In this arc—the North Pole arc—the story will focus primarily on Sokka's political skills: his strategic ability, his wielding of influence, and, at times, his talent for manipulation.
I'd been wanting to explore this side of Sokka and the political and social impact it can have for some time, but I hadn't found the right setting… until now.
I won't say any more: enjoy. (An image of Sokka and Katara's outfits in the comments)
When we finally entered the building they had assigned to us, it was well furnished with high-quality wood and wool.
"Well, we finally got inside, and I got you both a master. I'd say that went pretty well," I said, spreading my arms with theatrical flair.
"'Went well'?" Katara stared at me in disbelief. "They practically held us hostage! And not to mention that the old man called us slow," she complained, raising her voice without bothering to hide her anger.
"That's true, but it doesn't change the fact that we made it in. Besides, that old man calling us that is nothing but funny."
"Umm… Sokka, I actually agree with Katara. That man insulted your tribe. I don't think that's right," Aang murmured with barely contained annoyance.
"Exactly! If you tell them what the tribe is actually like, and that you're the chief, they'll—"
"Enough, Katara," I cut her off, my voice serious. "Let them think whatever they want. We shouldn't feel angry over the ignorance of those elders; if anything, we should pity them."
"But Sokka…"
"No buts, Aang. Let them believe whatever they want. I'll handle the rest. You two focus on your training," I replied calmly. I wouldn't allow this inept monk or Katara's innocent bluntness to ruin my entire plan.
"Fine…" Katara nodded, though she looked troubled.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine. Besides, we've got a feast tonight. Why don't you both get ready and put on something nice?" I added in a playful tone to cheer them up.
"That's right, Katara! Let's get ready!" Aang exclaimed, euphoric at the idea that he might get a "closer" moment with her.
"Fine… Will you be wearing your grand cloak, Chief?" Katara asked, teasing me.
"Hmm, tempting… but no. I'll just wear my chieftain clothes, without the cloak," I said casually.
Katara smirked and started rummaging through her bag again.
"Alright, I'm going out to wander around."
Stepping out of the building, I walked leisurely through the tribe. The enormous buildings and paths of packed snow and ice were fascinating—ancient, but undeniably captivating.
And yet it was painfully obvious this place hadn't changed in more than a century. The infrastructure and the people's clothing gave it away.
"Did you hear?" a man's voice caught my attention. "There'll be a welcome banquet tonight for the Avatar and his friends," he said excitedly.
"Of course I heard! It'll be a great chance to try and make connections with Pakku and the elders."
"Exactly… but listen, I heard the head of the guards say that young man from the Southern Tribe is a real fool," the stout man added with amusement.
"Naturally. What can you expect from such a backward tribe?" the second man said, laughing.
These people are genuinely stupid. They've never set foot outside their walls, and yet they think they're so great.
Holding back my annoyance, I forced myself to keep walking. With no real destination, I eventually reached what looked like the central plaza.
There were ice pillars, tables, women decorating and setting out dishes, and even artificial water fountains.
"Smells good," I commented as the scent of some dish reached me.
"Doesn't it? This is a Water Tribe fish stew, and it's delicious. I'm sure you haven't tasted anything like it in your tribe, right?" the woman asked, genuinely excited.
Forcing a smile, I answered:
"Ha, no need. I always eat delicious things," I replied before leaving without looking back.
I had really hoped to try something different… maybe chicken, or some strange kind of fried chicken. But apparently they've been preparing the same traditional food since forever.
So I decided to focus on something else: the musicians.
A large orchestra stood on an ice stage, with numerous instruments. Incredibly, I could make out a decent violin, a trumpet, and several others.
"Can you read sheet music?" I asked with excitement as I noticed the pages on their stands.
"What?" one of them replied, turning toward me. "Oh—yes, we can read it. As long as it's for our own instrument, we can."
"Great. If I give you some sheets, could you play them?" I asked enthusiastically.
"Of course!"
"Perfect, I'll be back later," I said as I walked away.
"Wow, I've never seen someone more excited about music than about food," one of the musicians laughed.
When I stepped through the dormitory door, what I saw stunned me.
I already knew girls could be… "messy," but this… Katara going through every bag in the room and throwing clothes everywhere while Aang sat terrified in a corner—this exceeded any expectation.
"Katara! Calm down, you're traumatizing the little Avatar," I exclaimed, unable to stifle my laughter.
"Shut up," she snapped, her face turning red. "I can't find anything decent to wear. I left everything nice at home."
"D-don't worry, Katara. You can wear your normal clothes, I'm sure no one will say anything," Aang stuttered, clearly scared. "Besides, I'm going in my normal clothes too."
"Yes, but you're the Avatar. They don't judge you or think you're—"
"It's fine, Katara," I interrupted in a calm voice. "Don't worry. I've got the solution!"
Katara's face lit up in surprise as she watched, amused, while I shoved my entire arm into a small bag and pulled out a large blue coat, decorated with white embroidery and trimmed with white fur.
"Here," I said, tossing it to her. "I asked Tiga and Gran Gran to make it a year ago."
Katara caught it, her expression filling with genuine surprise and emotion.
"Sokka, this is beautiful!"
"Yep. I told you my fashion skills were incredible," I joked.
"Thank you," she whispered before hugging me tightly.
Looks like what that old man said really affected her.
"Alright, go get dressed. It's almost night."
"Okay!" she answered, excited, hurrying to another room.
"Well…" I exhaled as I noticed Aang smiling like an idiot. "Unless you want to see me naked, I suggest you go to another room, Avatar."
The bald kid snapped out of his daze and ran off laughing.
Digging again through the spirit bag, I pulled out my tribal chieftain outfit and a coat similar to Katara's.
"Tonight, we welcome the Avatar!" Chief Arnook's voice echoed through the central plaza, full of enthusiasm. "And we also welcome our brothers from the South, Sokka and Katara!"
The plaza filled with applause, and traditional music began to play as everyone started to eat.
While we enjoyed the food, I noticed Katara and Aang staring at me in a strange way.
I suppose it's because of how naturally I fit in surrounded by all this elegance and cordiality.
"So, you're the Avatar's companion?" Arnook asked with a smile.
The Chief had drunk a little and was noticeably more relaxed.
"Today is a glorious day for our people, having the Avatar among us."
I nodded.
"Of course, I'm happy too. Though from what we've seen, the Northern Water Tribe won't be safe for long."
Immediately, the glamorous and cheerful atmosphere of the banquet quieted. I smiled, wondering if ruining settings was a natural talent of mine.
"And why do you say that?" Arnook asked, fixing his eyes on me like a hawk.
"They want the Avatar dead," I clarified, taking a sip of tea in one gulp.
I never liked alcohol much, so tonight I only drank tea. Since I was drinking it like whiskey, most people assumed it was something strong.
"After the Air Avatar dies, do you know where the next cycle goes? Water. It's safe to assume it won't be long before they attack."
Arnook nodded with a weary sigh.
"You're probably right. But if they attack, we'll be ready to fight them."
"Right… though you have no idea how they've fought in the last hundred years, nor what ships they use. I might want to believe your words, Chief, but to me they're empty."
I didn't trust Arnook's judgment. But it was better not to voice that opinion, so I simply raised my cup with a small smile.
"Then let's hope that, when they come, we can fight together, as one group."
Trying to defend myself from the chieftain with words would be pointless. I knew that, to them, I was just a kid from a tribe they saw as savage and backward.
"Traveling with the Avatar must be incredible, right?" an elder to my left commented.
"Yes, you could say that. It's been a long and eventful journey," I replied calmly—even though I'd spent quite some time not traveling with them.
"Wow, it must have been dangerous and difficult for the Avatar, having to take care of you and your sister," the elder said, clearly amused. Judging by his tone, he was probably the head warrior.
"Hahaha!" I let out a loud, unrestrained laugh. "Him, protecting us from danger?!"
My exaggerated laughter and words drew everyone's attention.
"Sokka's right," Aang said in that annoyingly martyr-like tone of his. "They've saved me more times than I've ever saved them."
"Haha, that's right," I added, wiping away a fake tear. "Oh yes, the Avatar speaks the truth — I've saved him more times than I can count. Like that time with the Fire Nation… and that other one in the Earth Kingdom."
"Wow. I didn't think someone from a tribe without trained warriors could have saved the Avatar."
Her words —ignorant and thoughtless in every way— stung Katara more than she wanted to admit.
"That's not—!"
"That's not entirely wrong," I cut Katara off with a smile; it wasn't time for her fury yet. "But anyway, this is a party. Why don't I show you some good songs I've written?" I said, deliberately ignoring the previous issue.
"Come on, Katara, come with me," I told her with a smile.
"What's wrong with you? You're supposed to be the chief — why do you let them insult us like that?" she hissed, anger held tightly in her voice.
"You're right, I am the chief… but the chief of the South," I whispered. "Here I have no authority. Not yet. Which is why I'm telling you to be patient and just ignore them."
"But—"
"No buts, Katara. This time I'm telling you as your tribal chief, not your brother: stay out of this. Let them talk, let them laugh — this will be the only time they'll get to."
My answer shut her up immediately. As a brother, she could call me stupid, naïve, or even disobey me — even if I was the chief… but moments like this reminded her where my authority truly stood.
Even so, seeing her so upset and sad wasn't something I enjoyed.
"It's okay, sister. Everything's fine. For now, just try to enjoy the food and the music," I told her gently as she buried her face in my parka.
"The music sucks, and the food is awful. How am I supposed to enjoy that?"
Her brutally honest words made me laugh, and I walked away chuckling.
"Just go dance with Aang. The music will get better soon."
"Hey, isn't that the kid from earlier?" one musician asked another when they saw me approach.
"Hi, I'm Sokka — the music guy."
"Hey! Do you have the sheet music?" one asked eagerly.
"Of course!" I said, handing him a thick stack of pages full of music notes and lyrics. "Everything's there — including vocal ranges and the style the singer should use."
"Great! Give us a moment and we'll start playing."
Judging from their reaction, it was clear they were sick of playing the same things every day.
I walked away at ease, snacking on different dishes without a care.
Dried unsalted fish, cold salted fish, smoky stews, bland soups. For these people, they were delicacies reserved for celebrations — but for Aang and Katara, who were used to my incredible cooking, this was nothing more than plain, dull food.
Though I'll admit — their ice cream is perfect. Mostly because I don't have vanilla or other ingredients at home to make my own.
The party went on, and once again I faded into the background, leaving Aang in the center of attention.
My gaze drifted to the chief for a brief moment. Technically, Arnook was also in charge of the Southern Water Tribe.
But I would never allow a stranger to rule my land. After a hundred years of separation, with no contact at all, no one from the South would accept someone showing up claiming authority after abandoning us for a century.
Titles don't grant you the right to rule anyone. My people know this. The warriors who left long ago know this.
So I'll make sure no one gets in the way of my role as Chief of the Southern Water Tribe.
While eating calmly, a faint ripple went through my chi. Not danger — more like resonance. One second was all it took to find the source.
Yue.
Our eyes met, and I approached with a gentle smile.
Judging by her expression, she felt it too — though I doubt she understood what it meant. Most likely she thought it was love at first sight.
So, what's the best way to influence a chief who must listen to the concerns of his people and act on them?
Win over his daughter, of course. She'll do the rest without even noticing.
And Yue certainly had an exotic beauty — silver hair, huge luminous eyes… enchanting to anyone. Well… almost anyone.
"Hi," I greeted once in front of her.
"Hi," she replied shyly.
"Do you have fried octopus?" I asked casually.
"Huh? Oh— yes, here," she said, surprised by the question.
Jumping straight to flirting would be rude; even with a spiritual connection, she'd sense something off.
"Haha, I'm Sokka," I said, taking the plate and sitting beside her.
"I'm Yue."
"Yeah, I heard you're a princess."
"Well, yes, my father is the chief. But… are you a warrior?" she asked, unable to hide her curiosity.
"Something like that. I've had a lot of fights lately," I said with a grin.
"Really?" another beautiful girl said as she sat beside me. "Tell us a story!"
And just like that, in seconds, the once-empty table filled with hungry teenage girls looking for something — or someone — new.
"Well, there was this one time when we were heading to Omashu and found a village being attacked, and…"
I started telling the story without breaking eye contact with Yue. I softened the deaths and cut out unnecessary brutality, exaggerating other parts to make them laugh at my gestures.
And of course, I kept my attention centered on the princess; that would make her feel special, naturally drawn to me.
"And then — blam! His head fell to the ground with the most ridiculous terrified face," I said cheerfully while telling Zhao's death. They all laughed with me like a flock — enjoying a story that was, objectively, brutal.
"That's incredible, Sokka! You really fought the Fire Navy?" Yue exclaimed excitedly, grabbing my hand, earning some annoyed glances.
"Hehe, yeah, you know… it wasn't a big deal," I lied to sound humble. Anything helps.
Suddenly, perfectly timed drums caught my attention. For a few seconds, there was total silence except for the beat… and then trumpets joined the melody.
Sing, Sing, Sing.
They couldn't have started with a better song, I thought with delight.
"Want to dance?" I asked Yue, genuinely excited.
She looked surprised, doubt flickering in her eyes.
I didn't hesitate — I took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
The compacted snow crunched under my boots as we stopped in the center. The rhythm pulsed strong and steady. Yue looked at me like she might break — adorable, but problematic. If she was nervous, she'd dance stiff as a frozen branch.
"Relax," I murmured, leaning slightly closer. "I'm not going to bite you," I added playfully.
She blushed. Good.
I placed her hand on my shoulder, held her waist, and led with a slow rhythm — simple steps so she wouldn't stumble. At first she was tense… but little by little she loosened up as the drums accelerated.
"You're… very good," she whispered.
"I know," I said naturally. "People from the North are pretty smart… right?"
She let out a sweet, innocent laugh, missing the double meaning. But several northerners caught it. I glanced at them calmly, amused, confusing them even more.
Perfect.
I twirled Yue under my arm, and she followed with enough grace to avoid looking like floating driftwood. Her silver hair glittered under the blue ice lights. The girls who'd been listening earlier watched us with jealousy.
I don't blame them. If I were them… I'd like me too.
"Are you always this…?" Yue searched for the word.
"Charming."
"Direct," she corrected.
"That too."
As we danced, I heard a familiar laugh mixed with clumsy footsteps. Katara appeared, practically being dragged by Aang, red to the ears.
"Sokka! The music's amazing!" Katara shouted, already caught in the rhythm.
Aang tried to keep up, but he looked like a dizzy penguin.
"Katara— wait! I—I—!"
She grabbed his hand and pulled him with a huge smile.
"Like this! Just follow me!"
"I'm trying!" he squeaked.
Katara moved with surprising grace. I had taught her how to dance to Northern music, so this was nothing for her.
And something happened.
The northerners —those walking ice statues— began to look, then to sway their shoulders… And then, one by one, they stepped onto the dance floor like they were breaking some taboo.
A couple. Another. Ten more.
Women laughing, men trying (badly) to imitate Aang, some teens copying Katara's steps…
A few Northern girls stared at me like they expected another trick.
The entire atmosphere shifted.
The once-rigid hall now felt like a festival.
"Wow… I've never seen anything like this," Yue whispered, watching her people dance like strangers.
"About time someone taught them to have fun," I replied with a calm smile.
She laughed — genuinely.
The rhythm rose. Drums hammered harder, the brass section blared with full force. The singer improvised a shout that sent energy through everyone.
"Another dance?" Yue asked, excited.
"Of course. But first…"
I leaned just enough for only her to hear.
"Do you know where they get that amazing ice cream you make here?"
She burst into a warm, unexpected laugh that made me laugh too.
The music stopped abruptly, drawing murmurs of disappointment.
The musicians were out of breath, smiling ear to ear.
"We'll continue shortly," one said. "But first, we'd like to thank Sokka, from our sister tribe, for this wonderful music."
Aang and Katara kept dancing like they'd been born on ice, and several northerners had joined them, swept up in the Avatar's energy. One spun too fast and almost slammed into a pillar. Incredible.
I stayed beside Yue, relaxed, enjoying her smile.
"They dance very well," she said sincerely.
"Of course — we're from the South. But people from the North are really smart: they learn fast," I joked just as a guard nearly fell trying to imitate Aang.
And as if the universe wanted to prove me wrong, Hahn appeared.
Stiff, with that superiority complex that seemed built into his hairstyle, he walked like he was stepping on an invisible red carpet.
"Princess Yue," he said in that icy tone used by people physically incapable of smiling.
Yue tensed instantly — but not with shyness this time: pure annoyance.
"Hahn," she replied dryly. Not friendly.
He ignored her tone and looked at me as if I were a stain on his clothes.
"You are…" he said, expecting me to finish the sentence.
Silence.
"The Southern boy dancing with my fiancée?" he declared.
Yue raised an eyebrow.
"It's not official yet," she said sharply.
Hahn blinked. That wasn't part of his script.
I placed a hand on my chest, feigning shock.
"Fiancée? Really? Wow, Yue, you didn't tell me you were into guys with eyebrows higher than their self-esteem."
She coughed to hide a laugh.
Hahn didn't get the joke.
"The princess must maintain dignity," he said stiffly.
Yue crossed her arms.
"I would have plenty of dignity if you let me enjoy my dance."
"If you'd prefer to leave, I can escort you," he tried.
Without looking at him, Yue replied:
"If I wanted to leave, I would go on my own."
I let out an involuntary oooof.
Hahn reddened and returned to the only topic he cared about:
"Still, she danced with you. A Northern peasant," he said, pointing at me like it was an insult.
"Relax, Hahn," I smiled. "It wasn't on purpose — it just happened. It could happen to you too, if you ever try moving more than three steps in a row."
"I can dance!" he snapped.
Yue sighed.
"Hahn, walking in a straight line is not dancing."
I didn't laugh out loud. But inside? Hysterical.
Desperate, Hahn insisted:
"It is improper for the princess to dance with just anyone!"
"Hahn…" Yue spoke with a sweetness sharp enough to cut ice. "Sokka is not 'just anyone.' He's here because I invited him. Unlike you."
He swallowed. Hard.
"As her fiancé, I have the right to an opinion," he argued weakly.
"You'll have that right when the engagement is official. Meaning: not today," Yue finished.
I lifted my cup in respectful salute.
"Well, Hahn," I added, "you look tense. Should I ask Aang to dance with you? He's great at helping people loosen up."
"I don't need your advice," he growled.
"Perfect. I don't need yours either," I replied with the kindest smile. "Look at that — we agree."
"I'll expect you tomorrow at the training grounds," he declared like a threat.
"Of course. I hope to learn a lot from you," I said with my best innocent smile.
My answer annoyed him even more, and he left in a huff.
"Sorry about that, Sokka. Hahn is an idiot," Yue sighed.
"No problem. I think it's best if I go now," I said with a smile, noticing the judging faces around her. Besides, I had already left my impression.
On my way back to our lodging, I sensed someone behind me.
"You know," I said calmly, "if you're going to follow someone, you should at least try to be quieter, Katara."
"Are you okay?"
My face shifted to confusion for a second.
"What?"
"You just left suddenly, and people were talking about you," she said, irritated.
I let out a light chuckle at her worried expression.
"Come on, Katara… by now, you should know me better. Their—"
"'Their words don't bother me because they're ignorant,'" Katara repeated, mimicking my exact phrasing.
"You're smart, kid," I said, patting her head. "I'm just going to sleep, and you two should do the same."
"Fine, I'll get Aang," she sighed.
"Hey," I called before she left, "next time, use waterbending to soften the snow under your feet and slow your breathing. Makes you much harder to detect."
A genuine piece of advice. And from the faint blush on her cheeks, I knew it made her happy.
Dawn found Katara and Aang refreshed, practically crackling with energy.
"Finally, I'll have a real waterbending master!" Katara exclaimed.
I placed a hand on my chest, pretending to be mortally wounded.
"You know what I mean, Sokka…" she apologized with a small smile.
"Yes, you're a good teacher, Sokka," Aang added, using that know-it-all tone he pulls out when he wants to sound like an adult. "But with Pakku, we can become real masters."
"Alright, alright," I grumbled. "Go on and be careful. I'll meet up with the warriors."
I stepped out wearing a light coat while they ran off, excited, toward the water training grounds.
The walk through the village was short, and after asking for directions a couple of times, I reached the Northern warriors' training field. One glance was enough to see the disaster: wide stances, weak grips, blows without force or intent. If I could see all that… Azula's soldiers would crush them.
"So you actually came," a bothered voice growled.
"Of course," I replied, not even trying to hide my disappointment. "I wouldn't miss this… enlightening demonstration."
"In a moment, we'll enlighten you with the Northern advanced techniques, southerner," came a voice behind me. That proud, arrogant, old tone… perfect. The same elder who'd insulted me when I arrived.
He tossed me a spear.
"Here. You'll be sparring. Hahn, show him your skills."
"Yes, master!"
The old man threw a practice staff onto the snow. It hadn't even finished bouncing before Hahn was already charging at me with all the "speed" he could muster. A desperate attack. And worse—someone had taught him that this was a perfectly valid opening.
His guard was so nonexistent it physically hurt to look at.
I tilted my head and the thrust whooshed past me. Hahn stumbled over his own momentum and spun around, trying to keep attacking. I dodged each strike easily, enjoying every second.
"Is running all you know how to do!?" Hahn roared.
In a blink, I sheathed my crude bone spear. To them it was nothing but a blur: my weapon striking his, once, twice, three times… until his spear shattered into pieces that fell into the snow.
He barely had time to react before a light kick to his knee made him stumble. His counter was decent—a left straight.
I caught his forearm and silenced him with a slap that echoed. Blood flew from his mouth.
My smile widened. Three precise hits—abdomen, shoulder, face—sent him to the ground. Silence fell over the onlookers like a sheet of ice.
I bent my knees, covered three meters in two seconds, and aimed the broken spear at his throat.
"And that's it. You'd be a walking corpse now," I said calmly.
"S-Stop!" the elder shouted, panic clear in his voice. "The match is over. Sokka is the winner."
"Thank you," I smiled, savoring every syllable. "That was truly… enlightening."
As I walked away, whispers followed:
"That was brutal…"
"He finished him in seconds…"
"Weren't southerners supposed to be useless?"
"That boy is strong…"
Good. Maybe now they would stop showing off in front of me… or in front of Katara.
Just as I passed the waterbenders' training grounds, I heard a familiar roar:
"That arrogant bastard!" Katara's voice boomed across the ice field.
I stepped closer and saw the ground beneath her boots starting to crack, as if her anger were sinking directly into the ice.
"What's wrong, Katara?" I asked, though I already knew exactly who the culprit was.
Katara turned to me with eyes shining — not with sadness, but with that kind of fury that burns you from the inside.
"That pompous old man refuses to teach me just because I'm a woman!" she spat, every word tasting like venom. "He said fighting isn't for 'girls' and that I should go with the healers! As if I haven't fought for my life a hundred times already!"
She grabbed her hair with both hands, breathing hard. Her voice trembled, but it wasn't weakness—it was restraint.
"Katara—" I began.
"No! Why is it always the same?" she continued, frustrated. "'Women heal,' 'women help,' 'women don't fight.' And what about me? What am I supposed to be then? I've trained every day! I've fought Fire Nation soldiers, I've risked my life and Aang's… and that old man thinks he can tell me what I can or can't do!"
The ice split with a sharp crack.
I gently took her by the arm before she stepped through it without realizing.
"Katara," I said, this time firmly. "Listen to me."
She lifted her face toward me, breathing like she'd just run a marathon. Her eyes were pure indignation—wounded pride, anger, and fire.
"For now," I continued, keeping my voice steady, "go with the healers."
"What? Sokka!" she protested, incredulous. "You too? Really?"
"Katara… a healer is worth more than ten soldiers," I reminded her, lowering my voice. "It's not a setback. It's an advantage. For now, let that old man drown in his own rules. When Aang finishes here, maybe he'll be able to sway him. And if he can't…"
I stepped closer, giving her the calm she needed, not the one she wanted.
"…if he can't, I'll handle it."
Katara blinked. Her anger was still boiling, but her breathing started to slow. She held my gaze for a few seconds, weighing my words, making sure I meant what I was saying.
I did.
"It's not fair," she whispered at last—no longer yelling, but just as strong.
"I know," I answered. "Believe me, I know. But right now you don't need to fight him. You need strategy."
Katara clenched her jaw, swallowing her pride and rage in one painful gulp.
"Fine…" she finally conceded. She turned away, still trembling with frustration. "But that old man owes me. Big time."
"Make a list, Katara," I said with a grin. "We're already collecting debtors."
She let out a growl that somehow sounded like a half-laugh, and headed toward the healers' building, muttering insults about Pakku under her breath.
I watched her go, feeling that familiar mix of pride and worry. My sister could take on the world… but sometimes she needed a reminder that not all wars are won by shouting.