The day was cold and blistering, the kind of cold where Katara stayed inside by the warming fire, bundled in blankets upon blankets while singing hymns about the war. She sat on the rug with the rest of her tribe. The mother's would watch their children with careful eyes and a warming smiles. The dance of their young a warming flame among the ashes. Although their fathers went out to sea many years ago, the children continued to dance with an infectious joy. To Katara, the children surrounding them were beacons of hope.
Six years ago, Katara's father left with all the other men to aid the Earth Kingdom in an effort to win the war, it was up to her and her brother Sokka to care for their tribe. Being the children of the absent chief could be a daunting task at times. Even so, Katara would never wish the chore away. Her people relied on the chief's kin to take care of what was left of The Southern Water Tribe. To see her friends and family with so much hope in their eyes, every tear she shed for her people had purpose and life. Katara had a feeling her older brother felt exactly the same way.
After the last line was sung, the children settled down on the shag rug and the elderly sat on the couch, including a couple of old men Katara's father had left them behind due to their fragile age. They had faced the trials of the war many years ago, and it was now the men of the tribes turn to serve. The rest of the women sat around their kids, and everyone waited for Katara's grandmother to sit in her old rocking chair. A silence filled the room as Kanna slowly made her way to her chair. Everyone awaited her arrival. This was the part of the night they all looked forward to the most. Until, finally, she sat.
"Before the war," Kanna would start, her voice raspy from withered age and soft like the gentle waves, "our people lived in peace with all four nations. The Fire Nation's name didn't spike fear in our hearts. They were our allies, friends, and family.
"Before the war we all lived in peace and harmony. It was a wonderful time for our people. Unfortunately, everything changed when The Fire Nation invaded The Southern Air Temple. This event changed history: our allies became our enemies, our friends our rivals, our family our biggest regret.
"My only wish is your generation to somehow find peace. That's why we sing these hymns that speak of the hope of the Avatar's return. It is the Avatar's sworn duty to bring peace and harmony to the four corners of the Earth. Even in the earliest days of the 100 Year War, before it was named that, our ancestors brought hope to our people by inventing these songs that remind us of that promise. We have kept that hope alive, all this time. We must always remember, only the Avatar can restore balance to the world. Until he arrives, it is our responsibility to join forces with the other nations to aid the war's efforts. By giving up our husbands and our sons, we have brought hope to this world. I am so proud of all of you for the sacrifices you have made for our people. They have not been overlooked. They are what have kept us strong and together.
"We must never forget: our job is to restore hope, and to believe, no matter what, that the Avatar will return and heal this poisoned land." Kanna started to sing, "With hope, we are strong. With hope, the Avatar will come. With hope, we will win what is lost."
The tribe joined in Kanna's singing, and this was the only place The Southern Water Tribe knew what peace and harmony really meant.
With hope, the Avatar will come.
With hope, we will have won.
With hope, the Avatar will come.
The tribe got these days often, but not often enough.
Author's Notes: Okay, so this little scene literally took WEEKS to write. So, please tell me it's good. Or if it's bad, tell me it sucks. Although, if you say that, I might be sad for weeks, so...
Please, tell me what you think. Remember to vote.
I love you all!
Peace.