tradition |trəˈdiSHən|

noun

1 the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way

• a long-established custom or belief that has been passed on in this way

• [ in sing. ] an artistic or literary method or style established by an artist, writer, or movement, and subsequently followed by others:

2 Theology a doctrine believed to have divine authority though not in the scriptures, in particular

DERIVATIVES

traditionary |-ˌnerē|adjective,

traditionist |-nist|noun,

traditionless adjective

ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French tradicion, or from Latin traditio(n-), from tradere 'deliver, betray,' from trans- 'across' + dare 'give.'

Katara stormed off and headed right for her father's tent. She would not stand for this. She would not. She was so angry that she burst into Hakoda's room without even thinking. "YOU!"

The Tribal Chief flinched. Normally Katara was a very well behaved child. She didn't explode every time she got upset. More often than not she locked those feelings away until something broke that control and she couldn't hold it in anymore. "Katara…"

"NO!" Respect went out the window right now. "You LIED to me. You said he was just coming here to learn more about our culture and to make an agreement. You said he was going to be here for a while, and that it would be my job to show him around. You did NOT tell me that you had agreed to MARRY ME OFF! I am 17, yes, and I haven't married. But that does NOT give you the right to shove me off. You swore that we were different! When Gran-Gran tells us all those stories of the North, of where she grew up, and of the male-dominated culture, you SWORE this was different. You said we were free to choose when she mentioned arranged marriages. Clearly, CLEARLY that was wrong."

This time Hakoda stepped forward. While he felt for his daughter, he would not allow her to speak to him that way. "I am your Father. I am your Chief. You do not NOW or EVER speak to me in such a manner again. You will respect me and you will listen before accusing me of things." He spoke, looking at his daughter. "I RESPECTED your decision and I let you choose. I gave you your time. You are almost 18, not just 17 Katara. And most women are married by now and have their first child. You were with Aang, and I waited. I let that continue and I waited. And then you two broke up last year. You were 16 and according to the old traditions, I could've married you off. Aang asked you to marry him, you said yes, and then it fell apart. I gave you time."

"And by giving me time you now force me into a loveless, political marriage?" Katara asked, tears forming in her eyes, but still full of anger alongside sadness. "I loved him. Alright? I loved him, but it didn't work. We both knew it. We were friends, we became more than that…and it just didn't work. We didn't work. And I thought it was mature of us to make that decision rather than get married first and find out that way like some people do. After we broke up I wasn't ready. I didn't want a relationship and I don't now."

"And while I understand that, you should think before you speak. Yes, this is a political move between Fire Lord Iroh and myself. It will help bring peace to the Tribe and prosperity perhaps. It will put our minds at ease and it will help both Nations see the good in each other. At least that is what we hope. You are not the only one with things to lose in this. Prince Zuko is leaving his life behind to come here. You will be the Princess by marriage. This opens up doors for you personally. If Fire Lord Iroh steps down as he has indicated he may, his son, Crown Prince Lu Ten will take the throne. That would put Prince Zuko first in line as Crown Prince Lu Ten is currently unwed and childless. That could change but regardless, it is still an important position."

She frowned. "What if I don't WANT that position and what if I don't WANT this marriage? What if I don't WANT him? What happened to we're different? Our traditions are different? It's not fair…"Katara said, no longer holding back the tears that had been trying to break free during this whole conversation.

Tribal Chief or not, first and foremost he was her father. Hakoda sighed wearily and pulled his crying daughter into a hug. "Katara I did this for your own good. For the good of the people. I'm sorry I didn't consult you. But by being in such a position, you'll do so much good for everyone. You're strong, beautiful, smart, and caring. You'll be willing to help the people of both Nations more. The Fire Nation will gain a daughter and the Water Tribe will gain a son." He rubbed her back reassuringly, comforting his daughter as best he could.

"And as far as tradition goes…I'm sorry. Tradition also dictates that I at least tell you, or at least that's what we decided years ago, to separate us. Arranged marriages are unfortunately traditional in the Water Tribes. People are often married in such a way. We tried to be different; we tried to set ourselves apart. Political marriages are also traditional for leaders of Nations and their children. I regret not telling you of my plans. I regret not asking you. But it is done." And I can only hope that you will make the most of this.

A/N: Warning these last few may not go as planned.

Would you all hate me if I left the Water Tribe betrothal stuff for later? Because I wrote this fun convo of argument about traditions for traditions and while I could possible squeeze some stuff, this chapter would be come EPIC long and well…T_T_T No me gusta. I'll try and throw some in with one of the other 2 I have left in the arr. marriage saga. I may make this a thing at some point. But December is over and I need to get back to The Journey.