When Katara, Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, who never believed in love crosses paths with Aang, Air Nomad and Avatar from the Southern Air Temple who never experienced love, their lives take a dramatic change.
During this time, an increase in...
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"𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡"
"Damn it." Aang sat inside King Hakoda's chamber. His leg was bouncing up and down, he felt the need to move almost without end; if his limbs were moving maybe his anxiety could be gone, or at least he could ignore it.
Today was the celebration ceremony for the Avatar. Every person in the Southern Water Tribe will be celebrating him. Aang knows everything and everyone showed him that all will be okay, but he remains anxious.
Hakoda raises his eyebrow, "Avatar Aang, are you alright?"
Aang snaps out of his thoughts. "Eh? S– Sure! It's just... I haven't done many speeches. Honestly, this is my first one. I don't think I'm good enough to do it." He confesses shyly.
Hakoda smiles, "Your inner critic is a bit loud today, eh? It's a good sign and it can save you from making mistakes but it creates your anxiety." He watches Aang stare at his feet nervously. "I think you need a dose of self-compassion. Be as sweet and understanding to yourself as you are with others. Being kind should radiate inside of you as well as into the world beyond." Hakoda points into Aang's heart.
Aang raises himself from the seat and paces around the room, back and forth.
"Or you can choose not to, I can do it for you."
"Thank you for offering but I assume, as the Avatar, I should convey the speech." Aang politely declines him and went on with pacing around the room.
"The thing is, I can be both shy and adventurous. Wild adventures? That's not an issue. But this? This is another step to being a better Avatar, I want to let people know I can– no, I will protect everyone and bring peace." Aang inhales and exhales to calm his nerves.
Hakoda walks up to him, "It's amazing how you're learning to value yourself so that you can walk upon whatever stage your passions lead you to. You already make a great Avatar."
"The Southern Water Tribe couldn't be happier to have you with us." The king pats the fellow Avatar's shoulder. "Thank you for helping Katara, too. I know that this condition of hers is bringing her self-esteem down but you were a great help to her. Thank you."
Aang blushes, he clears his throat then rubs his neck timidly. "It's a pleasure."
Aang drops his arm to his side and shifts his gaze to the floor, "I wish Gyatso was here to watch me today."
"Just think about him and it'll feel like he's here with you, always." King Hakoda gives him an encouraging smile, "I'll go check how the preparations are going but you can stay here if you need some alone time to get ready in the meantime." He recommends Aang who nodded his head in response.
Hakoda whispers a "Good luck!" and resumes walking out of the chamber. He flashes Aang another smile before leaving him inside.
