A/N: So, in honor of Kataang Week I decided to post my entries. This is the first time I've ever participated in one, so this whole thing is rather new to me, so I apologize in advance if my entries aren't the best. Admittedly, this one is somewhat rushed considering I'm working on other projects, but all the same, I hope it's decent. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. ^-^

I. A New Chapter

. Penguin sledding. It seemed odd to think of at a time like this, but considering the snow and the frigid temperatures, that was the only thing that came to mind as Katara watched Aang. The cold arctic winds rustled the fabric of his robes as he stared out at the vast expanse of the Northern Water Tribe, now partially destroyed by the Fire Nation siege, that stretched before them. He seemed lost in thought (understandably so, given what had just taken place) and Katara wondered what he was thinking about. It seemed hard to believe that just a short while ago, this same boy, endowed with the power of thousands before him had helped the Ocean Spirit lay waste to the Fire Nation fleet and forced the Fire Navy to retreat. Looking at him now, one would hardly believe the power he possessed. But Katara had seen what Aang could do and regardless of whatever qualms Sokka had about travelling with Aang, she was immensely grateful to be given the chance to journey with him.

Watching him warily, she wondered if he realized just how much he had affected her life. Life in the Southern Water Tribe wasn't dull, but it wasn't exciting either. There were chores to do, children to look after, waterbending to practice and more, so the prospect of going on an adventure seemed rather bleak until she had discovered Aang in the iceberg. Then, with a simple question ("will you go penguin sledding with me?") her life had changed completely. A month ago, if anyone had told her she would be travelling with the Avatar, she would've laughed. But now, nothing seemed so impossible anymore. She'd already mastered waterbending, something she'd only dreamed about, living in the South Pole. And, she'd already travelled to places her father probably didn't know about. It seemed surreal to think about.

Suddenly, her grandmother's words echoed in her mind. Now your destinies are intertwined with his. Katara smiled to herself. She would never have guessed she'd have come this far. Looking back, it had been quite an adventure, venturing to the Southern Air Temple, Kyoshi Island, Omashu, fighting pirates, running from Prince Zuko, flying into the Fire Nation, meeting all sorts of people, friends and foes alike. Katara's smile only widened thinking about the incredible journey she had taken. But, in mulling over everything that had happened, she suddenly became all too aware of one thing: Aunt Wu's prediction. As Sokka had pointed out, Aang was a powerful bender and she had witnessed firsthand that power. And yet, it seemed as absurd now as it had then, to consider Aang to be the powerful bender of her fortune. For one thing, they were still young and for another, he was the Avatar. Was it possible for someone like him, regardless of whether or not he was a monk, to fall in love with someone like her? She spent all of two minutes pondering before she realized, in shock, just what she was doing. She'd never been one to fantasize about her future in such a manner and to think she was imagining it with Aang was rather odd. But she couldn't help wondering what it would be like all the same. The airbender was kind and caring, and it was easy to see how big his heart was. He bore the weight of the world on his shoulder cheerfully, despite everything that was thrown at him. Perhaps that was why they had become friends so quickly; it was hard not to like Aang or be his friend, especially with his personality. But perhaps, that was also what had prompted Sokka to tease her about Aang being her boyfriend. She'd obviously refuted that statement because it wasn't true. She and Aang were simply friends, after all. But each day, the special bond they shared seemed to go stronger and stronger, so perhaps the idea of Aang being that powerful bender wasn't so farfetched after all. After all, she'd learned to expect that anything could happen.

A sudden noise behind her broke her from her train of thoughts and, mentally slapping herself for getting so carried away in imagining her future, she decided to address Aang. She had only taken a step forward when he sensed her presence and turned around, giving her a small smile. Smiling back, Katara embraced him, pulling away at the sound of Momo's chattering.

She laughed. "You too, Momo."

Aang grinned. "Come here."

Momo complied and perched on Aang's extended arm as Sokka came to join them. Beside them, Appa hovered in the air, following the gazes out to the horizon, where the sky met the sea and blended together so that distinguishing one from the other was impossible. Katara smiled to herself. They hadn't spoken about it at all, but there seemed to be an understanding that despite having accomplished what they set out to do, Sokka and Katara would accompany Aang on the rest of his journey. Katara wondered if her Gran had surmised as much when she made that comment about their destinies being intertwined. She and Sokka had no obligation to continue their journey with the airbender, but she wanted to. The time they had already spent together had taught them all much and they had already become so close, it seemed like leaving would be impossible. Quite honestly, Katara wasn't so sure she could bring herself to leave Aang; he was her best friend after all.

"So, I guess we're going to the Earth Kingdom, then?" Sokka asked.

"I guess so," Aang replied. "Unless you two want to go home?"

Katara laughed. "We're coming with you, Aang. You can't get rid of us so easily."

"Besides," Sokka added. "I still haven't knocked as many Fire Nation heads as I would've liked."

Aang chuckled.

"And you haven't finished your waterbending training," Katara pointed out. "Someone's going to have to teach you."

Sokka rolled his eyes. "Great. Together, you two can just waste time all day, just like I predicted you would in the first place."

Aang laughed sheepishly and Katara scowled at her brother.

"What?" Sokka demanded, noticing his sister's glare. "I'm just saying. If you and your boyfriend…"

"He's not my boyfriend," Katara snapped.

"Yeah, yeah. Lighten up. I was just teasing," Sokka said. "It's not like you two are going to get married in the future or anything."

Aang tried his hardest to hide the blush slowly creeping up his face and Katara simply smacked her brother, hoping against hope the airbender didn't see the similar blush on her face.

"You're so immature, Sokka." She said.

The lanky warrior grumbled inaudibly under his breath.

"I'm just glad this whole thing is over," he said.

"Me too," Aang agreed, grinning. "But the monks always used to say when an old door closes, a new one opens bringing new beginnings, so I guess this'll just be a new beginning for us."

Katara smiled. It was comforting to know that their journey wasn't over yet. She wasn't certain of what the future held, but she knew that whatever lay in store for their little family, the future would be promising.