Anik and I sat in our bedroom. He was currently combing the tangles from his un-braided hair. We had both kept our hair long, so our charade could continue. "So how was my healing lesson today?" I asked, crossing my ankles and rocking backward so I was on my back, legs still crossed.

"Yugoda says that you're coming along great, but that you're getting a rather strong jaw." He answered monotonously as he flinched, catching his fingers in his wavy hair. "Can you come help me?" He sighed in defeat as I smiled. Standing up, I walked over and ran my fingers through his hair.

"You know, it would be easier if you would just let us cut our hair." I said, faking exasperation as I combed through his hair, gently removing the knots I came across.

"No." he curtly stated. "I like long hair. It makes me feel powerful." He said, trying to hide the smirk in his voice.

"You just like it 'cause the other girls compliment you for it." I said, swatting his arm as I continued combing. "They say you're pretty."

"Yeah, yeah, shut up Sakari." He grinned. "So how did I do with Master Pakku today?" He asked as I finished combing his hair and switched spot so he could return the favor.

"You did great. He said you're getting better every day. But you have to perform with him and Aklaq tonight because the Avatar is here to master water bending." I sighed. "Do you want to go, or should I?" I asked as he gently combed out the knots the sparring match today caused.

"You go. I'll be there to watch, after all we're allowed." He smiled. "Just be careful, I don't want to have to heal you again because you tried to hide those melons of yours." He grinned as I turned, hitting him.

"They're not big at all!"

"Are you kidding, do you KNOW how hard it is to explain why I have sacks of dried sea prunes in my parka when I come home?" He snorted. "Just kidding, they're not hard to hide. Or create." He said quickly as he watched my face fall. "We'll just use the old hand-me downs from Uncle Kassuq!"

"Anik, don't worry. I'm fine!" I laughed, explaining to him that he hadn't upset me. He was always so sensitive. "Now let's go. I've got an Avatar to impress!" I said, quickly re-braiding my hair and pulling it up. As I threw on my uncle's old parka, I ran into my father.

"Sakari, Anik? Where are you two going?" He questioned as Anik pulled his hair back.

"I've been invited to perform with Master Pakku and Aklaq tonight at the banquet for the Avatar. Sakari's coming with me because Master Pakku said we could each bring one person!"

"So you chose your sister?" He said, raising an eyebrow as we nodded enthusiastically. "Alright. You two are inseparable. Have fun!" He said as he led us to the door. "And Sakari?" I turned, tilting my head in a questioning manner. "Don't assault Chief Arnook. He has enough to worry about without you questioning him as to why you can't learn to fight." He said sternly.

"Sure thing Dad."

"Be home soon, we have the arrangement of your marriage to discuss as well." My mother cried out from the kitchen.

"I JUST turned sixteen Mom. At least let me enjoy my freedom a little longer." I sighed, grabbing Anik's hand as we ran towards the palace. Hiding in the shadows of a healing hut, we completed our change. He put on our mother's old parka and wrapped his face in a scarf. There would be plenty of people who would not be able to tell the difference, but we didn't want to take any chances. I smiled and adjusted the parka I was wearing before taking a little bit of crushed sea prune to make my face appear more masculine. We had learned to master the art of makeup as we grew older so we could keep up our act. Grinning at each other, we finished and headed to the feast. As we entered, I smiled. The palace was lit and people crowded around tables. Master Pakku waved Anik and me over to a table.

"Anik, are you ready for tonight?" He questioned me. I nodded and busied myself with the feast that had been laid out. I felt a tap on my shoulder. Anik pointed up to the high table and I saw the Avatar sitting with two people I had never seen before. They were soon introduced as Katara and Sokka of the Southern Tribe. I marveled at how far it must have been for them to travel. Soon it was time for us to perform. As Chief Arnook announced us, I stood with Pakku and Aklaq. We demonstrated our skills, and I felt exhilarated as we finished. Happily heading back to the table, I didn't notice the shoulder I hit.

"Whoops, sorry!" The girl the chief called Katara chirped happily. "You were really good up there!" She grinned.

"Thanks." I said quickly, mimicking my brother's voice.

"What's your name?" She asked me, smiling as I mumbled my brother's name in response. I turned to where Anik was sitting and silently pleaded for him to come help me. He stood and rushed over, taking my hand and apologizing quickly in a cheap, chirpy impression of me.

"Let's get out of here." I said, shaking my head as he tried to reason with me. "We did what we came here to do, and I can't be the prodigy son for much longer. Pakku already noticed that I almost slipped up during the performance. He asked me what was wrong tonight. I said nerves and he bought it, but still we should leave."

"What do you mean you almost slipped up?" He said as we headed out the palace door and to the healing hut to change.

"I almost lost control of the water. You know how much trouble I have when we make spheres." I said as I wiped the makeup off my face. "You're the prodigy, I'm just lucky to have made it this far." I said, shaking my hair out of its confinement. Anik gently patted my shoulder and smiled.

"Hey don't get angry with yourself. You're amazing at bending. You work harder than anyone I know, and it's great." He said quietly. "I'm jealous of you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, your skill is real, not just talent." He said softly, staring at his feet. As opened my mouth to press further, but he stopped me. Grinning like a madman he turned to face me. "Now let's go see who your new hubby is." He snorted into his hand as we headed home. Apparently that would have to wait until tomorrow. Both our parents had already fallen asleep when we got home from the banquet. Heading to bed ourselves, we smiled. Anik fell asleep quickly, but then again he never had trouble sleeping. I stayed awake for what felt like hours. Finally feeling the tired ache of my bones, I felt my eyelids begin to flutter. Excited for the idea of tomorrow's combat prospects, I happily let my eyes close and my soul drift off into a dream.