Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Nickelodeon, Michael Dante DiMartino, and Bryan Konietzko. AKA the gods.

The following is a series of one-shots told as streams of consciousness from the points of view of various characters throughout Korra's childhood. I wrote these as a means to try to dig inside the characters' heads for a larger fic, but I thought I'd share them. They coincide with events in the fan fiction I'm working on – Dawn of a Legend (I'm also rewriting the first two chapters of DoaL as they are absolutely terrible and I can do better and I can't forgive myself until I do – may change the title too?).

Characters you'll see include Katara, Tonraq, Senna, Korra, maybe Tenzin, possibly a couple of White Lotus guards, Korra's bending and combat masters, some childhood friends of Korra's, and maybe even Naga ;) It's all just writing practice for me so review review review. Lemme know where I can improve and if anything seems confusing let me know – keep in mind some parts are intended to keep you guessing… If you're unsure just ask.

Aaand Action!

Katara's Lamentations

Nine years. I can't believe how fast the time has flown. Everything feels like a dream to me now; the day we met, all of our adventures, the war, raising our children together. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, Aang. Each night you're in my dreams. You haunt my every waking moment. I feel you in my heart, and I see your grin in Korra's face every time she comes up with some clever new trick. But every day that girl gets older and I'm reminded more and more, she is not you.

I can't quiet that selfish voice in my heart that wishes so desperately that you'd never left me. I know it had to happen. I know that had it not, Korra would not be the special girl she is today. Perhaps there is some divine plan at work behind the scenes. Perhaps you had to pass on because some future disaster would simply be too much for an elderly man to handle. Perhaps the new Avatar came into this world at a very precise and crucial moment. As it stands now, we all live in a time of peace. I can't imagine how anything could possibly go wrong. But you and I both know the danger in that thinking.

I just miss you so much, Aang.

I wonder where you are. I wonder about the Spirit World, almost every day. I know one day, possibly soon, I will be seeing that world with my own eyes. I know I will join you again. Do you spend your time in the Spirit World talking with your previous incarnations? Are you watching over your legacy, Korra?

Are you ever with your children? With me?

Do you miss me, too?

Oh, I haven't cried like this since my brother joined you. I've just been so busy keeping little Korra out of trouble, and trying to quell the fury she brings upon the White Lotus. Oh Aang, if you could only meet her. I'm sure you already know her, though. I just wish I could see your reaction to her antics. She reminds me so much of Kya and Bumi, but there's fire in her heart. She has quite the temper!

I can't blame her, either. You instructed the White Lotus to find and protect the next Avatar, but did you really mean like this? What danger could possibly come to her in the South Pole in this time of peace? I've tried reasoning with the sages but they are adamant about keeping Korra locked up and under constant guard. She's bored out of her mind and struggling to keep up with her training. She has no friends. She hardly gets to see her parents. Why had you not consulted me about your requests for the new Avatar as well?

Oh, forgive me, Aang. I don't mean to be angry with you. I know in my heart you had your reasons.

I suppose you could never have known where she would be born, nor into what circumstances. Or, perhaps you intended to protect the Avatar from herself? To make sure she doesn't run away from her destiny as you had. You held that against yourself for so long. Korra does have a tendency to escape and run off on her own, but not to avoid her title. Aang, Korra has adopted the life of the Avatar with as much zest as you could imagine! She revels in her title. She's so proud of herself with every new accomplishment. She just can't stand being locked up like a canary dove. I believe she feels she's being patronized; Korra knows her strengths, she knows what she's capable of. She may get a little ahead of herself at times, but the White Lotus is treating her like she's fragile. I can see how it's affecting her. She escapes to prove herself to them.

I often wonder what sort of adventures she will have in her life. What struggles is she going to face? What friends and allies will she make? Oh, Aang, how different this new Avatar is from you. I worry for her now, but at the same time I just know she is destined for the same greatness you were.

I'm concerned about Korra's parents, as well. It truly is heartbreaking. They love their daughter so deeply. I remember how terrified Senna was when she went into labour, the day you passed on. I think even then, Senna knew who her child was to become. She's missing out on so much of Korra's life. And after her recent miscarriage, I just don't know how she's pulling through. This life is not easy for Korra's parents.

Oh, Aang, I wish I could talk to you now. I wish I could see you outside of my dreams. I know my own time is coming. I'm 77 years old. Sokka was 76 when he passed away. Toph was only 74. I've heard Suki's health is failing. So many of our friends are already joining you in death, Aang. I worry that I will never get to watch our grandchild grow up – that Jinora will never know her Gran-Gran. I worry that I won't be around to witness Korra become a fully-realized Avatar. I desperately wish to be with you again, Aang, but I fear that day, as well.

Aang. Please forgive me for being so dark. I know I must continue. Korra needs me to be positive for her with all of the criticism she receives from her other masters. You remain in my heart, my love. Please, guide Korra. Keep her safe. Keep her strong.