The fire nation, it seemed so big from the ship, ten times bigger than their tribe at home. This was only the main capital, for there were three other cities spread out through the country. Sokka stood in awe of the colossal city spread out in front of him as the ship came to dock. He looked over at his father standing tall as he waited for the plank to be lowered; he seemed completely calm in the face of the fire nation capital city. Sokka on the other hand felt himself gulp and walk to stand beside him, trying his best to stand as tall and straight as his father.
"Remember Sokka we are here for peace talks with the other three nations, and we are representing the Southern water tribe, I don't need to remind you of how important it is you are on your best behaviour at these gatherings."
"Yes Father" Sokka replied in his most strong voice. However his words fell flat as his stomach gave out a tremendous growl.
Hakoda chuckled at his blushing son. "You have an appetite that could rival that of a polar bear dog's, come I am sure there will be food waiting for us at the palace." With a slap on his son's back they began their journey to meet with the Fire lord.
Large black marble steps paved the way up into the palace; large stone pillars with golden designs lined the corridors as the party of blue made their way to a pair of large wooden doors. The two faceless guards stepped forward and began a slow sort of bending technique, their hands coming together in perfect synch to shoot roaring red flame into the mouths of two identical dragon statues one blue and one red at either side of the doorway. Sokka watched in astonishment as the doors slowly swung open to reveal what he thought must be the throne room.
"The chief of the water tribe and his party have arrived" said a voice to the left; Sokka discovered it was from the servant who had directed them here.
"Wonderful, wonderful, welcome to the fire nation Chief Hakoda" A short plump man said as he waddled down from the gigantic throne to come to stand in front of them "It is great to finally meet you; I trust you had a safe journey?" Sokka looked in astonishment; this was the Fire lord, Fire lord Iroh? The one they called the dragon of the west and the leader of one of the biggest most powerful nations. He was a short pudgy man with grey hair, a short beard and the biggest smile Sokka had ever seen. If it weren't for the elaborate robes and shiny golden flame shaped crown he would have thought he was mistaken.
"We had a most pleasant journey thank you your majesty we thank you for your invitation and hospitality." Sokka looked up as his father greeted Fire lord Iroh with a bow and friendly smile. "I hope we will all gain much from these peace talks, keeping the balance between the four nations is quite important to the Southern water tribe."
"Yes quite, we don't want a repeat of the war a hundred years back." Iroh's face grew grave in almost shame. Sokka understood the man's look, it was after all the Fire nation who had tried to take over the rest of the world and it had taken many years after the end of the war for the other nations to trust the Fire nation again. Sokka watched as the Fire lord's face shook out of its saddened look was wiped clean and the boisterous smile once again replaced it. Iroh then came to stand in front of Sokka, "and who is this, your son?"
Sokka felt his knees shake but with an encouraging smile from his father straightened himself and bowed before speaking. "Yes my name is Sokka I am the son of Chief Hakoda." Sokka smiled proud of his strong voice before being replaced by bright red cheeks and wide eyes as the embarrassing sound of his still empty stomach once again made itself known. Sokka heard a chuckle from the Fire lord. "How old are you son?" Iroh asked kindly. "19"
"Oh a year older than my nephew, he will show you the way to the kitchens while your father and I talk. Allow me to introduce my heir and nephew...Zuko"