Author's Note: I really don't have a whole lot to say…other than that I hope this chapter isn't too boring. So I'll just get on with the story! Comments/suggestions welcome and appreciated, thanks for reading :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any of its characters.
Katara fidgeted nervously in her chair as she sat at the large, wooden table in the council room. She was awaiting the arrival of Chief Arnook, who had traveled to the South Pole from the Northern Water Tribe. Katara had met him once before, during her travel around the world with the Avatar, and once in the recent past, when he visited the Southern Water Tribe. He had been Princess Yue's father, and she deeply respected the man; he was honest, kind, noble, and she looked up to him almost as much as she did her father.
She was very excited to see the leader of the Northern Water Tribe again, but she was apprehensive to be in the presence of such a powerful person. Just be cool, she told herself. There's nothing to be nervous about.
The water tribe girl inhaled a deep, steadying breath looked about the massive room, marveling at the icy blue walls that seemed to glitter as a result of the midday sun shining brightly on the other side. There were three large flags that hung on the right side of the room; a dark blue flag of the Water Tribes, a green flag for the Earth Kingdom, and a yellow and orange flag for the Air Nomads, in honor of Avatar Aang. Each flag displayed its nation's emblem, which was stitched onto the large piece of cloth with the finest silks and threads, making the flags glossy and smooth to the touch.
A pang of something that felt like guilt struck Katara's heart at the absence of a Fire Nation flag. Although she had done nothing wrong, she was ashamed at what the other nations – as well as her own – had done to the Fire Nation citizens. There had been thousands of innocent men, women, and children that had been sent away to prisons, where they would remain for the rest of their lives. Those kids would never get to play outside or play in the rain, but instead they would spend their years living in dark, miserable jail cells.
Katara felt helpless, at times; those innocent people were trapped in prison, doomed to a life of pain and suffering, but what could she do? Nothing. That's what bothered her most. But as much as Katara hated to admit it, the imprisonment of the Fire Nation had brought much-needed peace to the world – for the first time in 100 years, her people and the people of the other nations could live without fear.
Now, two years after the war's end, her tribe was prospering like it never had before. The number of people in her tribe had increased significantly, and it was nearly three times the size that it had been during the war. With the help of their sister tribe, the South Pole natives had built a massive fortress that rivaled the North in security. They no longer had to fear that the Fire Nation would destroy their homes; with the help of Chief Arnook's people, they had built a stronghold of ice and stone that would provide shelter for generations to come.
Having returned from the battlefield, Chief Hakoda had resumed his role as leader of the Southern Water Tribe. Katara was proud of her father; even after spending so much time away from home and fighting in the war, he had not forgotten how to be the kind, noble leader his people needed. Since she was the daughter of such an important, powerful man, she lived in the largest home in the entire Southern Water tribe – a massive palace made of gray stone, with impressive walls surrounding its perimeter and courtyard. Chief Hakoda, Gran Gran, Sokka, and Katara called this place home, as well as many servants that helped keep the palace clean and functioning.
Snapped out of her thoughts, Katara started when she heard voices in the hallway outside the room. Her heart leapt in her chest as the large ice doors to the council room creaked open, and two blue-clad guards escorted Chief Arnook into the council room. He was wearing his necklace of Tiger Shark teeth, and his blue robes that were evidence of his high status. His tan, weathered face broke into a smile as he saw Katara. The waterbender rose to her feet and bowed respectfully.
"It is good to see you again, Master Katara," the Chief told her, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Same to you, Chief Arnook," she smiled warmly. "It's been a long time."
"So it has! I believe the last time we met was during the construction of your tribe's marketplace," the man exclaimed. "You've grown quite a bit since I saw you last. You are 16 now, correct?"
Katara nodded. "Yes, sir."
The Chief smiled. "You saved the world at such a young age – I admire your courage, and your skill in combat. It is no wonder that Master Pakku saw you fit for the status of a waterbending master."
The girl grinned, happy and embarrassed at the compliment. "Thank you, sir, but it was Aang who saved the world."
"But he could not have done it without your help," he told her.
"I'm honored to have served in the war," she replied earnestly. "Please, have a seat - I'm sure you must be tired after your long journey."
"Yes, I've spent more time on a boat then I'm comfortable with," he admitted with a grin. "Don't ever grow old – you lose so much energy."
Katara giggled, and all the anxiety she had felt prior to his arrival vanished and was replaced by confidence. Maybe it was because he reminded her of her father, but she felt comfortable with Chief Arnook. She was glad that he was still as kind as she remembered – it made this meeting much more enjoyable.
The two made their way to the table and sat down across from one another, with a map of the remaining three nations lying on the table between them.
"I was told by my messenger that you had important matters to discuss, but he didn't give me many details," the dark-skinned man murmured, rubbing his bearded chin.
Katara nodded. "I apologize – I didn't give him much information myself. To be perfectly honest, I was afraid you wouldn't have come here if you knew what I want to discuss," she voiced apologetically.
Chief Arnook raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.
Taking a deep breath, Katara leaned forward in her chair and folded her hands on the table. "I'll just get right to it," she spoke confidently. "Sir, we both know that there is a large number of waterbenders in the Northern Tribe. It is a big part of your culture, and I'd like it be part of the Southern Water tribe's, too."
The man stroked his beard, listening intently. "Where are you going with this?"
Katara paused, searching for the right words. "If you will comply, I would like to request that you send five of your best waterbenders. My greatest wish for my people is that they learn waterbending, but I really need some help; I can't do it on my own."
Chief Arnook's eyes widened in surprise. Whatever he had been expecting to hear, it wasn't this.
Before he could say anything, Katara quickly spoke again. "I know that it's asking a lot – they'll have to leave their homes for who knows how long, and the journey from my tribe to yours can be long and arduous. But…I really need their help."
The Chief sighed through his nose as he mulled over his choice. "When my tribe was in need, you helped us," he spoke quietly. "It is only right that I repay the favor." He looked Katara in the eyes and smiled, a genuine lift of his lips. "As soon as my vessel returns to the North, I will send you five of the most advanced waterbenders from my tribe."
Katara nearly squealed with joy. "Thank you, sir! Thank you so much!" She had the sudden urge to wrap her arms around the Chief, but she restrained herself, knowing that it would make him uncomfortable. "When they arrive, we will begin training immediately. If we work hard and make quick progress, I will be able to use the best benders out of the group of students and use them to teach the new ones."
He smiled, nodding his head. "You are most welcome. You seem to have this all figured out already," he laughed.
Katara smiled and blushed. "It's the only thing that's been on my mind for a while, I'll admit."
"I understand," Chief Arnook told her. "I must say, it's nice to see someone so passionate about waterbending. I trust that you'll do well with your teaching."
"Thank you, sir," she said, bowing her head in respect. "I hope you're right."