On the planet of Rietov, Leigh Vanukar is born to a young drug addicted woman. She looks more like her father than her mother, who has blue eyes and dark hair. She is born with a genetic defect similar to poliosis which results in her hair growing in much ligher in one portion.

After years of living on the streets, Leigh has picked up rudementary language and social skills. She has become a thief. Naturally light on her feet, Leigh has taken to sneaking and excels at combat when necessary. Rietov is a rough place for people and even rougher for children.

One evening she spots a duo of Jedi. One of the other homeless kids is ill and so she decides to rob the Jedi of their purses and use the money to buy medicine for the other child. She does so beyond detection, buys medicine, treats the young girl, and then is confronted by the two Jedi.

One of the Jedi introduces himself as Master Windu after capturing her. She is prepared to be thrown in jail or disappeared like many children of Rietov. But that is not what happens. Mace Windu accuses her of thievery and she admits to the crime but confesses her motives. Mace Windu, already knowing her motives, made certain that the other child was treated. Leigh admits that she did not know the other child- she only helped her because she felt that it was the right thing to do.

Mace Windu offers Leigh the opportunity to train as a Jedi. She accepts.

At seven years old, Leigh becomes a youngling. She’s behind the other students so she takes on extra lessons. Her social skills are well below the other students and she cannot read or write. She struggles to fit in after a life of poverty and crime.

One student gravitates to her. Two years younger than her, Obi-Wan Kenobi befriends Leigh and they become as thick as thieves. He helps her study and she helps him train.

Because of him, she wants to be better. She often sits with one of the droids until she falls asleep, having them read to her from history texts. She picks up several languages this way.

At eleven, Leigh is chosen by Master Fenn Arlo as a padawan.

He desires to create a Jedi Warrior, as his last act as a Jedi. Since Leigh excels in combat, he thinks she’s perfect for the task. The two never truly bond but she becomes the warrior he desires for her to be.