A/N: Okay so this is way too early for a Christmas fic, but I was given a prompt so yeah. Also, since it is based in an AU, Aang has hair.
Wish
24th December 2012
23:30 PM
The streets were filled with people rushing into stores trying to get that last minute present for their loved ones. The cars honked as the traffic moved nowhere. People bumped into each other, not bothering to look back or apologize, trying to get home on time. Katara was pushed around as she tried to keep up with the pace of the city surrounding her.
She sighed with relief as she reached the entrance of her favorite park. She walked around a little, enjoying the free space. She eventually sat down on her favorite bench, the one surrounded with the cherry-blossom trees. The petals of the pretty flower fell along with the snow, giving the white flakes a pinkish tint.
Her blue eyes reflected sadness and anger as she watched the petals fall. She was sad because this Christmas marked her mother's first death anniversary. And she felt the anger towards her brother and her father' idea of celebrating the festival.
How could they even think about being happy on this day? She clenched her fists as the anger overcame the sad pain. She was right in storming out. They deserved it. They had no idea how hard the past year had been for her. How lonely she had been. How could she sit around the dinner table and laugh and exchange presents when one her mother's seat was empty!
She needed to get away from the tree, the presents, the table, the home…everything.
Sitting alone in that park, with only the petals and the snow to give her company, she wished for her mother to be alive. She realized how immature her actions were, as soon as that thought crossed her mind. She chuckled sadly as she remembered how she had scolded Sokka for acting like a kid only this morning. What a hypocrite she was. She remembered that once her mother had told her that people who leave this world become stars. She smiled at the stars above, asking for forgiveness from her mother for being so harsh on her family.
And in that moment she saw a shooting star. Katara closed her eyes and made a wish.
She got up, ready to go home and apologize to her family, when she was confronted by a boy her age, panting heavily. She stared at him, waiting for him to catch his breath and speak up.
He raised his hand and in it he held something she recognized instantly.
Her hand automatically wen to her neck and she realized that her mother's necklace was missing, "Where did you…?"
He grinned before she could complete her question, "You dropped it on the street. I called out but you didn't listen. I think the crowd drowned my voice."
Katara blushed as he grinned at her. She took the necklace from him and put it back on, "Thanks a lot. You have no idea how much this means to me." She ran her hand across the pendant.
"No problem. Glad to be of help!" The boy ran his hand through his hair as he smiled.
As Katara admired her necklace feeling relieved she noticed that the boy was still there. He looked hesitant and nervous. Katara cleared her throat and frowned at him.
He jumped and then laughed nervously, "Um…the streets have pretty much cleared up now, is it okay if I walk you home?" His face turned red as he asked her the question in a quiet voice.
Katara giggled and said, "Sure why not."
And as they walked on the now nearly empty streets, Katara glanced at her wrist watch. It was Christmas already and right on time her wish was fulfilled.