Disclaimer; I own nothing of Legend of Korra.
"Camping!"
"Are you serious?"
"Of course! Think about it, what better way to prepare for the pro-bending tournament than some good old team bonding? And what better than camping?"
"Bro, I know you mean well, but wouldn't practicing be better?"
"I know, I know. Practice, practice, practice, and we'll be guaranteed to be ready. But come on, aren't you tired of practicing? All the practices are just leaving me tired and achy, and I'm sure it's not just me who's feeling this way. A relaxing day or two camping would help revive us and calm us before the big match."
After some thought, Korra spoke up. "Actually, this may not be such a bad idea. We're already working well with our moves and plays. If we can be in sync out of the arena, maybe some of that will transfer over."
Mako looked between the two, feeling like the only sane person in the room. He sighed. "I guess I can't argue with the Avatar, your logic usually tends to be correct. I guess that means it's a go fire plan."
"Yes!" Bolin did a short celebratory dance. "So since we only have a few days till the tournament, shall we leave for our adventure tomorrow?"
"I don't see why not," Korra said. "The sooner we go, the sooner we can get back and get some more practice in before the match."
"Alright, that sounds good. I guess that's it for today then, we'll see you tomorrow Korra," Mako said. He and Bolin began to make their exit, as Korra made her way out of the gym. Once outside, Korra hopped up on Naga and made her way back to Air Temple Island. On her way there though, her head began to fill with thoughts, worries and doubts took place of the excitement she had felt about the idea. Korra knew they were silly, but she figured a second opinion may help reassure her, and she knew just the person to turn to.
Once home, Korra sought out Tenzin. As her airbendering instructor, she looked up to him and always wanted to hear his input on things, and right now, she could use some input. As she saw him walking towards the entrance to the Air Temple, she called out for him, "Tenzin!"
He stopped and turned to face the young Avatar. "Yes, Korra?"
"Tenzin, I need some help, something is bothering me."
"Well what is it?"
"Bolin suggested this idea that the Fire Ferrets take a break from practicing and go camping so we can relax and such before the big match. I agreed, thinking it'd be a good way for us to bond as a team and get to be closer, but now that I think about it, I don't know if it would be."
Tenzin motioned for Korra to follow him inside. They went to one of the dining rooms and sat down. Tenzin poured some tea for them both. "Now why do you think it wouldn't be a good idea?"
Korra sighed. "Well, the truth is, I really like Mako. But I kind of feel like Bolin might like me. And I just don't know if this whole camping thing is a good idea, being alone with them for a night or two. What if things are said, what if things get really awkward? What would I do then? I don't want us to lose our closeness, we've been working really well lately, and we need that to do well in the match to win. If we're not comfortable around one another, we won't succeed."
"Well, Korra, one way to get past this is to make things known. Let them know how you feel. The closeness of the team isn't just determined by how good they are in the arena alone. The other factor is how close you are out of it, how much you know about one another and understand one another. As brothers, Bolin and Mako know quite a bit about one another and are very close, but you're the newcomer. A lot of it will fall on you to make yourself known and to gain the true closeness your team needs."
"But I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Can't I just go and do this without having to get all deep and personal with my feelings and such?"
"I think you know the answer to that one Korra. The guys may not realize or notice it, but if you're feeling strange around them because of these feelings, it'll cloud your judgment and ability to work with the team, which won't help the whole team out. What is so wrong with just coming out and saying the truth? Normally you aren't one to back away from saying what's on your mind."
"I wouldn't, except Mako is with Asami. I mean, what chances do I stand against her? He likes her, not me. It kind of defeats the purpose of saying anything about it to him."
"Well, I leave it up to you. Whether he is with someone or not, it's better to just make things known and move past them then to pent up your feelings. One way or another, sooner or later, they'll come out, whether you want them to or not."
"But Tenzin, I don't know if I ca-"
"You're the Avatar, Korra, you have to be brave and take risks, that's part of it. Now, I'll let you decide what you're going to do. I can't always tell you what you should do, you just have to do what you think is best. Goodnight and I wish you well." With that, Tenzin rose from the table and walked out of the room, leaving Korra alone and more unsure than before. She rose from the table as well and made her way to her room.
She began to pack what few things she'd figured she need for a camping trip. After some thought, she realized she hadn't done much stuff before like camping, let alone doing much with friends. Most of her life had been spent training and learning how to be a good Avatar. Once she was discovered to be the Avatar, she grew up with little free time, and very few friends. Of her few childhood friends, few were her age, and no one really understood what she was going through. She was the only Avatar; no one else was around to explain to her what they really meant. She was alone to figure it out for herself.
As she lay in bed, she let her worries fade. Who knew what would happen, and who cared. Tomorrow was a new day, and she knew she'd figure out what would be the best action to take. So as sleep took over, excitement filled her as she dreamed of the adventures the next day would bring.