The day Hakoda left to fight in the war, he promised he would return before the next Winter Solstice. But by the time that night came and went, he still wasn't back.
Katara sat by the fire, hugging her knees and feeling hurt. You promised, Dad, you made a promise and you broke it! How can I ever trust you again? She squeezed her eyes shut, trying not to let her tears fall. Big girls didn't cry, especially ones who were almost thirteen.
"Hey..." She felt a hand on her shoulder as Sokka sat down beside her. "Don't worry, sis, I'm sure they just got held up. And Gran-Gran said we should get a letter from them soon," he said. Katara sniffled, looking up at him, eyes shining with a mixture of anger and sadness.
"It's not fair! Why did the Fire Nation have to start that stupid war in the first place, I hate them so much!" she cried; to her dismay a few tears slid down her cheeks.
"I hate them too," Sokka said, brushing away her tears. "I wish I were with Dad and the others right now beating up Firebenders!" He placed a hand on the back of her head to comfort her. "But you know what he said?"
"No, what?"
"He said a real man knows where he's needed most, and for me that's here. Protecting the other kids in the village, but you especially," he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry, Katara. I promise no matter what happens I'll be here for you."
She curled up against him, clutching the fabric of his parka.
"What if they need you to fight? You know you've been wanting to fight ever since Dad started training you with the spear and the club," she said. Sokka sighed.
"Much as I'd like that, we both know it's never going to happen." He ruffled her hair. "But it's okay. You need me more than they do."
She snuggled closer, pressing her cheek against his shoulder.
"Thanks, big brother."