Book 1;4

                                    

                                          
What a rough couple of days. So much has happened, and I can't say I'm too happy about it.
Since meeting Korra, a lot has happened- I mean, she is the Avatar, but still, I guess I didn't expect all of this. There's been some good, some bad- I don't know, I'm just little upset right now. Yesterday I went to some fancy gala in honor of Korra. It was Councilman Tarrlok's way of getting her to join his task force, and it worked! His task force being a group of people trying to stop the Equalist from taking over the city! Sounds like another police force to me, and I think it's stupid. Korra is the Avatar, I don't understand why Councilman Tarrlok has to butt in. Seeing her up there, bombarded by journalist and forced to join Tarrlok was awful. 
Mako gave me a fancy dress to wear for the gala that matched him and Bolin's suits. It was beautiful, I felt like a princess. I even got the shoes to match! I thought Mako had suddenly acquired a great sense of fashion, that is until he introduced me to his new girlfriend, ASAMI SATO! She bought me the dress, the shoes, and the matching gloves! I looked like a million bucks- she probably paid a million bucks for my entire outfit! I mean, do you know who she is? She's the daughter of my hero, my all-time favorite inventor, Hiroshi Sato! Mr. Sato changed the entire transportation industry by introducing the world to the satomobile. He was just like me once, not a penny to his name, but that all changed with just one invention. He's a genius, and he is the reason why I want to be an inventor, too. I hope we can work together some day.
It's pretty cool that my brother is dating Asami! I can't remember the last time my brother was interested in anybody. He's always been such a grouch. Asami, she's nice, and she's pretty, and she's so smart. She's everything I've always wanted to be. Just like Korra, she's genuine, and I was so excited to meet her. I guess the I'm upset because of the whole Tarrlok thing and forcing Korra to join his task force, he was just so manipulative. Then Mako didn't give me any kind of warning about Asami and their new relationship. He just introduced us like, 'Hey, I know you're a big Sato fan, but this is Hiroshi Sato's daughter. And by the way, we're dating.' I probably looked a mess in front of her last night, I was just so nervous! First impressions are everything, and I definitely did not make a good one. I didn't even know Mako knew her! All he does is probend and take care of Bolin and I. I don't think I've ever even seen him talk to a girl! I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. I mean, my dress last night was gorgeous. It probably cost a lot of yuans, and I know we don't have that kind of money.
Even though meeting Asami was a dream, last night was so weird, uncomfortable really. Mako was still really mad at me for saving Korra from the Equalist. He told me he was proud of my courage but upset because I could've gotten hurt, but to Bolin and Korra, I'm bad a$$! Mako doesn't really like me cursing, but that's what they said. And maybe I missed something, but I think Korra likes Mako. Like, like likes. She does not like Asami, I don't think. I've never seen her like that before. She's always so nice and kind to everyone, but when she was introduced to Asami, something in her just... Changed. Yesterday was suppose to be a good night, and it's sad because it wasn't... Not for everyone.
"Hey, kid," Mako greets me. "I have a surprise for you."
"Really, what is it?" I ask with a smile.
"Well, I've been thinking, and maybe I've been too hard on you. If it hadn't been for you, Bolin would've gotten his bending taken away, and possibly... And well, I should've been grateful. You'll always be my baby sister, I'll always want to take care of you, but you're growing up, and apparently really strong- but don't let that get to your head!- Anyway, to make it up to you, you'll be spending all day with Mr. Sato at his factory."
Am I dreaming?! I'm going to pass out.
"Mako, ahhhh!" I scream and tackle him in a hug. "Thank you so much!" 
"You're welcome, now go get dressed."
If I'm being honest, when I couldn't find my brothers or Korra that night, I was really scared. Mako and Bolin are the only family I've got, and Korra is my best friend. The thought of losing them makes me feel sick. I'm glad Bolin is safe, but I'm so upset that he would put us in that situation. I know he was just trying to help, but working with Shady Shin and the Triad's was not the way to go. He could've gotten his bending taken away!!! Seeing him up there on that stage scared and tied up, it made me feel something I've never felt before, and I never want to go through that ever again. Hopefully that was the last of these big missions where we have to take down the bad guys.
...
"Mr. Sato, this go-cart won't start."
"Just a moment," Mr. Sato says to one of his employees.
I've been here with Mr. Sato in his factory for a few hours now. I've learned so much, and he's really cool! It's almost like being at school, but I actually like it here, and I'm learning things I've never heard of before! And even though Asami is super rich and super pretty, just being here today with Mr. Sato, I learned that we're really not so different. Her mom was killed by a firebender, too. I think it's really nice that she doesn't let that get in the way of how she feels about Mako, with him being a firebender and all. I even told Mr. Sato about my bending and how I lost it, too. I've never told anyone about my accident before, besides Korra. I trust him, and I feel safe with him.
"I'm curious, why did you decide to pay the money for my brothers to be in the championship?" I ask him before I take a sip of my cream soda. "I never took you as the probending type."
"Well, I was just like them once. I had a dream, but not a penny to my name, not until it took one man to believe in my dream and sponsor me."
"Thank you, Mr. Sato. It means a lot to us." 
"Call me, Hiroshi," he says with a smile.
We then walk over to the go-cart that allegedly isn't working.
"What seems to be the problem?" Hiroshi asks the young employee.
"We don't know, it just won't start." 
I look at the mechanics. Well of course it's not working-
"Your connectors are all wrong."
"Let us handle this, little girl," the employee says to me like I'm some baby, with an arrogant smile.
"Now wait a minute," Mr. Sato stops him. "Li Na is a very smart little girl, brilliant really."
"May I?" I ask him. 
He nods his head in approval, and I get to work. After re-wiring everything correctly, I turn the key, and the go-cart lets out a husky roar. That was much more fun than fixing Mrs. Yang's radio. 
"Hmm," Hiroshi says thoughtfully. "There's been quite a few reports from you about a number of carts not starting. Maybe it was your negligence and not just 'bad parts,' like you've described them to be." 
He raises his eyebrow' and the employee goes red in the face as his colleagues 'ooooh' and taunt him.
"And you, young lady, I see a very promising future for you in this business." 
I grin. Maybe he's right. I mean, he is one of the most brilliant minds in the world. If he thinks I can make it in this world, then maybe I do have a chance, and then I can give my brothers the life they truly deserve. 
...