Katara,

You better love me. I'm in the most awkward spot in our home right now trying to ensure that Gran-Gran and Dad don't see me taking notes on their conversation to send back to you. My back hurts, Katara. Owie.

Okay, so background. Gran-Gran's about to let Dad in. She kicked him out two days ago. I think he's been chilling with Bato because he's not dead yet, but I also think he's embarrassed that his mother kicked him out of his own house. Gran-Gran's the one who's really in charge around here, anyway. She got really angry at Dad for how he treated you and kicked him out, and then calmed down and asked me what actually happened. I told her the truth, and she got more pissed.

I think I've got the brain cell for now, because I have no idea what Dad even thought he was going to succeed at by telling Gran-Gran, who wasn't allowed to make her own choice in her marriage at the North Pole, that he didn't like your choice. I mean, I don't know how I feel about Zuko, honestly, but I care about myself enough not to tell that to Gran-Gran.

Anyway. I digress. She just let Dad in . . . and they're screaming. Whoop-dee-doo. Didn't see that coming.

Dad just said that he knows that you should be able to make your own choices, and that he greatly supports you.

Gran-Gran just said that he doesn't seem to be applying what he means, considering that he actively tried to take you from the Fire Nation because he thought that you liked Zuko. Apparently he wrote her a letter about this. Dad is dumb.

Dad just went very quiet and then said that you remind him of Mom and that he doesn't want to lose you too. Now, I'm gonna cut into this with a brother thing. This is wrong. You're not Mom, and you're right. I'm sorry if you've ever felt like you were. You're not Mom, and you deciding that you want to be your own person is not like Mom at all. Mom loves you, and she is very proud of you.

Oof. Then Dad went for it again and said that he just didn't think Zuko is a good person. Oh, Gran-Gran is on some spicy jerky today. She asked him what he knew about Zuko.

Dad said that Zuko is just like his father. He's really on some bad takes, huh? He's . . . seen Zuko, right? The guy whose Dad burned half his face off? Yeah, he's just like his dad. Zuko's a nice guy, from what I remember. He's always liked you, and he's good with swords, not just that hot fire guy jerkbending. This is kinda pissing me off.

Oh, Gran-Gran just burned him. She went on this entire rant about how judging people off their parents is wrong. That shut Dad right up. Now he's sitting quietly.

This is a good one. I think it changed Dad's mind. "Being a good parent is about doing what's best for your child. And whatever you think about Prince Zuko, self-discovery is good for Katara."

Dad turned sad and whispered that he's really scared that you'll never come back.

You're gonna come back, Katara. I know you are. I'm not gonna say this is just a phase or whatever, but you're still my little sister, and we still have entire lives to live out together. You'll always be here.

Gran-Gran said that her father might have been scared of that, and his insistence ensured that she never went back home. Even though she loved Pakku.

I think Dad has regained his brain cell. He is now crying.

Gran-Gran said that you seem happy, and that she doesn't know how great Prince Zuko is, and that she won't know until you bring him here, but that you have the same right to self-discovery as everyone else. You shouldn't be frozen here by Mom's memory or anything. You deserve to do whatever you want to do. This isn't just about romance, especially because she knows that you and Zuko have been writing forever. It's about a really solid friendship, and a lot of trust. You've always wanted a lot, and you deserve to have it.

I mean yeah, I agree. I'm sorry if I've ever made you feel anything different. You deserve a lot, Katara. I love you. And I don't hate Zuko.

I just want you to be happy. Dad's a mess, but I think that he wants you to be happy too.

Just come back, alright? Don't . . . forget about us, or anything.

It's been going good here. I'm sending you a couple sketches I made, please don't make fun of them. Indulge me. Keep them up. Remind yourself of your poor little brother sitting here in the South Pole. That is legally a joke.

These warriors came down from Kyoshi. You've heard of it, right? You know about it. There's a girl who's leading them about my age, and she's really cool. Her name is Suki, and she . . . kinda destroys me when it comes to fighting. But it's fine. I think I've grown up, too. I think she broke a couple of my bones, but then she initiated me with their makeup and traditional dress. Yes, I wore makeup. I think I might technically be a Kyoshi Warrior now? I don't know.

Suki is really cool, though. It's so different from Yue. She's such an amazing fighter, and she's cool and independent and she's strong. And she's pretty. You know, she almost reminds me of you. I really think that you two could get along and bully me together.

In unrelated news, I've learned how to wash my socks. I am so sorry for what I've forced upon you, and can only hope that you forgive me. My feet suck. I sent you clean socks. In an unfunny way. And also a blanket, and one of your furs. And some more of Mom's old jewelry. I know Prince Zuko is probably blah-blah fancy rich, but I hope that you remember home.

Can't wait to see you again.

Love,

Sokka