Author's note: My second attempt at writing this story. And well, I haven't written in a while, plus I have some free time now that I'm finally graduating from college (whoot whoot) in May! This is an idea I had thought up about YEARS ago.

2018 Rewrite: Okay. Yes, third time's a charm. Decided to make a few changes to this

The Avatar's Roadside Guide for Coping with Hitchhikers

RATING: T (PG-13); may change later

GENRE: general/humor

SUMMARY: just some random fun (oh and completely AU)

Chapter 1: Off to Gran Gran's House We Go!

"Dad! Sokka! It's a letter from NU! Oh please dear heavenly spirits! Please, please, please let this be…" Katara mumbled as she tore open the envelope and read the letter that had come in the mail that morning.

NORTHERN UNIVERSITY

"Nurturing the Spirits of Excellence"

Dear Katara,

It is with great pleasure [*deep breath*] that we inform you of your acceptance [I GOT IN! DAD! SOKKA!] into Northern University.

We here at NU understand that you will now have the difficult decision of selecting which university you are going to attend. We believe that Northern University offers not only outstanding educational experiences, but also a prime environment for personal growth.

As one of the oldest universities in the country, NU has maintained a high standard of excellence, producing some of the World's most prominent leaders, scholars, and scientists. We believe that you possess the qualifications needed to become a part of the Sacred Koi family.

In the following packet, you will find information regarding incoming freshman orientation, university housing, financial aid, and a university advisor contact sheet. Please keep in mind that orientation is mandatory for all future NU students. Also, take note that all new freshman are required to live on campus.

We hope you seriously consider this university and wish to see you at our prestigious school in the fall.

Office of Admissions

Northern University

THE NEXT DAY

"What? You—*cough*—want me—*cough*—to do what?" Sokka's eyes bulged as he tried to swallow his cereal.

"I don't think I have to explain it again Sokka. I've already contacted your grandmother. You and Katara will be leaving in the morning for her house. You'll be taking the car."

"But why in the World do I have to go too? And why do we have to drive? Gran Gran is on the other side of the nation! It'll take us at least three days to get over there. Why can't Katara just hop on a plane or something?"

"You want to know the truth Sokka?" Katara yawned as she walked into the kitchen. "Oh and good morning."

"Yeah I wanna know the truth! It's a waste of my precious lifespan to drive you to your stupid orientation."

"My orientation isn't until the end of June. NU's admissions deadline was really early and I never had the chance to take a tour of the campus. And since Gran Gran's house is in the same city…"

"What the… Dad! You're making us drive over there for a freakin' TOUR?"

Hakoda sighed, pouring more coffee into his mug.

"It's not just that. I think it'll be good for you kids to get out and see the nation. You're old enough. I trust you."

"…"

"Don't you want to go on a road trip? Don't kids your age thrive on stuff like that?"

"So you're trying to sell me that idea now?"

"Yes."

"You're talking about a road trip with Katara, Dad."

"… Okay well—"

"What the heck does that mean Sokka? Dad's just afraid that if I get on a plane, a huge gaping hole will pop open on the airplane roof mid-flight!"

"Oooooh. Huh? Oh. Ooh… pshh Dad, you're too paranoid. It's not like it's ever happened before. Katara can risk it."

::background noise::

Breaking news: Passenger on a domestic flight attempted to open the emergency exit mid-flight. More tonight.

AN: Hmm… I really need to work on this humor thing. I'm a bit rusty. Ha.