"Papa! Momma says that you are leaving!"
Seven year old Katara ran into her father's waiting arms. He picked her up and laughed. She still was not too old to be daddy's little girl. She was growing up and this did sadden Hakoda.
"Do not worry my moon and stars. I will return after a short period of time."
"When will you leave?"
"In a week."
"Where are you going?"
"Don't worry Katara! Be happy and always smile that special smile. Do not feel anxiety."
But she did feel anxiety. She would secretly stay up late in the night while Sokka snored away and listen to her parents' conversations. The fire nation was becoming more powerful than ever. They would not dare attack the Southern Water Tribe. Would they? Katara would lay on her matt and strain her ears. Part of her told herself that those fire nation soldiers would run and scream at sight of the warriors. Then the sensible part of her told herself that there were not many warriors at all. Where was her father going? She did not know, but she told herself that she would find out. Katara sat next to her mother Luna and asked her about it.
"Momma, where is dad going?"
Luna dropped her mixing stick into the batter for the cookies. She looked at Katara.
"Oh, Katara, do not worry. He won't be gone long."
"How long?"
"Not long."
With that, the conversation was over and Luna left the room. After Katara stole some cookie batter, she ran outside. Maybe, though she doubted it, Sokka knew something.
"Sokka!"
Sokka was observing his father and how to use a spear. Man and boy looked up at Katara.
"You had better go Sokka, when you're done playing, I'll show you further."
The eight-year old smiled and ran up to his sister.
"Katara! Let's play tag."
"Alright… Sokka?"
"Ya?"
Sokka was so engrossed in playing tag; he was surprised when she stopped him.
"Do you know why dad is leaving?"
"No, but he said that he would be back soon."
Katara's heart sank. He didn't know anything! This was nothing new. She just huffed as Sokka gave her 10 seconds to run. But her worries eventually melted as she sped down the hill with Sokka right on her tail.