Chapter 2
"C'mon Aang, our first class is right over here." Katara points to a classroom near the end of the school hallway and Aang follow close by her side. They made their way through the endless throng of students, Aang reaching out at one point to grab Katara's wrist. She looked over at him, still pushing and shoving through the kids. " Keep close, Aang. It's way too easy to lose someone as little as you in all these people." she smiled. " No offense, of course." He returned the smile. "None taken." Finally reaching the classroom, the two stop to catch their breath. "Whew! That was fun." Katara exclaimed. She blushed when she realized that Aang was still holding her wrist. "Uhmm...you can let go now." she pointed to his hand, shyly. Aang blushed and let go, moving his arms behind his head but dropped them quickly to open the door for Katara. She smiled at him and entered the classroom. The teacher, who was sitting at her desk reading something, looked up as they came in. " Ahh, you must be the new boy." she said, her face stern. " You'll be sitting next to Katara, since Mr. Zhao," Her voice seemed to lighten as she said the principle's name. " Informed me that she is to be your escort for awhile." Katara walked to her empty desk, pulling out the first seat for her to sit. Aang took the seat next to her. Students piled into the class, sitting and talking. Katara leaned closer to Aang. "So, where did you go to school before coming here?" she asked. "I was home schooled by my mentor, Gyatso." he answered. Her eyes widened. "Home-schooled? Cool. My friend, Toph, used to be home-schooled, too." He smiled. "I think I'm going to like it here better." She smiled back as the bell rang. "Listen up class. No talking. We are going to have a pop-quiz on the history of the north-pole." she said sternly, hinting boredom in her voice. 'Cool! My natural heritage! I wonder which nation he came from. Should I ask? No. That's his business. I wonder if he would be freaked if I told him I argue with myself alot...' Causing her to completely lose her thoughts, Aang poked Katara in the side. Being so ticklish, she jumped. "Aang!" she whispered loudly. It wasn't until the teacher yelled her name that she realized she had stood up, knocking her chair onto the ground. "Katara! What is the meaning of this? Do you wish to make an announcement for the class?" The teacher was angered by the outburst. "No, ma'am." Katara quietly replied. Aang stood up. "It isn't her fault. I poked her and she jumped. I was going to ask if I could barrow some materials." The teacher raised an eyebrow. "Is this true, young lady?" Katara nodded. "Well, since it is your first day here, I'll let it slide this time. But I warn you, anymore interruption's today, and I'll see to it you will be removed from my class!" Aang picked up Katara's chair. They sat down and she handed him two sheets of paper and a pen. 'Not alot of guys stand up for themselves, let alone someone else. He's so.. different.'
They were completely quiet through the rest of their classes, up until the bell for lunch chimed. They walked outside and she gave a large sigh. "Thanks for sticking up for me, Aang." She finally broke the silence. He looked to the ground. "I'm so sorry for getting you into trouble, Katara. I really am." His voice was low, almost a whisper. "It's ok. Stuff like that is bound to happen." she reassured him. Katara turned and kept walking, Aang by her side. She saw Toph walking up to them. "Hey, Katara, who is this?" she asked pointing to the unknown figure beside her friend. "Toph, this is Aang. Aang, Toph." She introduced them both. "Hi. Nice to meet you." he smiled and said. He stuck out his hand for her to shake but she didn't seem to notice. "You seem to have a different step than everyone else. Light on your feet, huh, twinkle-toes?" Toph smirked and looked at him. He looked to Katara, and back at Toph with worry. "What do you mean?" 'Does she know?' He asked himself. "I'm blind. I see with my feet, so I know where people and things are. I can distinguish people by their foot steps and you," she pointed to him. "Your steps, however, are unusually light, kinda like air." "Wow, yeah, that's kind of funny." Aang laughed, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. ' Yeah, that's right, Aang. Let's not make your discomfort ANY more obvious for them to see. You're so good at hiding your emotions...dumbass..' " WELL THEN!" Toph exclaimed, patting her stomach excitedly. " I don't know about you guys but I'm STARVED! Let's eat." She grabbed Aang's wrist and dragged him in the direction of the cafeteria. "Let's go, twinkle-toes! I'll show you to the food-area." Her voice trailed off. Katara stood there, bewildered. 'What just happened?'