he only got when he was extremely upset. As the older sister she wanted to run to him and tell him everything would be alright but she couldn't do that until the Reaping was over so for the next half hour he would have to deal with it. Scott was unlike anyone in the District and, as far as she knew, anyone in Panem. Her father had found him washed up along the beach and when Peacekeepers tried to execute him he used his very powerful status to keep them away. A conversation with the President allowed them to keep the wonderful addition to the family and so she had a brother two years younger than she. A younger brother constantly prone to fights with other boys that called him a muttation.

The music of the Capitol began to play; calling to attention each member of the audience that had tried to hide their worry in casual conversation. Kate scanned the crowd for her father but quickly found him sitting on the stage along with the other Victors of District Four. Her brows furrowed nervously but all he did was smile at her and her brother in that reassuring manner that promised everything would be okay. Kate nodded at him then turned her attention to the large screens that began to play the National Anthem of Panem and soon the introduction by the President himself. Despite her best efforts something about the stage and the new District Four escort Olivia Dove pulled her attention away from the yearly tradition and to the glass bowls in the front…there looked to be a lot more names in one than usual and in the other only a few. Her eyes turned to her father but he was paying attention to the President's speech that remained almost identical to every year's except for the final part.

"Citizens of Panem, as we gather for the Reaping of the 75th Hunger Games we are reminded of the dastardly rebellion that claimed so many lives years ago. Each Quarter century we are reminded of how few can ruin so much for the many. We are reminded that our nation can only survive if we all come together and put our petty differences aside. The only way Panem can run efficiently is if we all put our civic duty before our egos and remember that under our brilliant flag nothing separate us. We are brothers and sisters working toward a common goal; that goal being to unite our strengths in order to watch our great Panem grow. And for this we will be doing something never done before in the History of the Games."

Kate's brows furrowed as she listened to the President speak. A dark tugging at the center of her being began to form and she found herself gazing at her father for more information. Jacob Fuller was a well-loved man since his Victory had come not from murder but from gentle compassion. Her father spent his Games directing the younger children to shelter, finding food, healing the wounded, and doing his best to keep others alive. The only reason he had won was because the Gamekeeper manipulated the children to one location and sent a fire to wipe them out. It had come down to her father and the other tribute from District Four and the female tribute sacrificed herself so that Jacob could win. Because of his kindness many considered him a great friend and for the rest of his life Jacob visited the Capitol and other Districts to promote unity under the great President that kept the country running. Because of this Kate found it hard to believe her father knew nothing about the change. Why didn't he tell her?

"For this Reaping we have decided not to limit our Tributes to the standard of just one boy and one girl. This year we have combined the names of each child into just one bowl to remind each of you that our fate is never set in black and white. There will always be twists and turns and options to consider outside our relative norm."

A loud murmur stumbled across the crowd. Many were eager for the chance to enter the Games with their best friend or a faux of the same gender yet despite each differing opinion one question remained the same. What about the second bowl?

"To remind each of you that no one citizen is different from the other, in the same manner, we have decided to include our exemplary Victors to this years Games."

"No!"

Kate's voice was hidden beneath the roar from the crowd, each shouting their own emotions into the air as the Victor's lowered their heads solemnly. The sound of shots exploding into the air and Peacekeepers demanding the voices of District Four remain silent shifted the air but nothing could change the terror floating through Kate's body. Her eyes focused on her father who would not look at her or Scott in the crowd and so she looked at her brother who was just as breathless as she. Tears sprang to her eyes and she shut them in the hopes that when they opened she would discover it was all a dream but each time she did release her lids nothing changed. She tried her hardest to blink back the burning of her eyes but her body shook so hard it was out of her control. Jacob was not as young as he had once been. There was no way he could make it, no way at all.

"To remind us of the unity we must aspire to share we have changed the rules to include the winner from one person to an entire team. Instead of the traditional singular arena we have expanded it into three to represent our past, present, and future as a nation. Each team can only move in groups of two or four and are expected to find one of three separate portals that will allow them to advance to the next phase. Only six groups are allowed to venture into the second stage and from there only two. All others left behind will be exterminated along with the remaining arena. The last team standing will be declared the winner of the Quarter Quell. As always great citizens, may the odds be ever in your favor."

The President's face blinked out of existence and left only the insignia of the Capitol in its place. Because of the Peacekeepers weapons pointed directly on the crowd no further comment could be made about the sudden and abrupt changes to Games. Silently Kate glared between her father and Scott with the hope that either of the two most important people in her life would honor her with just a glance. Tears had already begun to spill onto her rouge-dusted cheeks and she did not bother to wipe them away. She didn't care if the Peacekeepers would visit her at home and punish her for crying on camera. Her whole life was slipping out of her hands.

For the past two Reapings her only concern was for her brother Scott and all of a sudden she had to worry about her father too?

It was too much.

She couldn't take it.

"Well, well! Isn't everyone excited?" the new escort called out happily.

Kate would have blessed her with a "woohoo!" if her heart were not beating dangerously into unwelcomed territories. She found the young girl far more refreshing than the mild and listless Ella that was replaced as a consequence for showing up to the last Games intoxicated. Olivia didn't have the regular, angular features that were so noticeable with the Capitol people but remained as energetic and eccentrically dressed despite the stunning chubbiness of her face.

"I know we're all facing quite a shock but just like me I know you are all eager to find out who will honor this great District in the Quarter Quell! District Four has always been home to the greatest Tributes, Victor or not, and I know with the collaboration of these wonderful Veterans there is no way we can't win!"

She was good, Kate had to admit though she found it unsettling how quickly the crowd turned. They before had been silent with despair but suddenly Olivia had reminded them that District Four was a Career District and was home to the strongest citizens of Panem. Suddenly they couldn't wait to find out who they would be cheering for and Sponsoring with the hopes of returning champs.

Olivia glided toward the bowl that Kate sadly realized belonged to the Victors. Her wrist was jeweled in lavish bracelets and as she dipped her hand inside the bowl it seemed to glow white with sunbeams bouncing in every direction. She smiled warmly and grasped the first name before sauntering back to the microphone.

The inside of Kate's body seemed to shrivel up as the girl smoothed out the small paper and smile at the name. Her eyes lowered like a child in the face of a nightmare and though she knew her father and brother were facing the future head on she just couldn't follow their example. Olivia's mouth pressed against the mic and her deep breath could be heard over the crowd.

Kate opened one eye and watched Olivia's hazel orbs gaze over the waiting citizens.

And then she spoke.

"Richard Gecko."

Richard Gecko was the 63rd Victor of the Hunger Games at the tender age of twelve years old. Much like his brother and father—who also had been entered at the age of twelve—he had survived his Games with cunning and skill, using traps and tricks first and killing only when necessary. Despite living in the sunniest district of Panem Richard somehow always remained pale—a vast contrast to his sun kissed brother—and wore glasses to see though he had not used them before his Games. He was tall—six foot one—with bright blue eyes that were magnified by his seemingly unnecessary bifocals. Just like his brother he always wore immaculate suits and kept his dark hair combed back out of his face. He was always dressed well, even when working in the Bayou, and always seemed like a perfect gentleman.

When he wasn't acting crazy.

"Richard?"

A sharp elbow to his side pulled his attention from his sketchbook and to the Reaping going on around him. The way the man blinked gave everyone the impression that he had no idea where he was or what he was doing out there on that stage. It wasn't until his brother Seth whispered in his ear that his face grew red and he shut the sketchbook so he could slip it into his pocket. His hands fumbled like an elderly with no control over his limbs (something she would not have seen if she weren't standing so close) but with one long look to his brother he grew strong again. With the swagger that only the Geckos could muster he took his place behind Olivia, hands folded behind his back, head held high. He was a handsome sight.

Olivia smiled warmly toward him before reaching into the bowl once more and grabbing the first name she came in contact with. Once again she sauntered to the microphone, Kate held her breath, she declared, "Lei-"

"I volunteer as Tribute!"

The head of the crowd whipped to the man already standing to his feet.

Of course, it was Seth.

Seth Gecko had won the 60th Hunger Games and was by far the most handsome Victor in all of Panem. At five feet and ten inches he was a solid, muscle-filled man that did not hide his charm for one instant. Often he could be found in the Bayou helping his brother catch crab shrimp and hauling their finds to Victor's Village. No matter what time of day Seth always had a kind word and a smooth wink from his warm brown eyes for anyone that needed it. There was no doubt he would volunteer to enter the Games beside his brother, not one at all.

"How wonderful!" Olivia clapped as she nodded her head and tossed the name back into the bowl.

Seth stood and waved toward the crowd as he took his place beside his brother and placed a strong arm around the tall man's shoulders. From her close position Kate could see Richie's eyes almost pleading with Seth for some kind of help while Seth just whispered things hidden behind a grin. Because of the turn of events Kate was able to release the breath she had been holding onto so tightly. She looked toward her father but for some reason his face was still hard and solid and avoiding the crowd of tributes standing in wait. Kate turned back to Scott who looked at her with a reassuring smile that she returned in the same manner.

"And now we turn toward our children that have been waiting so patiently for their turn," Olivia beamed, "I know you all can't wait to accompany these sexy hunks up here!"

Chuckles fell from the crowd as if a sign had flashed indicating that was the proper thing for them to do.

Olivia reached over languidly and dipped her hand into the bowl with sparkling eyes of anticipation. She grasped the name and her face immediately lit up as her mouth fell into an excited gasp. Immediately she found the microphone and shouted, "How wonderful! District Four, please welcome your very own Kate Fuller to the Games!"

Applause.

Cheers.

Chanting of her name.

Her mouth had become so dry not even an ocean's worth of liquid could quench her thirst. The liquid from her body evaporated into the burning sun but Kate could do nothing but walk. The eyes of all those around her seemed to drown her in pressure that she never thought she had to withstand. Never had she considered the fact that her name could be called. Her only concern had been for her brother and until the seconds before her father but never for herself.

A smile somehow made its way onto her lips but it was a desperate attempt at appearing calm. Like Richard before, her hands shook uncontrollably to the point that she had to clasp them together as she ascended the steps. She took her place slightly beside the two men and nodded her head to the folks she would represent in the Quarter Quell. She was terrified and wanted to run but she knew she could do no such thing. Kate had to stay and she had to fight and she had to murder and she had to kill in order to come back home. No. What Kate really had to do was vomit.

"Katie-Cakes."

Beneath everyone's hoorah she heard her father's voice calling her nickname. Immediately she turned to him—so close, yet so far away—and found him smiling in the same way he did at her mother's funeral not so long ago. His eyes were sad, bleeding with despair, and yet there was hope inside of them. With no words he told her he did not want things to come to this but he trusted she could survive them like no one else could. He glanced to Scott and it seemed to her they agreed that it was better she than him. It was much better she than him because she could survive the mental horrors and though Scott hid it well he was far more sensitive than anyone could image. He couldn't take it but she could.

And she was glad to do it for her family.

Olivia reached into the bowl one last time and spared no expression as she looked at the name. Kate gazed out at the faces and found herself picking those she hoped it would not be. Classmates, peers, neighbors she hoped would not have to endure the fate she had to endure herself. Of course she had no actual choice in the matter. It was all by chance and those lucky enough to have the odds in their favor would make it to a ripe old age in the sultry waters of the District they called home.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

Kate smiled at the cameras that she knew were narrowed on her and her father.

"Please welcome."

The hairs on her neck and arms stood up.

"The second Fuller child! Scott! Come right up!"

She fainted.