I don't own any characters except for Mai-Jing!

This first chap is rather short, so I combined the first and second.

Chapter 1: the beginning

Mai-Jing's POV:

Thankfully my dad got me a new diary. My old one was so old and battered. He knows how much I write. My new one is a beautiful royal blue with my tribe's insignia. It's really a shame that I have to keep it covered. The crummy General Iroh and Prince Zuko took over the tribe 3 years ago. The soldiers don't allow loyalties to the water nation. I hate wearing fire nation dresses. I'd much rather wear my blue dress and parka. I also can't practice my water bending. Because the soldiers watch us like grilled cheese sandwiches. I don't really care. Even before the fire nation took over the tribe, I never practiced despite what my father, the leader of the tribe, urged. I was too busy writing stories of how the water nation defeats the fire nation with my father leading the rebellion! Today, on my 15th birthday, the "Great and powerful General Iroh" and his nephew Prince Zuko called our family out of our home. There was only my father and I, since the fire nation sacrificed my mother and 2 younger brothers. We stood on our front step starring into the eyes of evil- General Iroh and Prince Zuko.

I was dismissed to the house. Apparently the meeting was for men only. Prince Zuko gave me a strange look as I was dismissed. It was a strange mixture of curiosity and seriousness. Zuko asked to speak to Iroh for a moment. I went inside the house to write some more. I dared not look out the window. If I was caught, I would surely be hurt. Maybe an hour later, my father came inside. I was so happy to see him unharmed. As I greeted him, I noticed a sad face on his usually perky one. Then I saw a tear go down his tanned cheek. I quickly asked what was wrong. He explained the fire nation was willing to give back the tribe for a price. But Price Zuko changed the price at the last minute. I will never forget his words. "Mai-Jing, I am sorry but, you are to wed Price Zuko"

Chapter 2: sad truth

Still Mai-Jing's POV:

Mai-Jing: WHAT? How could you? Why?

I couldn't finish my sentences I was in so much shock.

Father: I'm sorry Mai. But Prince Zuko wishes to marry you.

I was so shocked I didn't think.

Mai-Jing: and if I don't?

Father: the entire tribe will be sacrificed to the fire lord.

Mai-Jing: but, NO! I can't marry him!

Father: I'm so sorry.

Mai-Jing: how could you let them take away your only reminder of family?

I was so… I don't really know. I was a hopeless jumble of emotions. I did the only thing I could think of. I cried and ran to my room. I sat on my bed trying to organize my mess of thoughts. My dad knocked on my door and slid a note under it, like he always does when I'm upset. But this time, it didn't cheer me up. I was still engaged. But I was to wed in 2 days. Now I really didn't want to get married. Hardly 15 for a day and I'm already engaged! It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't Zuko. I'd heard things about him. Always chasing the Avatar. And for what? His "honor". I knew what I had to do. And it wasn't marrying him. I grabbed my bag, but there was one problem, it was blue. I looked around my room and saw the old fire nation dresses that don't fit me anymore. I cut on up and sewed it up to make a makeshift bag. I began to pack my most valuable things. My diary and favorite water nation pen. I also grabbed my closest brother's favorite toy. A plastic sword like the ones the water nation soldiers had. As I went through my drawers, I found my mother's homemade blue necklace. She loved to make jewelry. Almost every woman and girl had a piece of jewelry made by her. Once my mother died, I was given the necklace. I put it in the bag. It was settled, I was running away from home.