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Visiting the South Pole during the Glacier Spirits Festival, Aang walked hand-in-hand with Katara. They enjoyed copious amounts of fried food on sticks, played games, and listened to captivating stories by the village elders about their ancestors.
The atmosphere was joyous, with lively chatter and shrieks of laughter at every turn.
But Aang was distracted. He was carrying something special with him, burning a metaphorical hole in his pocket. Before he and Katara returned home, there was something he needed to do.
While Katara was making snow animals for some of the children, Aang excused himself and slipped away to her family’s home.
Pushing one of the tent flaps to the side, Aang peered in and saw Hakoda and Kanna sitting cross-legged on the floor, a small fire blazing in a circular pit by their feet.
It felt improper to intrude, so Aang politely cleared his throat to get their attention. “May I come in?”
“Of course, child. Come in,” Kanna said, extending a welcoming arm to the young Airbender.
Aang took a couple of steps inside, letting the tent close behind him. He bowed deeply. “Chief Hakoda, Gran-Gran, I was hoping I could speak with you both for a few minutes on an important matter?”
Hakoda chuckled; it was a warm sound that made Aang feel at ease.
“Aang, there’s no need to be so formal, especially around us. Please, sit,” he said, motioning to the space on his right.
“Thank you.”
Kneeling on the rug, Aang folded his hands in his lap to keep them from shaking.
“Is everything alright, son?” Hakoda asked. His eyes shone with fatherly concern. “Are you enjoying the festival?”
Aang’s face brightened. “Oh, yes! Very much so. I love coming down to the South, and I know that Katara gets homesick sometimes, so I’m happy we were able to make it to celebrate the solstice.”
Hakoda smiled. “I’m glad. Now, what did you want to discuss?”
Taking a breath, Aang retrieved the precious item from his pocket, hidden in a square of saffron wool. For a moment, he held it against his racing heart. A sense of peace washed over him.
“Katara is the most incredible person I have ever met,” he started. His breath caught in his throat as he watched their faces. “She is selfless and brave. Brilliant. Compassionate. She saved my life… many times over, now. I love her more than I could ever express in words alone. She inspires me every day with her strength and grace, and I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life without her by my side.”
Holding the bundle out in his open palm, Aang unwrapped the wool, revealing a hand-carved betrothal necklace.
The pendant was turquoise, the smooth surface segmented in two by a curved line that made the halves resemble yin and yang. On one side, Aang had etched the symbol of the Water Tribe; the other showed the trio of swirls that represented the Air Nation.
A triangular golden hook attached the pendant to the choker, a thin strip of silk that had been dyed cobalt blue.
Aang swallowed and curled his fingers around the stone.
“Tomorrow is the last night of the festival and I’m planning to ask Katara to marry me,” he said, looking back and forth between Katara’s father and grandmother. “It would mean everything to receive your blessing.”
Hakoda and Kanna exchanged glances, but their expressions were indecipherable. Aang felt his stomach drop.
Then Kanna smiled, her blue eyes glittering with happy tears.
Hakoda clapped an enthusiastic hand on Aang’s shoulder.
“Of course, Aang. You have our wholehearted blessing and all of our love and support. You are already part of our family. I see the way you and Katara look at each other, and I trust that you will be the wonderful husband that our little girl deserves.”
Aang exhaled, the nervous tension giving way to waves of relief. The two men clasped forearms in the traditional Water Tribe sign of friendship and respect before Aang went to give Kanna a hug.
”Thank you,” he whispered.
The following evening, as the Southern Lights shimmered and danced across the night sky, Aang popped the question in front of the entire village.
He barely got the words out before Katara threw her arms around his neck and held on tight as he spun her in circles.
The villagers cheered and shouted their congratulations, and when Katara planted a jubilant kiss on his lips, a few teasing whistles rose up from the onlookers.
Lovingly sweeping Katara’s hair to lay over her shoulder, Aang fastened the necklace.
Seconds later, they were swarmed by the excited crowd, all either offering well-wishes, advice for a happy marriage, or simply admiring the unique design of the necklace.
Taking her hand, Aang smiled at her and laced their fingers.
They had taken their first step towards forever.