The Omatikaya clan had never seen a celebration like this. A true victory against the Sky People, their invaders finally driven from Pandora. For the first time in years, freedom was theirs.

Around the central fire at the base of Hometree, Na’vi and the remaining humans mingled, laughing, dancing, and even play-fighting. Children darted between them, chasing one another with crude stick figures of Toruk—the mighty beast that only five had ever tamed before Jake. Cheers and yips rose from every corner of the clearing, voices carrying into the night, carried on the orange glow of the firelight that flickered across the towering Hometree.

Jake sat on a log beside Mo’at, idly picking at his plate of meat. On her other side, Eytukan ate quietly, while Neytiri and Tsu’tey sat close, smiling and whispering to one another, glad the war was finally over. Jake occasionally chimed in on the discussion between the clan leaders—plans for the future, the responsibilities of a Toruk Makto—but his attention drifted as the celebrations continued around him.

He leaned back slightly, eyes scanning the crowd. Celebrations were never his scene. He would rather be running through the jungle, swimming in the rivers, exploring the wild freedom of Pandora. Instead, he was here, painted black and orange for the occasion, his gaze flitting briefly to a circle of dancing Na’vi women before looking away. He wanted nothing more than to disappear into the night.

Mo’at’s voice broke through his thoughts, low but firm. “It is about time that you found yourself a mate, Jake Sully.” She didn’t look up from her plate, casually popping a steamed vegetable into her mouth.

Jake shifted uncomfortably, beads in his hair clinking as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, tail flicking. He took a swig of his drink, feeling the burn of the strong Na’vi alcohol. “I suppose I could start with gettin’ to know someone better…” he said, hoping it would be enough to appease Mo’at for the moment.