The election was in full swing. Head Councilman Tarrlok was fighting to keep his place, and Noatak, head of the Equalist Party was hoping to bring some changes this term.
"The Leadership Party clearly supports bender superiority!" Noatak accused. "Non benders are being taken advantage of by benders. The gangs 'Triple Threat Triads' and 'Agni Kais' are just two examples of benders using their power to oppress the non-bending population."
Tarrlok scowled. "The gangs of this city are a threat to us all. Not just non-benders. You say you stand for equality and justice, yet you say all benders are destined to be criminals? I'm outraged! And the Leadership Party simply gives benders special training to strengthen their powers to protect the city! Not for the reasons you previously said. We are not denying non-benders the right to get martial arts training. We just deem it necessary to pay for bending training to make sure that their natural power doesn't get out of control, or go to waste."
Tarrlok smiled when the audience applauded him.
"What if non-benders wish to protect the city? There may be non-benders with a talent for martial arts who never get their training, and have a disadvantage when applying for law enforcement jobs because of competing benders who already have plenty of experience. They never get to prove themselves!" Noatak argued.
"The fact that they don't get to prove themselves is why I'm pushing for affirmative action. To help the non-benders get into law enforcement easier." Tarrlok replied, hoping to sound understanding and lose his slowly forming extremist reputation.
"WE DON'T WANT YOUR PITY!" Noatak bellowed. The entire room went silent in fear.
Noatak cleared his throat and began to speak in a much calmer voice. "I'm sorry for my outburst, but this 'affirmative action' idea irritates me. Non-benders do not want to be treated as if they can't succeed on their own merits. They simply want the same opportunities as benders."
Noatak was pleased as the audience politely clapped.
"It's not practical to pay for non-bender training in martial arts! We must pay for bending training because they must be able to control their power properly." Tarrlok said.
"You cannot keep treating benders better than non-benders! Benders must be regulated to make sure their power isn't used to oppress innocent non-benders. I know one non-bender whose face was scarred when a firebender burned it and killed his family. Many benders continue to abuse the powers they have!" Noatak said boldly.
The Equalist Party hollered and cheered in agreement.
"You accuse benders of being tyrants and coddle non-benders! You speak of equality, when in actuality all you are interested in is waging war against benders!" Tarrlok retorted.
The Leadership Party roared and chanted.
"You are an extremist," Tarrlok said smugly.
Noatak was taken aback. "You are the extremist, sir! You go to great lengths just to make sure your precious benders stay on top!"
The crowd was breaking out into pandemonium.
"You're both extremists," Avatar Korra spoke. All fell silent.
The audience gasped and gaped like dying fish.
"When did you get here?" Noatak and Tarrlok blurted in unison.
"A few minutes ago. It seems you forgot to invite the Peace Party to this debate."
"Hippy group," someone muttered.
Avatar Korra ignored the critic.
"I'll be representing Councilman Tenzin, as he's busy with his family today," Korra went on.
"A mere child should not be participating in such a heated debate," Tarrlok said.
"For once, I agree with Councilman Tarrlok. You are too immature to keep up with us." Noatak said.
"I'll think I'll do just fine." Korra spoke smoothly. "I've had training in these types of situations, by order of Councilman Tenzin. As the Avatar, I have to know the proper way to act in these events. And as protector of the world, I am entitled to participate."
The audience showed its approval of the young Avatar participating in the debate.
"Very well," Tarrlok said grudgingly.
"Shall we continue where we left off?" Noatak asked, exasperated.