CHAPTER 1: The Avatar's Challenge

Mako tightened his red scarf around his neck and stepped out into the crisp night air. Sauntering down the street with his hands in his coat pockets, he couldn't help but smile. The young firebender was in an uncharacteristically good mood this evening. The Fire Ferrets had won yet another match, bringing them one step closer to the championship. The night was young, and he was considering having a few drinks to celebrate. Bolin had left for the local bar an hour ago; Korra said that she had to get back to Air Temple Island. Mako mulled over his options for a moment, and decided to meet up with his younger brother. And hey, maybe something exciting would go down. He would never forgive the Spirits if he missed another one of Bolin's fan-girls get drunk.

Mako pushed opened the heavy wooden door to the pub, nodding his head to a trio of regulars he knew that were just leaving. All three were laughing rather boisterously. Mako raised an eyebrow out of curiosity, and one of the men took notice.

"Bolin challenged some dame to a drinking contest! She was winning too… until the eighth shot!" The men burst into a fresh bout of laughter and stumbled outside. Mako turned his attention to the sounds emanating from the bar. Patrons were chanting and yelling. Something was definitely up. With his curiosity piqued, he rounded the corner. What he saw next stopped him in his tracks. Mako had expected to see his brother sitting at the table, glass raised, guzzling down a fresh drink. He did not, however, expect see the avatar, sitting across from him, slam down an empty glass, clearly plastered.

Mako's first reaction was one of confusion. Why did Korra lie to him? Why wasn't she on the island? If Tenzin knew what was going on, he would—well, Mako didn't want to even consider the possibilities at that moment. To make matters worse, Korra didn't seem to be doing so hot. She was half-slumped over the table, and her movements were jerky. Bolin grinned at her and murmured something unintelligible. Korra's brow furrowed, and she shot her hand out, grasping for another round. Mako groaned audibly. He was going to have to deal with this mess.

Korra wiped her mouth with the back of her arm and glared at Bolin. The intense look was interrupted, though, when she accidentally let out a barely audible hiccup. Bolin leaned back in his chair, his shoulders shaking with laughter. The crowd jeered, much to the ire of the girl. Not one to be mocked, Korra issued her ultimatum.

"Had enough, Bolin? Ish okay, if you want to quit now. I think we know who won thish—"

"I think that's enough, Korra."

Bolin's head snapped up at the sound of his brother's voice.

"Oh! Uh, hey, bro! Here to join the party?"

Mako just shot him a look of contempt. Bolin smiled sheepishly.

Korra's eyes lit up, and she turned her head around.

"Heeeey, Ma-hic-ko!"

"Korra, we need to go now. Tenzin's going to be worried sick about you."

Korra stared at Mako for a moment, the gears in her head churning.

"Tenzin shmenzin," she said finally, shaking her head. "Let him stew in his own juices for a-hic-while! I deserve to have some fun." She tried to slam her fist down on the table to accentuate her point, but ended up hitting an empty cup, sending it skittering across the room.

Mako stared down at the inebriated girl in disbelief. Of all the headstrong, stubborn, absolute trouble-making girls he knew, Korra outshined them all. He held his hand out to her.

"I'm not asking you, Korra. I'm telling you. Let's go."

Korra pursed her lips and started up at the boy, trying to out-stubborn him. They both held for a few heartbeats, until Korra deflated. She dropped her head down, and spoke.

"Oh, alright, party pooper."

She slapped his hand away.

"But I don't need your help. I can handle myself."

Mako rolled his eyes and took a step back. He swept his arms out in front of him and did a little mock bow.

"Fine, avatar. I'm ready when you are."

He instantly regretted his words. His thinly veiled challenge provoked Korra into standing upright very quickly. Her look of triumph was quickly replaced by one of confusion.

Korra began to wobble and teeter. Bolin spoke up.

"Um, bro? Maybe you should help—"

Korra decided just then to tip forwards, dangerously close to a barstool. Mako lunged forward, gracefully catching her before she slammed into the hardwood floor.

"—her."

Mako pulled Korra to his hip, looping her arm over his neck. All the while, he glared at his brother.

"You did this, didn't you?"

Bolin threw his palms up in protest.

"Hey hey! She was heading back to the temple and I invited her to the bar for a quick drink. I didn't do anything."

Mako jerked his head at Korra, lacking any free hands to indicate her otherwise.

"Does this look like a 'quick drink' to you?"

Bolin grinned, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Ah, yeah, well, we may have challenged each other to a drinking contest."

Mako was at a loss for words. How could his brother be so thick skulled sometimes? And how could Korra, be so… so childish? She just couldn't let go of a challenge, no matter how insignificant. Did she really expect to win at a drinking game against a man who had a 100-pound advantage?

Korra raised her free arm and pointed it at Bolin, slurring her speech.

"And I would have won if Mako hadn't come here an ruined all the fu—fun."

Mako grimaced.

"Just how much did you drink anyway?

Korra shrugged, pouting her lips. "Two, or nine. I don't really remember."

Mako shot Bolin one last look.

"We're going back to the attic. This conversation is not over."

Mako attempted to leave dramatically, but the drunken female glued to his side ruined his exit. With a grunt, he half pulled, half dragged her out on the street with him.

The two teens stumbled down the sidewalk in silence.

Korra turned to Mako. "We were jush having a little fun, ish all."

Mako didn't speak.

Korra glared at him.

"Fine, if you don't wanna talk. Then don't. See if I care."

They trudged on to the probending arena.

Several minutes later, Mako arrived at the top of the stairs, exhausted from literally pulling Korra's weight. He unlocked the door, and carefully pushed it open with his foot.

"Jeez, Korra, help me out here a little."

She mumbled some unintelligible apology.

He hopped over to the ratty couch, and unceremoniously flung Korra onto it.

She landed with a soft, "Oof."

Mako rubbed his eyes, not sure of what to do. A sudden thought crossed his mind, and he groaned again. He had to call Tenzin.