Kalana has always considered herself as a talented firebender. At only 10, she watched her parents and younger brother be slaughtered by a drunken Earth kingdom general. She then fled to the Fire nation by refugee boat. Kalana grew up on the streets, earning little money by competing in illegal fights that rich fire nation citizens would bet in. She earned her fight name 'Lana the Saint' because she would give all her winnings to families with less than she had on the streets. When she turned 15, the illegal bending brawls were shut down. Alone and without money, Kalana found out that she could make money by killing. Men would show up outside of Kalana's 1 room apartment to request for the Saint's assistances.

In the middle of her sixteenth year, Kalana was hired by the Fire Lord to teach Princess Azula firebending after Kalana was caught by a palace guard attacking a mugger in an alley. Instead of being sent to prison, Kalana had been offered the chance to live in the palace and teach the royal prodigy in her bending. The two girls never quite got along as well as Azula's other friends did, but Ty Lee was by far Kalana's favourite palace friend.

Saying that Kalana despised Mai would be an understatement. Mai and Kalana were complete opposites; Mai was often bored with everything, and had absolutely no emotions. Kalana was simply a fighter with a passion for life. She would fight for what she loved and never give up. Hot-headed and quick to snap also were traits of fire benders, and that described Kalana perfectly.

It was the middle of the summer in the fire nation, and the two girls were training heavily. Mai and Ty Lee were lounging in chairs near the platform where the two benders were fighting.

"Watch your left foot in that kick." Kalana instructed, demonstrating the kick for Azula. Both girls were sweating heavily and gasping for air. The Fire nation in summer meant extreme heat and humidity, and only very dedicated benders dared to train due to possible heat exhaustion.

"Can we move on to lightning, now? I am getting bored of these basic moves." Azula whined haughtily. Nodding slightly and pulling her waist-length wavy blond hair into a low ponytail, Kalana stepped into her low stance and took a deep breath.

"Remember, controlling lightning is about being calm and not letting emotions guide you. Keep breathing and be aware of your internal temperature." Kalana said, before raising her strong arms, shooting a large bolt of lightning towards the sky bright summer sky. Amazed, Ty Lee burst into applause, to which Kalana laughed and took a small bow. Mai just frowned and turned her head the other way.

Azula had many successful attempts during the rest of the practice, and after the two bowed at eachother respectfully, they were both free to enjoy the rest of the day.

Unceremoniously jumping into the cool, refreshing water of the nearest large pond, Kalana spent most of the day swimming with the turtle-ducks. Once the sun had almost set, a maid came to tell Kalana that she was summoned for dinner with the Fire Lord and his family. Frowning slightly at this strange occasion, she walked down the stone hallway and hummed a lullaby that her mother had once sung to her as a little girl. Usually she ate in the kitchens with the other maids and cooks. But obviously the Fire Lord wanted something from her.

Lost in her thoughts, she walked directly into the fire princess and Ty Lee. Stuttering out a quick apology and offering a smile, she walked past them and heard the two 15 year old girls muttering to eachother.

"..-does she know?"

"..find out….-travelling…. Mai-"

"….Zuko…."

At this point, Kalana had reached her bedroom. Now somewhat worried about what was going on, she quickly changed into her pale blue long gown that brought out her grey eyes and slipped on her mother's necklace. It was a silver chain with a simple blue crystal threaded onto it. Her mother wore it every day before she died, and Kalana only had a few items to remember her family with, so they were treasured. Next, she pulled her hair out from its ponytail and clipped it up into a simple updo, using a silver hair-comb to keep her wavy blond hair in place.

Ushered into the huge golden and red room by another maid, Kalana was taken aback by its grandeur. The windows on the wall across from the large doors were also very large, with drapes that were blood red with gold lining. They overlooked the courtyard that Kalana taught Azula firebending in every day. In the middle of the room was a huge table, filled with roast duck and rice and every other food that could be imagined. On the far left side sat the Fire Lord, who nodded slightly to Kalana. Attempting to mask her surprise at the beautiful room, she bowed low, feeling one curly strand of hair fall out of her updo. Grimacing slightly at the rogue strand, she went to sit between Ty Lee and Azula on one side of the table. Across from her were Mai, her parents and who she assumed was some important general.

"The beautiful Kalana, how are you today?" The Fire Lord addressed her, turning to make eye contact.

"Very well, thank you, my Lord." Kalana answered as 5 different servants brought in large bowls of soup for each person. Everyone sipped quietly for a few moments, until the Fire Lord regarded her again with sharp, golden eyes.

"I have seen Azula's fire bending. I believe she has excelled a great deal since you have been staying with us." Ozai said, his mouth twitching up in the corners in what she assumed was a pleased manner.

"Thank you, Fire lord. Princess Azula is a great pupil. She learns very quickly and strives to be the best." Kalana smiled lightly at Azula. Azula just watched her in a calculating manner, obviously trying to figure out what sort of game she was playing. The rest of the first course went by in silence, much to Kalana's discomfort. She could not help but feel out of place, surrounded by such important people.

"We have a proposition for you, Master Kalana." Ozai spoke up after dessert had been served. "Azula wishes for you to accompany her on a journey."

"You and I will be hunting down my traitorous brother. I chose you to accompany me because I stumbled upon some very interesting information," Azula said, golden eyes glinting maliciously. "It seems that the Saint has no problem killing for gold."

Kalana turned to the Fire Lord. "My lord, I realize that I have a troubled past. But I don't feel guilty for what I have done."

A cold laugh echoed around the large room. The Fire Lord's head was thrown back and his eyes crinkled at the edges slightly in amusement. "You are truly of Fire Nation blood, my lovely assassin. You will accompany Azula kill the outcast, and when you return, you will be rewarded with richest beyond your imagination."

"Yes, Fire Lord."