((Posting this for Megan and adding my own post. :D))

Zhi looked over at Koto and Zhao for a moment before looking down at her food. It was something that was probably going to take her a while to get used to. She didn't like that there was no meat and she didn't like the amount of spice in the food. She was used to very spicy food and this all seemed a little bland for the time being. Zhi let out a sigh and looked at Zhao "Do you guys have something against meat?" she asked with a raised eyebrow "Or spices?"

---

Koto nodded, wondering the same thing, as he picked up a glob of veggies and noodles with his chopsticks. He stuck the food in his mouth and chewed, considering the flavor. It wasn't any worse than seal blubber, texture-wise, and tasted a bit better. Koto swallowed and smiled. "Not that this is bad or anything! I'm just going to miss meat. Smoked turtleseal jerky... Arctic walrusboar kabobs... roasted Arctic Yakdeer leg..." Koto trailed off and stared sadly at his plate, feeling a jerk of homesickness in his stomach. "But it's not for forever. Live in the moment, right? That's what we're here for! Right, Zhi?" He smiled again.

After most people were done eating, and everyone was comfortably talking, Monk Yan Se stood up to introduce Master Hoa, an excitable woman wearing Northern Watertribe clothes. She stood and then asked all the of-age Airbending students to stand. Only four, three boys and one girl, all with shaved heads, rose.

"Young Airbenders. On behalf of the Avatar Program for the Prevention of Aggressions, I would like to formally invite each of you to actively participate as we learn from your culture this year, and join us when we set off to one of the Water Tribes early next Spring. It is entirely your decision. On one hand, there is infinite opportunity to meet people and see places that you might never get to if you stay. On the other, you will be leaving your homes and families for three long years. The students from the other nations have already made this commitment. Would you do us the honors of joining us?" She bowed when she finished. The girl Airbender nodded eagerly, and, clasping her hands together in the Air Nomad tradition, bowed to speak.

"My name is Mali, and I would be honored to learn with the students for the next year, and accompany the APPA when they leave. I accept." She bowed again. Everyone applauded. Next, one of the boys bowed. Koto noticed he was much shorter than the others.

"I regretfully decline, Master Hoa. I am needed here." He finished and sat down. Nobody applauded, but nobody booed, either. Koto kept looking at Zhao, but the other boy spoke first.

"I, Chen, would like to graciously accept your offer. Thank you for this honor," he spoke very softly, and remained in a bowing position for a long time after he spoke. Finally, all eyes were turning to Zhao. Koto raised his eyebrows. Was he coming?

---

Zhao watched as his classmates stood and accepted the offer into APPA. He looked at Zhi and Koto and then glanced around. Were people expecting him to go? He looked and saw his father's eyes looking at him. Zhao could go and then maybe get his tattoos. He shook his head slightly before standing up and bowing. "I am Zhao, and I feel like APPA is where I must be." He said quietly before sitting down and going back to his food. He didn't really want to leave the temple, but he needed to show that he was a master.