Fire Academy

Chapter 5:

"Principal's office. Now."

The words didn't even register into her head until she heard Wen Li snicker from directly behind her. She tore her eyes away from Aang, who had a goofy expression on his face. Katara couldn't place what it was, but had a strange feeling she didn't want to know.

The next thing she realized, Aang stepped in front of her, almost in a defensive position.

"It was my fault sir, I'm sorry," he appologized, a sincerity in his voice.

The professor of our next class rolled his eyes. "Nice try, but I saw it, boy." He stared at Katara again and spoke through clenched teeth, "To the Principal's office."

The tall man tried so hard to be frightening, he wasn't. It was like some sort of cheesy mask. It made her want to laugh, but she resisted the urge and stalked off to where he pointed. She gulped and flood into the stuffy room, her heartbeat still rapid from the spur-of-the-moment impulse.

After she spotted the principal, she couldn't focus. All she could think about was how Wen Li had Aang alone now. Next period wasn't for a good five minutes, and she could do anything. Anything!

She swallowed fearfully at the thought, but the person in the chair spun around and watched as she did it. He must've thought it was caused by fright of him.

"Don't be afraid, child," he said almost murderously. What was with the people of the Fire Nation?! Were they all like this?

Katara cleared her throat silently and smiled as innocently as she could. There was no change of heart in his eyes, but she figured she'd give innocence a go anyhow.

"Do you know the rules? No public acts of affection during school hours," he said slowly, acting as if she was dumb. She nodded. "No touching. No hugging. And no kissing," he hissed.

She didn't feel like she had a right to speak in this man's presence. She could get expelled or something. Not like it mattered, but still. Wen Li could-

"Do you understand? No. Kissing. That is a violation of school rules, and if you can't get that through to your stubborn little skull, you're going to undergo punishment. Am I clear?"

She nodded again.

There was a long pause, but he looked at her skeptically, digging his eyes into her own. "What is your name?" he questioned in a low voice.

"Tara," she responded.

"Good, good..." he said, drumming his fingers on the desk. Suddenly he narrowed his eyes. "I'm sure we'll meet again."

She wanted to giggle so badly. This guy was just like the professor. He thinks he's so scary...

He gestured to the door.

"You may leave."

Oh. She knew that.