Revision 12.27.12
Desired
Katara overlooked the vast blue and icy sea. She wrapped her arms around her and attempted to hold the fur pelts tighter against her than was actually possible. However, it wasn't the cold she was warding off. No, she was trying to comfort herself, as she attempted to make some sense out of her inner turmoil. She was confused. So confused.
Her father, Hakoda, had just informed her that the Avatar had asked for his permission to ask for her hand in marriage. Aang wanted to propose to her, and soon. She wasn't sure what made her father say what he said; whether the expression on her face revealed the dread inside her, or the stunned silence he received after delivering the news.
"Katara, I did not say yes for you. I just gave him the traditional permission to ask you. Your answer is yours alone. Before he does though, think on this: Is this what you want, Katara? Is this what you desire?"
Is this what I desire? Katara pondered at the edge of the ice, where frozen water met free.
She closed her eyes and tried to imagine Aang's bright grey eyes is she agreed to marry him. Instead, all she could picture were a pair of intense, vivid golden eyes, lighting up as he received her answer.
She held back the tears threatening to overflow. She bit her lip and held the pelts even closer in a futile attempt to distract the heart retching sobs threatening to escape her.
No, this is not what she desired. The only one she did desire, was already married to his childhood love.