𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 𝐓𝐥𝐨𝐊

XXI

Korra woke up to a morning that promised much—it was the day of the Pro-Bending Championship. From her room on Air Temple Island, she watched the calm turquoise waters of Yue Bay. Sunbeams danced across the surface of the waves, reflecting a luminosity that seemed to mirror the bright glow of Korra's excitement. She could barely sit still during breakfast in the temple's dining room, anxious for the upcoming training session with the Fire Ferrets—their last before the match.

Later, when Korra arrived at the training academy, it was clear that Mako and Bolin were also overflowing with nerves. Bolin—who had already resumed speaking to her after their conversation the day before, when they both apologized (Korra for hurting his feelings, and Bolin for assuming she liked him as more than a friend)—confessed that he had been too excited to sleep. He had spent most of the night practicing the speech he planned to give his adoring fans after the Ferrets won. Poor Pabu had been forced to listen repeatedly until Sora finally insisted that her brother get some rest.

Despite an almost entirely sleepless night, the boy remained alert and focused during the exercises. Korra moved easily alongside them, landing waterbending strikes that complemented her companions' attacks. The Fire Ferrets trained steadily for the next hour, until the radio announced Bolin's favorite program.

"I have a good feeling about tonight's game," Korra said as she stepped back, wiping sweat from her face with a towel. "I don't care if we're the rookies. We can beat the 'big' Batwolves!"

"It'll be our toughest match, but I think you're right," Mako agreed. He then pulled Korra and Bolin—who very reluctantly agreed—into one last motivational huddle, when a strange noise came from the radio, like the sound of a recording being abruptly torn from a vinyl record.

The three of them looked toward the speakers as a shrill voice cut through the static. Suddenly, Korra froze. The last time she had heard that voice, there had been no mercy in it.

"Good morning, citizens of Republic City. This is Amon."

Pabu, who had been lying on the table next to the radio, squealed and fled at once.

"I hope you enjoyed the pro-bending match last night, because it will be the last," Amon continued through the airwaves. "It is time for this city to stop worshipping these bending athletes as if they were heroes. They are nothing but false idols, with no place in a new and equal Republic. I am calling upon the Republic City Council to close the Pro-Bending Arena and cancel the finals, or else... There will be severe consequences."

Static filled the room, and then the radio fell silent.

The young Avatar released the group's embrace, fighting back the wave of panic rising in her chest. Amon was clearly planning something big, but she couldn't let fear stop her from finding out what it was. After all, fear was exactly what he was counting on—his threat wouldn't work without it.

"That guy's got some nerve," Bolin muttered, staring at the radio with a frown.

Mako nodded in agreement, then turned toward Korra. "Do you think the council will give in?" he asked. When she didn't respond, he frowned slightly. "Korra?"

Blinking twice, Korra turned to face him, only then realizing he had been speaking to her. "Sorry," she said quietly. "What did you say?"

"I asked if you think the council will give in..." Mako repeated, frowning almost immediately as he studied the expression on the young Avatar's face. "Are you alright?"

"No—yes, yes, I'm fine," Korra said, shaking her head and dismissing his concern with a wave of her hand. "And about that... I'd rather not wait. We need to go to City Hall."