Hate at First Sight

Chapter 2

Drenched in sweat, Mako ripped off his helmet and shirt in relief and in pain. Now that the match was over, all he wanted to do was take a hot shower and relax. Closing the curtains so the fans couldn't peer in, the team started disrobing when a loud clearing of the throat was heard.

Mako groaned inwardly. Why wasn't she gone yet? Didn't she see that she wasn't wanted here? He glanced around and finally let his eyes rest on her sitting in the corner.

Her face was red and her eyes were averted to the ground.

Mako grinned fiendishly at the sight. Guess she wasn't so brave after all if the sight of shirtless men did this to her. He walked up to her, towel around his neck and leaned toward her face.

Raising an eyebrow, he spoke.

"So the water tribe girl is still here. Didn't Bolin talk to you?"

The girl lifted her head at this and looked Mako in the eye.

"Yeah, he did," The girl exclaimed defiantly. "But I decided I didn't want to leave. Besides, it's my first day in Republic City and I might as well make the most of free entry into the pro-bending arena."

"I'm glad you let me in." she said, nodding at Bolin with a pearly white smile.

"So she's poor then." Mako thought. "Otherwise she would have paid to get in. Time for some fun."

She squirmed in her seat as Mako continued.

"So, you're low on funds then?" Mako said, leaning in closer, lowering his voice. "What, thought you could slip into one of our beds, and earn some money?"

"What?" The girl yelled surprised and indignant, rising to her feet, fists out. "Say that again. I dare you."

During her outburst, Mako took a few steps back and grinned.

"Maybe you're deaf, too. I asked if you thought you could just slip into one of our beds and earn some money, seeing as how you seem to be low on funds."

"Mako. That was really rude," Bolin reprimanded after a brief moment of stunned silence. "I thought you were supposed to be the role model here."

He turned to the girl. "I'm really sorry, Korra. I don't know what's up with him today."

"Korra," Mako thought. "What a beautiful, yet simple name. It suited her."

Another silence settled in the room, but then Mako grunted and winked at Korra, who was turning red with anger.

"What, embarrassed that I figured out your plan so soon?" Mako added maliciously. She got on his nerves and he just couldn't resist baiting her.

Korra stepped forward, looking about to burst.

"What, are you going to punch me?" Mako taunted, taking a step forward. "Can't hurt that much. I see you can't really bend much either, seeing as there isn't much water up here."

A scream of rage emerged from Korra and her fists burst into flames.

Mako screamed and fell backwards. He quickly got up as he and his team backed away.

He held up his hands.

"Woah, water tribe. What a twist. Why are you wearing water tribe clothing when you're a firebender?" Mako questioned lightly, but with curiosity. If she was a firebender, then she was just like him.

Korra scowled at him in disgust and lowered her fists.

"Sorry, Bolin," she said, turning towards him. "I kind of lost control."

They looked around. There was no significant damage. A broken table from where Mako fell. A few scorches and a small flame ongoing.

"I'll put it out. Hold on." Korra said, raising her hands.

Mako smirked softly and opened his mouth.

"How are you going to do that, with firebending? Add more and more, and hope it stops at some point?"

Korra glared but in a triumphant way.

"This outfit isn't all for show," she said, gesturing to her water tribe attire.

END OF CHAPTER 2