Fire, Air, Water, Earth...

It's been eighteen years since the tragic death of Avatar Korra, and the lively Republic City has been continuously expanding. Unfortunately, she was not able to achieve peace before her untimely murder and the metropolis has descended into segregation and chaos. A wall was built around the new Spirit Portal as decreed by the new President Yanwei, with spirit wilds growing along the inside of its border.

Prince Wu eventually succeeded in eliminating the monarchy in the Earth Kingdom, yet when it was time for a free election, the people made Wu their Prime Minister. Now, he has been replaced by an earthbender named Giyan, a calm and collected young man. He attempted to tear down the wall between the lower and middle rings of Ba Sing Se, but it resulted in looting and wreckage, almost returning to the state it was in after the Earth Queen's death.

The Air Temples are steadily repopulating, with a colony of nomads still settled on Air Temple Island. The colossal Tenzin Bridge, named by Avatar Korra, now connects it to the mainland.

The Northern Water Tribe has been peacefully maintained by Eska alone since the passing of her brother, while Asami and Korra's son, Hiro Sato, has brought the Southern Tribe into a new Era.

Now, to help restore balance to the United Republic, her home city, and the world, Kitala is ready to make her debut as the new Avatar.

Book One: Sense

"You're not concentrating," Jinora noticed as she observed Kitala's stance.

"I'm sorry I'm just anxious…" She sighed, dropping her shoulders.

"Don't worry about tonight. This might be in your honor, but most everyone there will be preparing for the Summit."

"The summit?"

"The World Leader Summit, where all the heads of each nation meet for a two day conference for discussion. The city has made an event of it, there's a festival on the second day and everything."

"Yeah, I've heard of it!"

"The Avatar is of course expected to attend the Summit itself."

"What?! But I'm, I'm-"

"Don't fret, it'll be more of a learning experience."

"I'll try," Kitala nodded and steadied herself again, lifting her palms and preparing to run through the steps again. Jinora slid her right foot out in a wide circle, then stepping and pivoting on her left. Kitala mirrored her movements, and the two created a gust of wind between them. She followed her master through the rest of the sequence three more times before she was dismissed to get ready.

Kitala bowed, a wide grin on her face as she scurried off to her room. Jinora returned the bow, and softly smiled as she watched her go. In the weeks since the new avatar had come to Air Temple Island, Jinora had felt immense gratitude. There had been many achievements she was proud of in her fifty years of living, but being the master of the new Avatar like her father was before her, held a special place in her heart.

It had been trying at first. Jinora wasn't sure how to interact with this girl. The only thing she knew about her before they met was that Kitala was born and raised as an orphan in the lower ring of Ba Sing Se. The White Lotus found her five years ago, and she had already reached a level above most masters in water and fire bending. She had a basic understanding of air bending, yet the last element was challenging. Despite hailing from the Earth kingdom, Kitala apparently has had the most difficulty with earthbending. Yet before she knew that, Jinora expected a hard headed and thick skinned girl, which would have been in her comfort zone after years of working with Korra.

You can imagine her surprise when a cheerful young woman flying in on an enormous winged cat came to be her student. After only one day with her, she reminded Jinora of her younger sister Ikki, who now headed up the Western Air Temple alongside her son and two daughters. It was an adjustment, but rather refreshing. It often made her laugh to remember Tenzin's difficulty with Korra compared to how lucky she was to have a more spiritually inclined Avatar.

Kitala slipped the pins out of her two buns and let her silver waves fall to her waist. Letting her hair down wasn't something she did often, but it was a special night after all. She took off her black halter top and baggy pants, her usual training outfit, and slid her dress on. It was also black, strapless and hugged her figure down to her knees, where it ruffled out just slightly. A green lotus was embroidered on the top, and she wore matching t-strap heels to finish.

Jinora and Kai, both adorned in floor length formal Air Nomad robes, waited for her before departing. Kitala begged to take the train system, which now ran on high arching bridges all throughout the city. Though it had grown outward, Republic City also built upward, and metal buildings over thirty stories high were now dispersed throughout with the tracks of the bullet train weaving between them.

The night she and Kotya, her winged Avatar steed, flew into the city, they expertly bobbed around the sharp corners, then swooping down low amongst the Sato mobiles. Though Ba Sing Se was still the largest city in the world, they were much farther behind in innovation. Prime Minister Wu had begun to excel their technology by spreading the sales of Sato mobiles and now Future Industries Televisions, but when Giyan came into power, his more traditional outlook halted the progress.

"I've never seen anything like this…" Kitala whispered as she stepped out of the car that picked them up at the station and gazed up at the red carpeted steps leading into the city hall.

"And it's all for you! No pressure!" Kai chuckled, slapping her on the back.

"Thanks a lot." She scowled back at him.

"Ignore him," Jinora laughed, leading Kitala up the steps. A moment later, cameras swarmed around the three of them and bright flashes invaded her irises. Luckily, she had Kai to brave the crowd for her while Jinora sternly held up a hand and snapped, "No comment."

"Thank you…" She mumbled. For most of her life, Kitala was used to being practically invisible. Scrounging for change, begging for leftover food from restaurants in exchange for a day's work, sleeping on trash piles. She knew she was the Avatar by the time the White Lotus found her at age thirteen, but couldn't afford to travel and find masters on her own even though all she ever wanted to do was help the people of the world. Even so, Kitala was concerned that the world wouldn't want her help.

But now, as hoards of guests welcomed her to the city with bright smiles and firm handshakes, she couldn't hold back the tears from welling in her eyes.

"A pleasure to finally meet you," came a smooth voice from behind her.

"President Yanwei," She gasped after quickly spinning around and holding her hand out. He gently took it and pulled her knuckles up to his lips, his dark brown eyes boring into her crystal blue ones.

"Excuse us," Jinora said coldly, nudging Kitala. She noticed Kai's subtle grimace at the President as they passed, yet Yanwei's sly smile never faded.

Once they reached the border of the ballroom, Kai slid his arm around Jinora's waist.

"Now if you excuse me, I don't get to embarrass my wife in public very often," he chuckled, whisking her away.

Kitala smiled and waved after them as the two disappeared into the crowd. She looked around, fidgeting with strands of her hair before spotting a long table full of plates of food. It looked more elegant than anything else she'd ever eaten, and every portion was identical even down to the light streak of beat purée along the sides. She picked up a plate and held it to her face, tongue stretched out to taste the sauce.

"Hi there," someone said with a tap to her shoulder. She turned her head, tongue still making contact with the plate. Then, realizing how this must look, she slammed the food back down on the table and clasped her hands behind her back, plastering a fake grin across her lips.

"You know those are there so that the waiters can serve them at dinner time," the guy teased.

"Oh my goodness really? I thought it was a grab and go kinda thing," she laughed nervously before compulsively tucking her hair behind her ears. The stranger was smirking down at her with his arms crossed, obviously amused. She quickly took in the features of his long, oval shaped face, admiring the rich almost burgundy colored eyes and caramel skin. However, his shaggy, undercut black hair tipped her off to his status.

"This isn't really your thing is it?" She asked.

"Actually I went to lots of events like this as a kid...If you ask me, you're the one who seems uncomfortable."

"When you were a kid, hm? So what brings you here now since you clearly had a change of lifestyle." She deduced.

"Hmf," he scoffed. "Wanna dance?"

"Avoiding the question?"

"No I'm just trying to get you away from the food before you lick everyone's plate," he retorted, offering his hand to her. She snorted and accepted his invitation, letting him lead her onto the dance floor.

The orchestra played a light and bouncy tune and he pulled Kitala flat against him, expecting to fluster her. However, her hips skillfully swung in rhythm with his. Determined to throw her off, he began stepping lightly backwards before his foot slid across the floor in a wide arch.

"You dance like an air bender," she noticed, following his steps with ease. He spun her around and pulled her close again, her back flush with his chest. She twirled out of his hold and moved around to his back, fingertips lightly tracing across his shoulder blades.

"You too..." He furrowed his brow as he tried to uncover this girl's mysteries.

One hand took hers as his other arched around to rest at the small of her back. Their eyes locked, and the two softly smiled at each other. The plucking of the Guzhen's strings shifted to a lower melody, a sensual and sultry hymn accompanied with the deep notes of the Sihu.

Kitala hesitated, her bravery fading as the enticing song sent a chill down her spine and bumps raised on her arms.

"So, uhm, I still don't know your name…" She said, looking down at her feet.

"Don't worry 'bout it for now," he shrugged, then tilting her chin up.

"I guess that's interesting," she giggled. He slid his hand down to her thigh and pulled forward until their hips pressed together. In unison, they stepped leisurely from side to side, and he rested his lips against the top of Kitala's hair. She closed her eyes and breathed in, letting the lascivious music seep into her bones until her stomach stopped flipping. She just let herself sway, feeling the heat building between their bodies before moving her arm up to rest on his shoulder. He trailed his index finger down the porcelain skin of her arm, then took a moment to look down at her; eyes closed with long dark lashes splayed against her pale cheeks. Her pink tipped nose turned up at the end, full lips parted just slightly. There were no sharp edges to her round face, and everything about her was soft and supple. Even the arch of her neck was a smooth slope, and below that...he interrupted his own thoughts and averted his eyes, scanning the guests around them in search of his true targets.

Kitala, though in almost a trance-like serenity, opened her eyes and looked over her stranger's shoulder. Just a few feet away were Kai and Jinora, and she stopped their movement to wave.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Oh it's just my masters," she told him. He turned his head, almost paining his neck to get a look. Surprise flashed across his face as he saw them, and he froze.

"You okay?" She asked as she felt his rigidity.

"I've just gotta...I'll be back. They should be serving dinner soon anyway." He said in monotone, and she felt the warmth of his body leave her as he maneuvered through the surrounding guests, not a second glance to Kitala.

"Oh...kay…" she sighed.

Kitala poked at her dinner, the moment she met that man replaying over and over in her head as the beat purée reminded her.

"You're not overwhelmed by all this are you?" Jinora asked with concern.

"No, no, this is great!" She shouted, fork flying out of her hand and clattering across her plate.

"Uh...alright…"

"Sorry just getting a little tired," she lied, trying to discreetly peer at all the seats of the tables, hoping to catch sight of those deep red eyes.

However, they were nowhere to be seen, and the rest of her night was taken up with meaningless small talk and more handshakes. She met all the wealthiest family heads of the city, several of which considered themselves leaders of the segregated sectors of Republic City. The notion of people separated by their bending made it very difficult for Kitala to keep her thoughts to herself. However, she knew tonight wasn't the opportune time to fight it.

Finally, she couldn't drag out leaving any longer, and she took one last look at the hall before slumping her shoulders and turning away. Yet later, as Kitala slipped on the pale yellow nightgown given to her by the temple, she was still grinning from the night's events. Despite her fascinating stranger disappearing, she was still grateful.

Expecting to train as usual the next morning, Kitala arrived in the courtyard wearing her black midriff top. However Jinora informed her that several guests last night were robbed, and that the chief of police wanted the Avatar's assistance in identifying the culprit.

"I'll do what I can to help," she nodded with determination, going to change again. Beneath her embroidered light green dress, she slipped on tight black material. The off shoulder sleeves hooked around her middle fingers at the ends, and matching pants covered all the way down to her toes. Rather than the low buns she wore while training, she fixed them higher now, the tidier style making her feel more collected.

They rode into the city on Pepper, with Kotya soaring right beside them.

"Chief Beifong," Jinora said, pulling the woman into a quick hug.

"Hi, we met last night," She said to Kitala.

"Yes, hello," She responded, bowing.

"I knew your past life, but my parents were best friends with her."

"I've told you about Opal and Bolin, this is their oldest daughter Tila," Jinora said.

"Yes definitely! I'm honored to be able to work with you."

"I'll leave you to assist, police work isn't my specialty," Jinora said.

"Let's get right to it then, several high end guests were pick pocketed last night and I think we've narrowed it down to our two suspects. I have a theory that they're both guilty and working together." Tila explained as they stepped into a metal enclosure with a window to the interrogation room. Two men sat at the table next door and the second Kitala saw a flash of that striking dark red, she gasped and covered her mouth.

"Er…" She began.

"Well let's go ask some questions, just follow my lead," Tila told her, taking Kitala's hand and rushing to the interrogation room.

"Actually-" But she stopped as soon as she was pulled inside and realized it was too late.

"We've got some questions for you, I would appreciate it if you both would cooperate."

"Can I ask a question first?" Her stranger asked, raising his hand.

"I suppose," Tila allowed.

"Were you a cop?!" He asked, wide eyes pointed at Kitala.

"No! No I'm-"

"Maybe she could be one day, an Avatar Police Officer would be very interesting," Tila chuckled.

"Avatar?!" He shouted, voice cracking slightly as he stood and slammed his cuffed hands on the table.

"Hey sit down or I'll make you!" Tila warned, though Kitala could tell this hard exterior of her's was only a facade.

"You didn't think to tell me you were the damn Avatar?!" He continued, ignoring Tila.

"You didn't tell me you were a thief!" She retorted.

"Okay let's sort priorities here, I met you at a party for you and you didn't think to mention that when you were all...you know...close to me and stuff."

"Oh wow," Tila chuckled.

"You didn't even want to tell me your name, maybe if you had I would have too. And being the Avatar isn't a crime so I think you're the one who has mixed up priorities!"

"Saying you're there to rob people isn't a great pick up line!"

"Is that a confession?" Tilapia perked up.

"No!"

"Okay so you weren't there to rob people then?" Kitala asked, smirking.

"But I didn't actually get anything because I was too distracted by someone!"

"It's not my fault you were distracted." She snapped.

"If you didn't actually steal anything, who did?" Tila asked.

"And why did you run off in such a hurry?"

"This guy took everything! He wanted me to get in on the job but as soon as I saw...as soon as I saw someone I decided to get out."

"Seriously?! You rattin' me out!?" The other guy shouted.

"I can't believe I danced with you, creep!"

"Oh I wouldn't even call that dancin', you were all up on my goods!"

"Who put me there!?"

"Alright kids, clean it up. Officer, put this guy in the slammer," Tila ordered.

"What about him?" Kitala asked.

Jinora tapped her foot impatiently, then finally decided to check in on Kitala. She entered the small room to look through the one sided mirror, before immediately running out and barging into the interrogation room.

"Raavi!" She shouted, throwing her arms around him.

"Mom?"

"MOM?!" Kitala nearly choked on her own tongue.