Book 1: Fire

Chapter 1-The Beginning

Flat arctic tundra stretched out for miles across the South Pole, chilled by the raging blizzard that tore through the land with freezing gale force winds. Thick flurries of snow accompanied the crescendo, descending from the heavy storm clouds that blocked off the warm rays of the sun. It was a harsh time of year for the area, and water tribesmen would usually spend this time taking shelter in their homes until the storm passed.

Amongst the icy plains stood a single compound, constructed several years ago. It was a dark and imposing structure, constructed from the finest refined steel and iron. In a land where there were few recognizable landmarks, the chimneys and smoke stacks of the compound were visible for miles around, spewing into the skies so much ash and soot that it looked like it was raining black snow.

On the steel walls of the compound, hung the crimson banner of the Fire Nation

For Senna and Tonraq, who had lost their bid to escape to the Northern Water Tribe months ago, it was an unbearable experience. Senna was pregnant with their child, and aside from the trauma and strain it was causing his wife, Tonraq found the fact that their daughter would spend her life in a prison particularly heartbreaking.

But with steely resolve, they were determined to make the best of it.

Their fellow inmates had prepared a bed for Senna to make her as comfortable as she could, and Tonraq found himself swallowing his pride as he was reduced to begging the Fire Nation soldiers for spare blankets and water. The guardsmen scoffed with indifference to their plight, but soon, they had scrounged up everything they needed.

It was here, during a howling snowstorm, where Korra was born.

"We have a child now." she said softly, clutching Tonraq's hand firmly as she caught her breath, their little baby girl peacefully sleeping in Senna's arms.

"Yes." Tonraq felt his heart swell with love and admiration for his wife, for her courage and strength in facing the dangers of this prison, and for the perfect daughter they had borne.

"I have to find a way to get her out of here..." Tonraq began seriously, "I have a responsibility for her future."

Senna brushed her hand softly against her husband's cheek in comfort. She was so beautiful, he thought.

"If...If only I had taken us North earlier, this wouldn't have happened." Tonraq's voice was heavy with regret, "She would have been among our people and would have more friends and playmates to grow up with. Now...it's just this dark cell."

"If you had, then you wouldn't have been the man I married." Senna whispered, her strength still drained. "You couldn't just leave our village knowing a Fire Nation fleet was attacking. Not when there were still those who couldn't be moved in time. You aren't the type to cut and run."

He nodded softly, stroking his wife's hair as well as running his finger alongside his daughter's cheeks.

"She deserves more than this." He said fiercely.

She placed her hand over his.

"And we'll make sure she gets it, but for now. Let's just enjoy this moment." She smiled warmly.

Not for the first time, Tonraq marveled at how optimistic Senna could be, and how infectious her attitude was as well. He smiled, embracing his new family warmly. Despite being locked in an icy steel prison in the most desolate part of the world, at that moment, Tonraq couldn't help but feel like he was the luckiest man in the world.

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Fire Nation prison camps were not the best places to raise a child. They ran purely on the goal of breaking down the spirits and resistance of their captives; whether it was by imprisoning earthbenders in steel cages, or purposely depriving waterbenders of water, nothing was too harsh or unorthodox for the wardens.