Hello lovelies! Yes, I haven't updated my other stories! Because this one has been torturing me, and I finally decided to start writing it (especially after being inspired by the wonderful mrspettyfer). As soon as Korra came out, I thought that Republic City would be amazing to be the setting. Anyways, I'll update a better version of this chapter later this week, or tomorrow, depending on my procrastination skills. Tell me what you think, if I've left anything crucial out, etc. Read and Enjoy :)

I make my way over to my usual spot next to the White Lotus members and sit down, drumming my fingers on the fine marble. I take in the scene around me, joyless faces anxiously whispering well wishes to each other, hoping it isn't them, that it isn't their child, their sibling, their family member.

I let my mind wander, until I hear the feedback from the microphone and the radio, which is the star for the Games.. This is it. The reapings are officially beginning.

They start with District 1, the North Pole, then 2, the Fire Nation islands, 3, the FIre nation mainland. They announce the earth districts, the air nomad temples, where the air acolytes once resided...then finally, to Republic City. I have to control my cringes with each name and life being destroyed. I look forward to the crowd in front of her, and give them a beam, part of my duties of being the avatar. Avatar Korra. I stifle a derisive snort.

I look at Pema, Tenzin's wife, who's unfortunate job is to escort the Republic City tributes. And watch tributes die, time and time again. There is a sense of exhaustion in her face, and it takes her all her energy to be happy with her children, always worrying if they will be here the next year. She is carrying one right now, soon to be due. If it were up to the pregnant woman holding the microphone, she'd be childless. But, it isn't up to her, no. The White Lotus mandates that she carry children, to produce airbenders, so as to carry on Avatar Aang's legacy. Yet they are entered into the reaping to keep things fair. It would be what he wanted.

Because of that reasoning, we are all here today. Avatar Aang had told the White Lotus to carry on the legacy, to keep the world in a safe state. Unfortunately, the White Lotus took that as their invitation to ascend to supreme power, and so we live in a state of tyranny. I've been told from a young age that they were debating as to whether or not if I should be kept alive. The answer obviously was yes, and here I am, their puppet, the perfect role model, the face of Avatar Aang's legacy. So I should be a fully fledged avatar right? No. My training is limited only to keep tradition satisfied. Not even. All I've done are exercises, my training is officially incomplete. Officially being the key word. I've learnt waterbending with Katara in the dead of night. The same for my earthbending with Lin Bei Fong. Firebending with Fire Lord Zuko. And now I've been learning airbending from Tenzin.

I learn the elements in secret, and I obey to the best of my ability, and do my job as a symbol in the games. The games are-

"Korra. A-avatar Korra?" Pema calls out hesitantly, very confused. My mind goes numb. It can't be...I don't get my name put in...No...I'm supposed to be the legacy...I can't…All my training will be for- "Korra, if you will join me?" Pema looks at me with a thousand apologies written in her face.

I stand gaping, but with urges from White Lotus guards I traipse to the stage and stand there. I try to get my mind to work. Alright, I've mastered three elements, though I suck at airbending. And forget about accessing the Avatar State. I'm too rash and rough apparently. Can I help it? With how I've been brought up? Tenzin always told me how they've been afraid of the power I possess. Is that why I am now in the games? I look around, and I see the audience in a quiet frenzy. There is an uneasy chattering amongst themselves.

"The Avatar, we have decided, should have as much as a chance of being in the games as anyone else has. The Avatar before was a great believer in fairness," One member explained. Fair? When has any of this been fair? Children and teens killing each other? In the name of peace! I remain silent, for silence is the best way to protect my parents. I miss the name that Pema calls out for the male tribute, but I see the crowd part to allow a nervous boy of stout stature, when we hear-

"I volunteer!" a handsome boy with jet black hair, calls out. He strides to the stage confidently, with purpose and I find myself offering a hand to help him up. He doesn't take it, and I awkwardly move it away.

"We weren't taking volunteers until the end, but I suppose…" Pema's voice is very weary. "You are his brother, I'm assuming?"

"Yea, Mako," he gives a curt nod, with his mouth in a thin line.

"Well that's it then. You will exchange your goodbyes in the town hall, and then we'll be off to the Game Quarters. Come along."

We follow her slowly, not noticing the unceremonious disassembling going around, or anything else. What were the odds that I would be in the Games… How? My name has never been put in before (I'm sure of it), and the one year that they do, I'm in? I look at the tall boy next to me and feel a surge of respect for him. He is risking his life, probably sacrificing it, for the sake of his brother… I decide to tell him. "I respect you," it comes out a bit too hoarse.

He glances at me and turns away. "I've earned the respect of the Avatar. Aren't I overjoyed." I don't quite care for the sarcasm in his tone. I understand his predicament but, I'm in the same place that he is in.

"I'm just trying to be-" I start outraged and he cuts me off, as we walk into the Satomobile.

"Trying to be what? I'm not in the mood, oh great Avatar," he throws a bitter look at my way.

"I'm going to die too, so I get it, okay?" I mimic his tone, frustrated. So much for playing nice.
"Whatever it is, we probably are going to try to kill each other within a few weeks, so why bother trying?"

"Well if you're going to be hostile-"
"Aren't you? Hell, you'll probably win this thing."
"Oh please."

"They haven't been training you for this your whole life?" he asks in disbelief.

"What training?" I say.

We arrive at the building, and enter and for some strange reason his eyes soften. Before we continue this discussion/argument, we both get escorted into our separate rooms. I suppose it's a stroke of luck that Tenzin encouraged my parent's, encouraged them vehemently, more like, to join me to the Capitol, Republic City. A stroke of luck, or did he know about this before? Is this really just a set up?

It feels like hours until I see my family, and as they enter we envelope each other in a hug. I can see my polar bear dog, Naga behind them too. She was the one luxury that the White Lotus had allowed me. I see my mother has tears running down her face, but is trying to smile for my sake. My father tells me, "Korra, you are a strong girl. You are the Avatar. You can win this. You will come home."

"Promise us Korra?" my Mother adds.

I sigh. "I'll try my best. Take care of Naga, please?" At her name, Naga gives a slight whimper, as though she understands what is going on. "I don't think I can take you as my token, girl."

"That reminds me," my mother quickly takes out a necklace. "Katara sent this for you." She fastens it around my neck. "She's talking with Fire Lord Zuko, or else she would be here."

"What is it?" I ask.

"Her mother's necklace. It was very special to her. She sends her blessings," my Mother says, and stares at me, before enveloping me into a tighter hug and starts sobbing.

My Father holds both of us and says, "You know she'll come home. This one is tough."

After what feels like a second, the guards take my parents and Naga away.

"We love you!" they call out.

"I love you too!" and the door shuts. I crumple to the ground. I cannot do this. They say I am brave. That I am tough. But I am very much afraid of death.

And then I wonder what will happen if I die. The world will be without an avatar, or at least, one who realizes that they are one.

What will happen then? Can things even get worse? Can there be worse laws? Harsher punishments?

They say I have a purpose. Since I am the bridge between the spirit world and this one. Perhaps I could save us all? I don't know where to start.

But first, I have to survive this thing.