Prolog

The war has ended. Fire Lord Ozai has been successfully defeated by a then 14 year old Aang. However the end of the war does not mean that the Avatar's duties are over. The war has left many towns and villages in shambles and most of the people still do not trust the Fire nation. It is up to the Avatar to bring the world back into balance. With the help of Katara and Sokka, Aang travels the world helping each nation to recover and to restore worldwide peace. It is a long and arduous mission but it must be done. For four years the trio travels the world attempting to attain Aang's ultimate goal of a peace agreement between the three remaining nations. Right now they are on the island of Kyoshi in the middle of rebuilding their town while a now 18 year old Aang is trying his hand at politics with the leader of Kyoshi.

Chapter 1 News from Home

Katara sat on the beach of Kyoshi Island looking out at the vast sea. She sighed heavily in content as she thought about the many months of hard work that she, Aang and Sokka had spent on the island helping the villagers to rebuild their war ravaged town. Now that it was complete she imagined that the three of them would be leaving the island fairly soon.

"Hey Katara," came a familiar voice from behind her. She turned to see Aang approaching her.

"Hey Aang," she said smiling at him. He walked up to his best friend and sat down beside her. He dropped his staff at his side, stretched out on the sand and folded his arms behind his head. Katara studied the boy as he lay comfortably beside her, how much he had changed since her and Sokka had discovered him trapped in the iceberg. He was much taller now, slightly more muscular and quite handsome.

"What a beautiful day," he sighed as he stared up at the puffy white clouds. He then turned to face Katara, "absolutely beautiful." Katara looked back at him and smiled.

"So how did your meeting with Chief Rygatu go", she asked curiously

"Huh, oh uh, it went great," he said grinning, "It wasn't easy but I finally convinced him to sign the peace treaty with the Fire Nation."

"I'm not surprised that it took so long," Katara replied, "after all they have been at war with the Fire Nation for so many years, it can't be very easy to just let all of that go." Aang sighed looking back up into the sky.

"Yeah", he agreed, "I guess you're right, it's a good thing I'm so skilled at negotiating huh Katara." Aang's boasting was suddenly interrupted by giggling. "What?" he questioned smiling at her.

"Oh nothing, I just think Sokka's ego might be rubbing off on you."

"What! ego, oh man that was a low blow," Aang laughed.

"I'm sorry," Katara said covering her mouth as she giggled, "I couldn't help myself." Aang felt his heart beat furiously as he watched her laugh, her whole face lit up, she was absolutely beautiful and the vision of her made his heart melt.

"So you think you're funny do ya," Aang said developing a mischievous look in his eye, "I'll show you funny." Out of nowhere Aang tackled Katara and started tickling her sides making her laugh even more.

"N-No fair," she laughed, "I-I wasn't r-ready"

Suddenly Aang was hit with a water whip that knocked him to the ground. Katara immediately jumped on top of him and pinned him to the ground. His face flushed a little as she held his arms up over his head in the sand.

"Ahh the water whip," Aang sighed as he looked up at her smiling, "how is it that you get me with that move every time?"

"What can I say Aang," she boasted, "I guess I'm just the superior bender."

Aang breathed in as she spoke holding the air in his lungs for a moment; before Katara realized what he was doing he released the pent up air creating a powerful air stream that flung Katara off of him. He then grabbed a hold of her and flipped her over pinning her to the ground.

"Superior huh," he laughed. Katara just looked up at him and burst into laughter. Upon seeing her laughing so hard, Aang could no longer contain his own laughter. Aang released her arms and rolled off of her. The two lay in the sand side by side laughing hysterically.

"Are you two flirting again," Sokka yelled, out of nowhere. Katara sat up immediately. "Sokka, we were not flirting…we were just brushing up on our bending skills", she replied blushing a little.

"Yeah Sokka," Aang said mockingly, "honestly where do you come up with this stuff?"

"Whatever", Sokka answered, "deny it all you want, it's so obvious you're in looooove." Sokka made a kissing face as he teased the two. Both Aang and Katara blushed profusely.

"Oh shut-up Sokka, you are so annoying sometimes."

"I'm your brother Katara, it is my job to annoy you," Sokka paused, "Look, I just wanted to let you guys know that Chief Rygatu is planning a feast tonight to celebrate the completion of the village and we just happen to be the guests of honor." Sokka's face gleamed at the idea of a feast in his honor. "Do you think they'll have steak?" he asked, his mouth starting to water.

"Yuk, I hope not," Aang replied.

"Listen here Mr. I don't eat meat, you don't know what you're missing," Sokka exclaimed.

"Come on guys," Katara interrupted, "let's get back to the village."

As the three arrived back at the village they were approached by Suki.

"Avatar Aang," she said bowing her head, "Chief Rygatu requests a word with you."

"Oh, okay," he answered, "Sokka, Katara, I'll see you guys later."

"See you later Sokka," Suki said smiling in his direction before she turned to walk away.

"Uh, see ya Suki," Sokka replied, blushing a little. He turned to see Katara smirking at him.

"What?" he exclaimed defensively.

"Nothing," she replied innocently.

Aang entered Rygatu's chambers, "Chief Rygatu," he said bowing his head in respect, "you wanted to see me."

"Avatar Aang," Rygatu replied bowing his head in return, "Yes, it seems that we have received a message for you from the Southern water tribe." He handed Aang a rolled up piece of parchment paper.

"The Southern Water Tribe," Aang questioned taking the scroll from Rygatu. He immediately unrolled it and began reading.

"Is everything alright Avatar Aang," Rygatu asked noticing the look of concern on Aang's face.

"No," Aang frowned, "it's not, I have to go to my friends Rygatu; this message concerns them." Aang bowed again before he turned to leave, "I'm sorry, I'll explain later."

He found Katara outside of the hut that the trio had been staying in. She was sitting peacefully, mending a broken basket and humming to herself. He gazed at her sadly, she looked so content, which made Aang feel even guiltier about having to bring her bad news from home. Aang sighed deeply as he approached her.

"Aang, you're back," Katara said cheerfully, "what was the meeti….," she paused as she noticed the look on his face. "What's wrong Aang," she exclaimed, "what's happened?" Aang hung his head and slowly headed in her direction.

"Katara, I…," he paused and looked up at her wishing he could avoid causing her any anguish. He sighed heavily before continuing.

"We received a message from the South Pole," he paused, "it's your father, he's very sick, it doesn't look good." He paused again noticing the tears forming in her eyes, "I'm sorry Katara," he said softly.

"Oh, Aang," she sobbed as she threw her arms around him. Aang hugged her tightly.

"It will be okay Katara, I promise." He held her tighter as she cried on his shoulder. "We'll leave for the South Pole tonight," he said, "and with Appa we should be there by tomorrow." He gently wiped her tears away and gazed into her deep blue eyes, it pained him to see those eyes filled with such sorrow.

"Aang," she said softly wiping the tears from her eyes, "we have to tell Sokka." Aang nodded and the two of them went off to find him.

A few hours later

It was quiet as Katara and Sokka packed up their things onto Appa's saddle. Katara watched Sokka closely as he worked. He had said nothing since he learned of their father's illness and it made her worry.

"Where's Aang," Sokka asked suddenly, catching Katara off guard.

"He's apologizing to Chief Rygatu because we have to leave so soon," she replied softly. Just then Aang approached the bison.

"Well," he sighed, "we should head out now if we want to make it to the South Pole by tomorrow night…is Appa all set?"

"All set Aang," Sokka replied dryly, "let's go home." With that Aang leapt onto Appa and grabbed hold of the reigns.

"Alright boy, Yip, Yip."

To be continued….