Hola!

So, I'd like to thank anyone who's been reading, especially blackraven88 and AvatarEternity, for reviewing! You guys are awesome! ^_^

Anyways, on with the show!

Toph, Jet, Jun, Meng, Teo, Haru

"Ladies and gentleman, your tributes!" Aunt Wu boasted, guesturing to the six Earth Kingdom children lines across the stage.

The applause was pathetic, the only clapping coming from bookies who took bets on who's names would be drawn.

Aang lifted his head, looking up at the children through the gap in his cloak, the hood pulled over his head to disguise his tattoos. A concotion of contempt, horror, and pleading gushed in his veins.

He had heard of the Games from a fisherman who was kind enough to give him a lift from Whale Tale Island- a spot not too far off from where he had suddenly emerged from a cryogenic slumper- to the Earth Kingdom mainland. It was a cruel, bloody game that pit child against child in a fight to the death.

The monks had taught him all life was sacred. This was completely barbaric, taking lives for what seemed like sport to the Fire Lord. Over the last few weeks, taveling, he had slowly come up with a base plan. He had to do something. He was the Avatar, whether he wanted to be or not (something the fisherman also 'helpfully' pointed out); he had to help. The first phase of his plan was to get into the Games. The second was sketchy. It required trust and, hopefully, strong-willed and morally correct tributes.

The Avatar weaved in and out of the crowd, gaining speed as Aunt Wu began to conclude the reaping day ceremony. He felt frantic; if he didn't do it now, he might never again.

"Thank you all for coming. And remember, tune in to see the Games within the next week!" Aunt Wu chirped.

Suddenly, a boy leapt airily onto the stage, startling Aunt Wu.

"Step down, son," she said. "I've already asked for volunteers. You're too late."

"Wait," he said, tugging his hood off of his head, exposing the tattoos. A majority of the crowd, who had only seen such markings in ancient scrolls, gasped. "I'd like to represent my own nation in the Games."

Aunt Wu's statled face slowly morphed into a smile. "Ah ha. Nice try. Go on, get back to your family. The day is over."

"I'm serious!" he insisted once the crowd began to chuckle, believeing him to be a big joke. He inhaled deeply before extending his arms and creating a 'V' with his hands, air exploding from his palms. Another gasp swept over the crowd, this time, even the tributes took a step back.

"I'd like to volunteer to represent the Air Nomads in the Games."

"Eheh," Aunt Wu chuckled nervously. "That's all fine and good, but the rules state that each nation must have four participants to qualify them for the Games."

"...But I'm the only one," he said, words slightly morose.

"Look," she said, placing a hand on Aang's shoulder. "I can't induct you into the Games. If I did, word would be sent to Fire Lord Ozai and I don't want that on my hea-"

"Wait, Fire Lord Ozai?" Aang interrupted.

Aunt Wu nodded.

A small, bitter grin snuck its way onto Aang's lips. "I think he'll make an exception for me."

"Oh really?" Aunt Wu asked skeptically, crossing her arms over her saggy chest. "And why's that?"

"Because," Aang replied, "I'm the Avatar."

Ah, so more set up. This chapter was pretty short but the next one will be longer, I swear. I've already stated working on it.

So, I hope ya'll like it! Please review, criticism is welcome!

Peace, L.