Please read and review. As a reminder, this story takes place right after the last episode (Book 3, Episode 21). This chapter has Katara's point of view.

Recap:
Aang:

A small turtle duck was hiding underneath the fur, with a terrible fear in its eyes. Tied to its shell was a folded note. As I untied it, the turtle duck scampered away. I opened the note, not knowing who it was from or where it came from. The more times I read and reread the note, the more confused and puzzled I became. I knew what I must do.

"The moon, so full and so white,
Troubles are predicted in its light.
Leave, you must, wordlessly in the dawn,
Before the ones you value are gone."


Katara: (the next day)

I wandered down the hallways, looking for Aang in every chamber and hallway we were allowed to go through. I couldn't find him anywhere, and I was beginning to get worried.

Stupid paranoia. Always making me overprotective and concerned. Thank goodness Teo and his dad, the Mechanist, got here. The Mechanist was rambling about some new invention that he needed Sokka's "creativity" with again. Whatever this invention is, it's apparently going to help, or else they wouldn't be so excited about it. It's nice to see them again. Aang has had fun gliding with Teo; Aang on his glider and Teo in his glider chair. Wait. Maybe Teo knows where Aang is.

I quickly pace my way toward the gardens. On my way, I peeked into his room. Not in here, nor is his glider. That's promising. I eventually made it into the gardens. I look all around, on the earth and in the air. I finally spot Teo, gliding above the trees. I wave him down until he lands gracefully. I lope over to him, and see the curiosity in his eyes.

"What's up, Katara?" Teo asked.

"Have you seen Aang?"

"Nope," he replied, shaking his head, "Haven't seen him since my dad and I arrived."

"Oh, okay," I replied sorrowfully, "Any idea where I can find him?"

"Hmm… Did you check in the barn where Appa is?"

"Not yet. Thanks for the idea."

"Anytime. See you around." And with that, he took off into the air.

I made my way around the vast exquisite gardens, and at long last made my way to the archaic barn. It was so old and broken down, it looked as if it hasn't been used until Appa came. You'd think that the Fire Nation's own palace would refurbish all the buildings, even the barn. I came up to the door, and, with a little effort, pushed it open. I lit a torch I found near the entrance. As I look inside, I found that no one, not even Appa, was inside. That's strange. Aang must've taken Appa out for a ride. He wouldn't have left for a long time without telling someone. Something sticking out of the hay caught my attention. Leaning down, I picked it up, realizing that it was a small, folded piece of paper. I brought the torch closer so I could read it.

"Do not worry, for he is fine,
At least for now. Do as I say,
Or the Avatar will be mine.
After waiting till the third day,
The next note you'll find in the hay."

Worried, I take the note and I run out of the old barn. Unsure of where I'm headed or who to find, I let my feet guide the way. What does this mean? Wait till the third day? The third day of what? Where is Aang? Is he in trouble? I follow my hunch, and run down the hallway. I turn the corner, and SMACK! I run into Zuko and fall on the floor. Ouch.

"Katara, what's wrong?" asked Zuko, as he helped me up. Without a word, I thrust the note in his hands while rubbing my head. He quickly scans over the note, and rereads it. Finally, he looks up with his gold eyes, full of concern. "Who gave this to you?"

"I found it in the barn. Aang and Appa are missing," I answered, "What do we do?"

"For now, don't notify the others."

"What?!" Anger exploded inside of me. "This is their business as much as ours! They are Aang's friends too, you know!"

"Calm down, Katara. Let me explain."

"No! I think we should at least tell Sokka and Toph. The more people we have—"

"Katara, stop!" His golden eyes burned with impatience. "We're not sure if the Avatar is really in any trouble. This note might be a prank. Let's try to figure this out first and wait until the 'third day.' If we think the Avatar is in trouble, then we'll tell the others. Okay?"

"Fine," I said angrily, "And 'the Avatar' has a name, you know."


There you go! Please review!