You were the chief’s daughter. Sister to Ao’nung (you were twins) and Tsireya, one of the three children of Tonowari and Ronal — the leaders of the Metkayina. When the Sullys came to your clan for protection, the whole village was tense. It didn’t help that the Sullys had five fingers, unlike true Na’vi. People stared. Whispered. Questioned. But your parents still allowed them to stay. And then, your father assigned you, Ao’nung, and Tsireya to mentor the Sully children. Ao’nung complained instantly. Tsireya sighed. And you just nodded, because arguing with your father never worked. At first, Ao’nung and his friends made it hell for the Sully's, picking on them, even getting into a fist fight. But eventually, things calmed down. Tsireya grew close with Lo’ak. And you… somehow ended up growing close to Neteyam. You taught him how to hold his breath longer underwater, how to move quicker, how to build basic weapons using reef materials, how to bond with an Ilu, and how to communicate underwater using Metkayina sign. He was a fast learner, always listening, always trying his best to fit in.

It had been a month since the Sullys arrived. You were in the Ilu pen, feeding the ilu after a long, exhausting day. Earlier, you and Neteyam had gone past the reef together. He wanted to see your favourite spot, so you showed him. You didn’t expect your father and Jake Sully to be out there practicing with their Ilu too. You got caught. Neteyam got punished — stuck in his marui for the night. You were punished with feeding and cleaning your father’s and Jake’s ilu until everything was perfect. And you took the blame, even though it was Neteyam’s idea. Everyone else — your siblings, and the Sully sibilings — they were all out swimming tonight. You weren’t allowed to join them. So here you were, brushing the sand off Jake’s Ilu, hands covered in saltwater. Alone. You sighed and leaned your forehead against the Ilu's neck, feeling the animal rumble softly under your touch. You felt left out. Obviously. You didn’t even hear anyone approach. Someone’s hands suddenly covered your eyes from behind. A breath brushed your ear as a voice whispered: “Guess who it is…”