Chapter one: "The Wall"
"The wall" is less of a wall and more like a protective barrier to keep them out. At least that's what I'm told. It was installed before i was born. Even before my grandpa aang was born. " the great division was installed to keep the greater population free from harm. To better our society and to keep the city safe." I closed the history text book in front of me as the information buzzed inside my head along with doubt. But thoughts like that were illegal, although some would attribute it to my age.
"Jinora sweetie? Breakfast!"
I slip my textbook into the yellow and deep orange bag next to my desk.
"Coming mom!"
As i stand, i fix the pale yellow blouse that is beginning to get too small. All citizens are issued clothes of the same color and style because equality is a big deal to the government. I always thought that was funny considering we quarantined a group of people just because they were "not our equals." Not many people seem to notice this though. As i draw closer to the kitchen the smell of fresh fruit and pastries fill my nose. Purely vegetarian of course, another rule of the city. "One must retain a healthy physique based on an all vegetarian diet." I push the orange slices around my plate and pick at the edges of the jam filled tarts.
"Jinora honey are you feeling ok? You always love my jam tarts."
As i open my mouth to reply a gust of wind rushes past me. My younger brother Meelo and younger sister Ikki push and shove each other to reach for the pastries.
"Ikki! Meelo! Enough!" My fathers booming voice echoes off the walls of the kitchen. They instantly stop fussing but continue to nudge and groan at each other.
"Pema dear, did you receive the new schedules in the mail yet?"
" no dear not yet but they will be sure to get it to us before the time change"
Every time the season changes we get a new schedule. New curfews, new lunches... basically our entire day mapped out. No exceptions.
" im sure they will. It will be getting darker earlier now. So curfew will be moved forward and my work day at the council may begin earlier this season to ensure i am home before curfew." My father replied.
"Jinora honey, are you ready for your history test today?" My dad inquired turning this attention to me.
" yes father i think i have a good grasp on the information" i reply. How could i not. It is hammered into our brains before we can even speak.
"Of course you do. You have always been intelligent"
"Hey im smart too!" Ikki squeaks. "
"All my children are very intelligent Ikki. "
I resist the urge to roll my eyes as Meelo tries to fit an entire pastry in his mouth. A loud chime echoes through our home,not unlike every other morning. Every house has one and it is controlled by our government to keep us on schedule. As rehearsed everyday, we all stand and place our dishes in the sink for my mother to clean. That is the "woman's place" After all. After coming of age, a spouse is matched to you according to your social rank and personality traits, there is a ceremony. I would call it a marriage like in the old romance novels my gran gran gave me, but it is nothing like a marriage. Its more of a legally binding contract between two people. My mother and father are lucky though. they actually love each other, most pairs only put on an act. After goodbyes, we head separate ways. Ikki and Meelo follow my father to school while i head the opposite direction to the high school. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun peaks through the damp alleyway causing my eyes to peel open. I slowly raise up from the pile of garbage i slept on last night. I have been living this way since i was 12. Now five years later, I'm in the same position. the stained blanket in my hands has about twenty holes. It offers little warmth but helps on the cold night's that are approaching rapidly. I run a hand through my hair and breath in. The stench fills my nostrils and i resist the urge to vomit. I grab the sack by my bed. If you can even call it that. The familiar pang of hunger makes me grip at my stomach. Gotta try and fine something to eat today...
"Hey man whats up"
I whirl around and my eyes meet skoochy.
"skooch man don't suprise me like that."
" ah shut up you're too on edge. Lighten up"
"What do you want" i reply coldly
"Jeez. Woke up on the wrong side of the trash heap?" I only scowl in reply and make sure to hit his shoulder as i brush past.
" aw come on dude im only kidding! " i hear him call from the alley. I continue walking but he doesn't follow. Good some peace and quiet. My eyes scan the dirty streets for any sign of food but all i see are dirt covered faces and starving children.
"KAI! KAI!" I spin on my heel to see the little brown mop of hair belonging to Sophie. I kneel to greet her as her tiny arms reach around my neck in a tight hug.
"Hey soph. How are you?" Her dirt smudged face glowing as she rambles on about a new toy she found, climbing the trees, just normal childish things. "Sophie sweetie, leave poor kai alone."
"Ah shes ok. Little soph could never bother me" i say smiling down at her. " but i do gotta go. Trying to get some food before too many people wake up and crowd up the lake. See you both later. "
"Bye bye kai!" Sophie shouts as she hugs my leg.
I make my way to the lake. Maybe i'll have luck with the fish today. I bend down to set my sack by a log when I catch a whiff of myself. "Whooo maybe i should get a bath too while im at it." I practically have to peel my shirt of and begin washing it first and hang it over a branch to dry. After making sure the coast was clear, i strip down and wade into the cool water to bathe and wash the rest of my clothes. I throw the remaining clothing over the tree branch and sit in my underwear on the log. "Phew its getting too cold to do that anymore." Just as i reach for a branch to make a fishing pole i hear a distorted noise, kinda like someone coughing under water. That can only be one thing. A person on the other side.