A system for recirculating a hot gas flowing through a gas turbine generally includes a transition piece having a downstream surface, a stationary nozzle having a leading edge surface adjacent to the transition piece downstream surface, a gap defined between the transition piece downstream surface and the stationary nozzle leading edge surface, and a projection having an inner arcuate surface radially separated from an outer surface. The projection generally extends from the stationary nozzle leading edge surface towards the transition piece downstream surface and at least partially decreases the gap. A seal extends across the gap and may be in contact with the transition piece and the stationary nozzle leading edge surface. A recirculation zone may be at least partially defined between the projection inner arcuate surface, the stationary nozzle leading edge surface and the transition piece downstream surface.