"the primrose path"

—Prologue, as written by itsallanoxymoron

Long ago, the six kingdoms lived in peace and prosperity. Avatar Aang left the world in a state of balance. Seventeen years have passed, and the world again is corrupt and in disarray. Nonbenders in every nation are treated as though they are beneath their bending brothers and sisters. Wars and destruction fuel poverty and death.

Amon rules over the Water Tribes with a gentle, firm grip—he overthrew his tyrannical father and shielded his younger brother. Famous for his mask, which he wears to overcome his public speaking blocks, he is wise in his years. The Water Tribes are currently peaceful under his watch. Avatar Korra, the current Avatar, resides in the Southern Tribe, and is traveling the world to unlock her spiritual self and hopes to restore balance.

The Fire Kingdom is watched over by the hot-headed but respectful firebender, Iroh. While he would rather serve his kingdom by joining the United Forces, he somberly accepted leadership when his father left this life for the next.

No one person rules the Taiki Temples—a place where nonbenders and Air Nomads can live their pacifistic ways peacefully. They decide things as a community, and representative Tenzin preaches around the world about his father's people.

The Bei Fong dynasty currently hails Queen Lin as rightful ruler. Toph's legacy lives within her daughter—a brash, hard-headed woman used to getting her way. Embodying the Earth Empire's strong will and fierce determination, she prefers to resolve conflicts using only the solid ground as her armor. Lin almost always gets her way, and is keen on always telling her people the truth in black and white.

Limbo, though located within the United Republic, is a nonbending segregated area. Here nonbenders have their own communities, but no person to represent them. The only hope for a voice can be found only within their most talented, most gifted. Asami Sato is one of the greatest doctors that the United Republic has to offer—while most nonbenders strive to at least hold a job, she has made a name for herself in the medical field. Hopeful citizens of Limbo believe that, one day, Asami Sato will become their mouthpiece.

United Republic can be traced as the cause of corruption by many sources, although the withering seems to have taken place slowly and without notice. Due to their king's illness, Prince Mako has stepped up as a temporary replacement during his father's hopeful but improbable recovery. Young, childish, and spoiled in his own right, many doubt his leadership skills—though the prince himself may not realize it.

These kingdoms are watched over by the Avatar—a spirit in human form who has been hailed as bringer of justice and peace. In her adolescence and lack of spirituality, her travels around the nations are helping her to gain wisdom. Korra, while the Avatar, is still a girl at heart—persuaded by her own personal wants and needs instead of the world's. Thus she travels to shape into a better Avatar, and save the realm from ruin.

Note: Janae here. Otherwise known as itsallanoxymoron. We're all so glad you're here to join us - or not. We're all very excited about this story and hope that you enjoy it. Personally, I enjoyed writing this prologue myself.