Kataang: A Modern Story

He was leaning against his locker, chatting with his friends, Zuko and Toph. Class didn't start for another fifteen minutes, and Aang and his friends liked to hangout before the pressures of school began.

“Ugh.” Zuko sighed. “Are you guys ready for that quiz in math class today?” He asked Toph and Aang. He was leaned against his locker trying to look cool. He looked extremely laid back, but inside he was a serious student who worried about grades.

“No! That was today?” Aang yelled.

“Yeah. And you only have about twelve minutes to study.” Toph looked at her watch. She never needed to study, with her natural gift for math and geography.

Aang opened his locker and shoved his head inside. It was extremely messy. He rummaged through, looking for his much needed notebook, when he saw something reflected in his locker mirror. He turned around quickly to see a beautiful young woman nervously walk down the hallway. She was clutching her books to her chest and glancing around as if she were afraid.

“That must be the new girl I've been hearing about.” Zuko said. “She's kinda cute.”

“Yeah...” Aang blushed. He looked at her. She had tan skin and long, dark hair. Her sapphire eyes glittered even in the harsh fluorescent lights that lined the hallways. She was beautiful. Aang's stomach started to tie it's self in knots.

“Great. Another priss. That's just what this school needs.” Toph said sarcastically.

“Shhh. I think she's coming over here.” Aang whispered. He was still blushing and Toph and Zuko noticed this.

“Hey, sorry to bother you guys, but do you happen to know where room 113 is?” The new girl asked.

“Yeah, Aang knows, don'tcha Aang?” Toph said as she punched Aang's arm.

“Uh... yeah. It's my next class actually.” Aang stuttered. The bell rang.

“Well, we've got to get to class. C'mon Toph.” Zuko said as he and Toph were leaving.

“Um. Hold on just a sec.” Aang turned around to close his locker, but various books and papers fell out.

“Oh my gosh!” Aang bent down to pick up papers. His hand accidentally touched the new girl's hand, as she had apparently tried to help also. Their eyes met, and Aang's face turned a bright red.

“I'm Katara.” Katara said, holding Aang's gaze. She stood up, holding out a hand for Aang, who took it. She helped him up.

“I'm Aang.” Aang said, stuffing his papers into his locker. He glanced at his watch. “We have to get to class!” And slammed his locker then took off running. Katara had grabbed his hand to keep up. He blushed, but hoped she didn't notice.