formal
As the Avatar, Korra was expected to abide by a certain standard of living. This entailed going to "important" functions in order to make the appearance of peace and acceptance all across Republic City.
These functions included parties.
Korra stood in her bedroom on Air Temple Island, glaring down at the dress Pema had laid out for her. It was now mid summer. The dress was in her favorite shade of blue but it was also much shorter than she had anticipated. The hem hit her mid-calf and the top might as well have been strapless for all the support the straps gave. The dress glittered and fluttered and Korra couldn't think of a greater torture than the one before her. She poked it where it lie on the bed. She fiddled with the shiny fringe and grimaced at the sequins.
By all intents and purposes it was an unnatural garment.
Asami entered and Korra nearly jumped out of her skin. "Korra! You're supposed to be getting dressed. We've got to leave in a few minutes." Asami looked lovely in a similarly bedazzled red number, her wavy black hair pulled back in a decadent bun. Since defeating Amon she'd overtaken her father's forgotten empire. She was no inventor, but she certainly was a savvy business woman.
Korra pouted as Asami lifted the blue dress off the bed. "This is lovely, Korra. Go on, put it on. If it will make you feel better, I can do your hair." Asami smiled, placating, and turned around so that Korra could change.
"I don't see why I have to go to this stupid thing anyway. It's not like they need me there or anything." Korra complained under her breath as she stripped and pulled the slinky dress over her hips.
"It's the new council members' inauguration. You've gotta make sure people know you're behind them." Asami granted patiently, turning to look at Korra. The elder girl smiled delightedly at the Avatar. "Korra! You look great."
Korra didn't seem convinced. "I feel like a popsicle."
"Nonsense! Sit." Asami commanded, beginning to work at Korra's hair.
"Anyway, I already showed my support. I voted for them didn't I?" Korra continued their argument, wincing as Asami worked at a knot near Korra's neck.
"It's a gesture of good faith. And probably an excuse to get the Avatar in a dress." Asami tried not to laugh as she began pinning strands of Korra's hair back.
"Yeah, but I hate getting dressed up for formal events like these. It feels so awkward." She replied, picking at the sequins in her lap. There was something nervous in the gesture. When Korra was fighting she felt so natural in her own skin. But in a dress? It was like she became a completely different species.
"I wouldn't worry too much. Besides, I think Mako's excited to see you in a dress again. Especially one like this." Korra could feel Asami's smirk. She tried very hard not to blush but she didn't think she was particularly successful. "There. All done." Asami pronounced with satisfaction. Korra reached up to touch her locks. She crossed to the lone mirror in the room and cocked her head at her reflection.
She didn't quite look like herself but then again she didn't NOT look like herself either. She looked softer with her hair half pulled back into braids. The dress did EVERYTHING for her figure, though really there wasn't much she couldn't pull off if anyone was being honest. Gingerly she touched the sequins on the dress, turning this way and that to examine herself. Asami was smiling knowingly over her shoulder.
"Do you think you're ready to go now?"
Korra looked back at Asami, a silent thanks passing between them. "Yeah. I think I am."