Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are property of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and Nickelodeon. I claim no authorship, ownership, or "melon lordship" over the original characters, plot, etc.
Thief
The first time she steals it's because she's so hungry she can barely stand. It's been several days since she's had something to eat that wasn't from a dumpster, and the Earth Kingdom garb she donned upon leaving the South hangs loosely upon her gaunt, shadowed frame as she walks between the merchant stalls and weaves around early-morning shoppers, carefully assessing her surroundings as she searches for the best target.
Fortune presents itself in the form of an aged and weather-bowed man. His back is turned as he works slowly to unload the produce from an overloaded cart strapped to an ornery looking ostrich-horse. Stepping slightly to the left, she brushes her foot across the gravel and sends vibrations shooting forth through the earth beneath the animal's feet. It bucks in fright at the tremor, knocking into the old man and dumping several papaya fruit into the dirt.
She's quick because she has to be, and before the old man can right the straw hat upon his head and hurl curses at the beast, she has tucked two plump papayas into her bag. Turning and walking away would be the best option, and she knows it's what any street-smart individual would do. At least that's what he had told her once. But he's not here. It's just her, and she feels bad for causing the man trouble.
Reaching down, she begins to gather some of the spilled fruit into her arms. The man eyes her warily but relaxes slightly when he realizes the young woman's intentions.
"Thank you, young lady. I do appreciate the help."
She nods curtly and unloads another armful of fruit to the stand. Working quietly, they make quick work and relieve the cart of the remaining load. Tipping her chin, she turns to leave.
"Wait!"
She stops and slowly turns, braced to flee when confronted.
"For your help," the man says as he presses a large papaya into her hands.
She palms the fruit then tucks it safely into her bag next to the two she stole.
"Thank you, Sir," she bows her head. She can't bring herself to meet his gaze. After all, she's the Avatar. Her duty is to help the people of the world, not steal from them. She forces a small smile, bows once more and disappears into the crowd.
Later she remembers she doesn't even like papayas, but it's all she has.
She'll save one for later.
A/N: This is the first in a series of random drabbles that take place after season 3 and before and into season 4 of LoK. Most of these will be 500 words or less, though some may be longer. Feel free to offer requests. I can't promise I'll fill them all, but I will certainly consider each one.
Thanks for reading!
