I haven't been on recently, but I've been itching to write about Mai's childhood. So, here goes. . I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own avatar, or any characters appearing therein. insert wisecrack here

Mai stared into the mirror. Not at herself, but at her mother. Her mother was having her face powdered. The rice powder sent white dust floating into a skinny shaft of sunlight that the curtains afforded. It sparkled and glowed for a moment, then disappeared.

A servant started to comb Mai's tangled hair and Mai realized that her mother's lips were moving in the mirror. She quickly tuned in.

"Mai, what are you going to do as soon as you see the Wang's?"

"Bow."

"And? We talked about this, remember Mai?"

Mai flinched as the comb hit a knot. "Comment on Mrs. Wang's dress."

"And when we reach the main entrance, where will you stand?"

"On your left."

"When will you speak?"

"When spoken to."

"Who will you make an effort to impress?"

"The Fire Lord."

Her mother's laughter trilled like a canary. "We all try to do that. Who else?"

"Princess Azula."

"That's right. I know you talked to her a bit at the Academy, but you really should be more assertive. A friendship between you two would most benefit your father. You know that, right?"

Mai barely nodded. Azula and her were already friends, and not because it would benefit anyone.

"I'm pretty sure that the Prince is around your age . . ."

Her mother seemed out of things to say and silence hung in the air, like rice powder. Two identical buns sat twisted and pinned to either side of her head and a comb descended to smooth out her jet black bangs.

The Beach opened up a definite interest in Mai's past. She's such a unique character on the show, and sorely under-appreciated at times.

You gotta love her.

So . . . what did you think? It is a bit short, but quality over quantity, right? Reviews are amazing. You know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when someone reviews your stories?? Share the love! It'll only take you six seconds to type: " i love it" or "that wasn't so great". You know it! ;D