He sat on the ice, idly sharpening his boomerang, though more out of habit than necessity. After all, ever since order had been returned to the world all those years ago by the Avatar, the four nations (what had been left of them, that is) had been more than happy to live in peace. Sokka supposed the century-long war had worn everyone out, and now they just wanted to live simple, quiet lives. It had certainly had that affect on him.

Yet, Sokka could never find peace. Not without her.

He shook his head, trying not to think about that again, for today was supposed to be a happy day. His brain wasn't listening, however, and painful bits of memory flashed through his head.

Her short ebony locks falling into his face and tickling his cheeks. Her wonderfully loud, brash laugh. Her small body, flushed against his in a tight embrace. Her soft lips, her calloused hands, her unseeing eyes, her radiant smile.

Her kiss.

"Sokka! Come quick; it's a girl!"

He was torn out of his reverie by a young midwife, shouting for him. He grinned slightly and got up, running towards her voice and the source of the excitement that day.

As he neared the birthing hut, he could hear faint, mewling cries, and several soothing voices, barely containing their happiness. He pulled back the flap that served as the door, and entered to find his sister, damp and sweaty and glowing, and the Avatar, smiling insanely, both cooing at a small bundle.

"Oh, Sokka, come see! She's so beautiful!" said Katara, beckoning him closer.

"Just like her mother," said Aang, making Katara blush even redder.

Sokka smiled as the impossibly tiny swathe of blankets was handed over to him. He peered into the newborn's face, and noted that she really was beautiful. Curly black hair fell into a chubby face that seemed the perfect blend of Aang and Katara.

Behind Sokka, Aang pressed a gentle kiss on his wife's head, and bent to whisper something in her ear. She nodded, and then spoke up.

"Sokka, if you don't mind, we'd like to name her after Toph."

Sokka's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed into the infant's face and held one of her tiny hands.

"I think that's a great idea."

Years later, they would all remark that Toph was so much like her namesake. Even though she was an Airbender, of all things, she was strong and independent, and she helped Sokka to find some small amount of peace. Sokka even claimed that he'd seen her move a few pebbles once.