Only four students in the Eastern Air Temple were of age when Monk Yan Se and Monk Ubon came into the small classroom where they'd been asked to meet. Three boys and one girl sat in their traditional clothes and looked up at their elders.
"Tomorrow," began Monk Ubon, "the selection of students from the Avatar Program for the Prevention of Aggressions will arrive. Fifteen students from all over the world will start sharing your classes and learning how we live. I want to tell you to be on your best behavior." Monk Ubon looked right at the girl, her shaved head and big, light green eyes shining. She struggled to keep a straight face.
"I think what Monk Ubon means," said Monk Yan Se, smiling as she took over, "is that we'd love if you would please represent the Air Nomads to the best of your ability. There is also the matter of your invitations. Each year, all eligible students here in the Eastern Air Temple are extended an invitation to join the others on their APPA journey when they leave here in a year. It's a great opportunity to make friends and see the world. You've all been given the choice to go with them, or stay here to complete your studies." She looked at each of them, making eye contact. "You don't have to give your answer this moment, but tomorrow evening, after dinner, the delegation heads, including Monk Ubon and me, will ask for your answer. Please think it over carefully. The decision lies in your hands."
She bowed and left the room, Monk Ubon following her.
---

The large door shook with the force of the knock. He didn't wait for an answer before barging in. "The rest of the students for the APPA trip are ready. All your things are packed in the balloons. Are you read to leave, Miss Zhi?" Sifu Akizon's sideburns were twitching, and it was hard to miss the fact that he was trying very hard not to smile.
---

Koto had never ridden in a hot air balloon before. There were only two students from the Northern Water Tribe, the other being Prince Ito, a tall boy built like an ox. Koto genrally liked him, but he could be tiresome with his constant complaints. Koto hoped after a few weeks with the Air Nomads he'd shut up... but it was going to be a long balloon ride to the Eastern Air Temple. "C'mon, Ura!" he called. A scrawny polar bear puppy with a wavy black stripe that touched his pink nose ran and leaped into Koto's arms. He sat the dog down in the huge basket and got in himself, settling in for the long journey amongst the furs and blankets in the basket. Urahara curled up across his lap and started sleeping.
---

Zhao stood up and grabbed, Nomi, his Gilacorn, off the desk. What would his dad think of joining APPA? "Hey, Zhao. What does your dad think about this whole APPA thing?" Zhao turned to see Dee walking up to him. Zhao shrugged. "I don't know. I uh...haven't talked to him about it." He said clearing his throat. Zhao walked out of the room and down the hall. He wanted to get home and talk to his mom. He wanted to join APPA, and he figured he should talk to his mom first.
---
Zhi flinched when he had barged in and her eyes flashed. She really hated it when he did that. With a sigh, she brushed a stand of hair out of her face and turned to look at him. Zhi nodded "As ready as I'll ever be" she said, putting a smile on her face and walked out of the room, towards the balloons. She climbed in and sat down, folding her legs under her.