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Thirteen moons ago, Katara had been at home catching fish in her little canoe alongside her brother, Sokka. Life was peaceful then. It was just the two of them against the world, but the world she knew was so small that there were no enemies other than a day or two of hunger. The worst that could happen to them was a slightly overcooked piece of carp fish or a particularly boring hunt. She knew that the fire nation was at large, but she also knew that they had nothing to do with her or her town. She had no reason to fear strange ships that docked in their harbors, much less to run from any shooting stars. Back then, things were at peace. The Avatar was a myth, the Earth kingdom was happy and the tyrannical Fire Nation didn’t strike fear in her body when the women in her tribe discussed the lack of supplies from the North. Sure, her tribe was isolated from the world and she knew that the lack of men wasn't normal, but she and her family were happy and generally safe from threats. Every night, she went to bed under a blanket of stars and woke to the sound of her people happily indulging in their work and children playing games in the frozen tundra she called home.
Twelve moons ago, she and Sokka had embarked on a peaceful and normal hunt to bring home enough food for her tribe. She had engaged in some waterbending and accidentally discovered a sunken ice capsule. After Katara had smashed the ice surrounding the frozen body inside, she soon realized that she had released the Avatar. Katara was overjoyed at the beacon of hope she had discovered. She and her brother enthusiastically brought him back to the tribe. Aang had introduced himself to Katara’s beloved Gran Gran and the village soon embraced him as their own. He told tall tales to the children in the tribe and displayed his ancient ways of bending to the people. In the mornings, Katara and he blissfully went penguin sledding and in the afternoon they rode on his happy little flying bison, still unaware of the fire nation boat sailing straight towards the village, burning with weapons of destruction.
Eleven moons ago, Katara’s village was pillaged by fire nation troops. The Fire Nation’s crown prince, Zuko, had stepped his metal boots down on the ice of her village and started a war between him and her people. When he demanded the Avatar, the people of her village denied him and allowed for the escape of Katara, Sokka, and the Avatar without Zuko’s knowledge. However, the tribe had managed to become eradicated only hours after Zuko made his presence known on the tundra landscape.
Ten moons ago, Katara and her gang made the long and uneasy trek to the Southern Air Temple, only to watch Aang come to the realization that his entire family, like Katara’s, was murdered in cold blood by the ruthless fire nation that sought to destroy him. Before he could reach solace, Zuko was soon on their trail again and pursuing them with more fervor than before, leading the gaang to prematurely leave the temple.
Nine moons ago, Katara landed and walked along the streets of Ba Sing Se to find an ally in King Bumi. On the way there, she had met a ruthless group of women who devoted themselves to the art of war. While there, Sokka met a woman he instantly fell in love with. Once the warriors heard about their plan to save the world, Suki was quick to join their noble cause. Then, the group found a young blind girl who was equally as quick to join them, but not for the same reasons. She was trying to prove herself, and these mystery people were a means to an end for her. Once the group had found their way to Ba Sing Se, King Bumi was fast to align himself with their cause, but Prince Zuko was hot on their trail. In their wake, Ba Sing Se was nearly overrun by the fire nation, only being saved by the valiant Kyoshi Warriors and King Bumi.
Eight moons ago, Aang was nearly captured by Fire Nation while at the Western Air Temple. It was then that the gaang began to plot against the crown prince and his empire.
Seven moons ago, Katara developed their plan and set a course for the fire nation.
Six moons ago, Katara became one with the people she had sworn to destroy. From the normal blue of her Southern Water Tribe clothes slowly burning from earthen green into fiery crimson wardrobe, to her hair being worn in dramatically different manners as the first few weeks ticked by, Katara began to mirror the people surrounding her. Of course, this was the plan that they had all agreed on. Katara would introduce herself as Lady Myku Fire of the Dukida Island, Daughter of Wang and Sapphire Fire. Of course, her beloved “mom” and “dad” came along with her to the nation.~*~
“Suki.” Sokka called out from the living room of their little house. “Where is my boot?” He sighed as he pointed to his clearly bootless foot.
“Why the heck should I know?” Suki demanded as she refocused her attention on the mirror, drawing fake smile lines and wrinkles into her flawless skin.
“What is Wang Fire to do with only one boot, Suki!” Sokka sighed as he flopped onto the makeshift bed.
“I could not tell you.” Suki sighed as Aang unknowingly wandered into the argument. “Aang, turn around before Sokka blames his bootless-ness on you.” Suki sighed as she tied a shawl around her shoulders and looked at her elderly self in the mirror.
“Got it!” Sokka smiled as he shoved the crimson boot onto his foot. “Sorry Suki!”
“Apology accepted.” Suki smiled as she pulled Sokka up to her height and placed her arm in his. While in the fire nation, Suki and Sokka assumed the rules of Sapphire and Wang Fire, mother and father of Myku.
“Katara!” Sokka whisper-yelled out into the back garden, “We are heading out to the market, come with us.”
“What about Aang?” Katara asked as she joined her brother at the door, making sure to keep her voice as low as she could (despite the lack of neighbors).
“He survived on ice for a hundred years. He will survive thirty minutes alone!” Sokka rolled his eyes as his hands latched around Katara’s wrist and pulled her into the street of the busy street.
“Morning Missus Sapphire!” The neighbor girl smiled as she chased a rolling hoop down the sloping and swirling street. The mother of the girl, whose name Katara was still unsure of, chased her free spirited daughter down the road; careful to pull her out of any oncoming traffic from the carts.
Suki laughed to herself at the scene as the three of them made their way down the side of the road to the town marketplace. Although this town was on the outskirts of the capital city of the fire nation, the town was equally as busy at any given moment. However, it was much less guarded (which was something Katara favored.) The marketplace in the town was Katara’s favorite spot in the whole town. She loves the animosity of the place. She loved how you could blend into a crowd of people and find peace among the wild colored banners and vibrant smells. Oh, the smells. As much as Katara despised the fire nation and its people, she could not deny the smells of the place were full of life. It would be the one thing she would miss when she was sent back on her way to the Southern Water Tribe. When she retreated from her thoughts and back into the bustle of the marketplace, she found that Suki and Sokka were out of her line of sight. With the sudden flood of adrenaline from being alone in an unfamiliar and unwelcome environment, Katara began to race through the crowds for the solace of a familiar face.
“Excuse me, young lady?” an old man said from the side of the road as he held up his hand in the air. “I don't believe we’ve met!” He exclaimed as he pulled Katara from the busy road and onto the footpath behind the market. “You’re the Fire’s girl, aren’t you?” the old man smiled, his cheeks as full as a child’s.
“Yes.” Katara replied automatically, still scanning the street for her friends. “Have you happened to see them? I was distracted by jewelry and lost them in the crowd.” She frowned.
“I have not. May I have your name? I am Iroh.” He smiled as he held out his hand for a shake.
“My name is Myku Fire.” Katara responded as she shook his hand and gave him his attention. Unwillingly looking away from the crowd and abandoning her search.
“May I ask, what is the water skin on your side? I don't know of many fire nation citizens that indulge themselves in more… Water Tribe fashions.” With the mention of her water skin, Katara’s blood ran cold. She directed him into a more isolated side of the marketplace as she felt her adrenaline pulse for the water in her bag.
“Ah, yeah. It's just for drinking.” Katara redirected, nervously tugging at her sleeve. “My family is from the Dukida Islands, but we have spent some time in the Northern Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom--being that my mother was born in Ba Sing Se and all. I must’ve picked up the habit as a little girl in the Northern Tribe!” She nervously giggled as she peered into one of the market stalls hosting a various array of fish from all corners of the ocean. Alas, the stall held none from her own home.
“Even the way you place it on your waist mirrors that of the Southern Tribe though.” The old man broke off as he seemed to leave an opening for Katara’s lie to stumble out of her mouth again. “However, I’m quite old and I may be misremembering.” The old man chortled again. Katara felt her self falter as his eyes pierced through her own. Few of the vendors looked her way, yet she felt naked and exposed in the hot fire nation sun. She felt like an animal in a cage, fully on display for anyone to critique and judge.
“Have you been to the South?” Katara inclined. Hoping that she would neither give herself away nor seem to desperate, but still craving the familiarity of someone who had once immersed themselves in the culture there.
“Many times. There was a woman who lived there who I was deeply in love with.” The old man said as he found his way to the next stall. This one, selling intricate wools and yarns. “Have you heard of the White Lotus?” He asked as he fished through his coin bag, momentarily showing a pai sho tile in the palm of his hand before switching it out for a shiny fire nation coin.
“Ah yes, the tea?” Katara responded, knowing the secrets of the group.
“Yes, a very expensive one at that.” Iroh grinned as he handed the blue yarn to Katara and tucked it into the palm of her hand. “You like to sew, don’t you?” He asked, gesturing to the hand stitching on her outfit. At the same time, he showed that she saw through her disguise.
“I do, yes.” She responded as the pair began to walk to a well at the end of a street. “Do tell, why are we straying from the path?” She said, eyes as wide as the moon as the marketplace drifted in and out of view.
“I know who you are, Lady Katara of the Southern Water Tribe.” Iroh said under hushed whispers Katara felt her heart race, but she refused to show any stagger in her expression. “I am Iroh of the White Lotus and member of the Fire Nation Royal Family. Do not fret, I am friends with the Avatar and I am aware of your mission. I want to help you.” He said, holding an unfaltering eye contact. Katara felt her skin worm under his gaze.
“I do not trust you.” Katara said, pulling her flask close to her chest.
“You have no reason to.” Iroh said. “But I am on your side in this fruitless war.” He responded as he bowed his head and passed her a cracked pai sho tile. After this, he walked away as if nothing had occurred by that water fountain. Katara was in shock. Heat raced to her face as she realized the severity of what just happened.
“Katara!” Sokka smiled as he raced into the alleyway and scooped his sister up into a hug. “Suki and I bought a new boomerang!” He grinned as he held it triumphantly in the air.
“Why do you look so out of sorts?” Suki said, noticing the pain dotting her face. “Tell me, what happened while we were gone?”
With the silence of the moon, Katara held out a trembling hand, which cupped the pai sho tile in the crevice of her palm.
“Someone here knows about us. He is Fire Nation Royalty. He is friends with Aang. We need to talk to Aang. Now.” She said, stuttering out the final words of her sentence into the midst of the air as she hiked up her fire nation skirts and ran to their home.“So! You met Iroh?” Aang asked as he swang back and forth on a low-hanging tree branch, putting far too much faith that the short hair he had grown would hold down the bandana covering the tip of his arrow.
“Yes I did.” Katara said putting her hands on her hips and sticking one, angry finger out at him. “How dare you not tell me that you knew fire nation royalty!” She said as she collapsed against the outside wall of their house and sank to a sad heap at the grass line.
“It didn’t seem important at the time. He’s a nice man, he trained me in my firebending a moon or two ago when we were in Ba Sing Se.” Aang shrugged as he flung himself off the tree and landed in a perfect pose. “Besides! I didn’t think you’d run into him. He’s Ozai’s older brother. I thought he’d seclude himself to the castle.” By this point of Aang’s explanation, Katara was nearly in tears. Not only had Aang neglected this information, but he had also deemed it unworthy to mention he had secretly trained with Lord Ozai’s Brother. Instead of lecturing him, Katara absentmindedly threw her head down in her hands and sighed the most dramatic of sighs.
“Yeah, yeah.” Aang said as he sat next to her. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” Katara looked up at him, stifling a giggle as Aang made a twisted face at her.
“Wanna go on a nice afternoon walk with me?” Katara asked, seemingly blissfully ignorant to the fact Aang was the AVATAR and the PRINCE was hunting him down.
“Sure!” Aang said excitedly, also realizing the severity of the situation but choosing to throw caution to the wind. Katara smiled and bounced up from her seat as the pair began to make their way to the front of the house and onto the street. This time, instead of turning to the middle of the town, the pair went down the hill immediately outside of their house. Around them, fire nation children played ball, danced, or chased each other while their mothers sat by a well exchanging stories and gossip. Whenever Katara walked by a group like this, her heart panged for her old life. She would always have to turn her head down to look at her feet to avoid the tears pricking up in her eyes when she remembered her village. Most of all, she had to clench her fist in anger whenever she thought of when the damned fire nation soldiers took that life away from her.
“Katara.” Aang whispered beside her. “Don’t take your anger out on them. They are not the reason our people are dead.” He reminded her as a stray hand reached for hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. Katara felt her chest release a held on a gust of air. Her muscles relaxed and she gave a warm smile to the women at the well. No matter what hatred she had building in her heart, she had to blend in with these people.
“Ah! The Fire kids!” One of the men said as he passed the pair. “How are you?” At first Katara did not recognize him. His face did not display any kinds of familiarity, nor did it show the usual rigid bone structure of the fire nation people. Then, it clicked. He was one of the Earth Kingdom citizens that now (after an unfortunate attack to his hometown) had found himself in the capital city of the fire nation as an unpaid servant to the nation.
“We are well.” Katara said, making sure to give him the kindest of smiles, partially out of pity and partially out of guilt. “How are you?” She asked, only to find him walking away before he responded to her cheery comment. She quickly reminded herself that unlike her home, people here did not stay and chat for very long and we’re always on the move. Still, she shrugged this off and continued her walk with Aang.
The next few blocks of their walk were peaceful. They passed through areas of delicious smelling spices and culinary before passing under a tarp and being met with a group of people playing cards under the smoke of cigars. During this walk, Katara and Aang said nothing at all. Perhaps the silence was because they both needed freedom from the every day loudness of a fire nation citizen, or perhaps Aang also felt the eyes on his shoulder that Katara felt on her own the entire time. In a moment of time, Katara looked up to the buildings and caught the eyes of a faceless, blue creature watching them from the top of the buildings. When her eyes darted back to Aang, she found him away from her. Alas, before she could locate his presence among the bustling crowd, she was being heavily pursued by the blue creature. She ran with haste from the thing, ducking underneath carts and flinging aside buckets that lay at her feet. She jumped over a table of people playing cards and raced down the road until she felt the draw of a nearby fountain. Quickly, she turned on her heel and raced towards the source of her power, eager to draw from its mystique as the blue creature approached behind her at untold speeds. With confidence in her skill, she ran into a corner of the buildings and unleashed a strand of water.
“Who are you?” She demanded as the water circling her spiked out from her in a multitude of directions. The blue thing now appeared to be a man wearing a blue mask, but she still felt the unease grow as he drew closer to her. “Don’t come closer.” She warned, feeling the unease grow. She should not be bending right now. But what other choice did she have?
“You’re a water bender.” It hissed at her as the figure continued to draw near. “Why are you here? It’s not safe for your kind here.” The figure said, withdrawing a flame of fire that encircled him like a wreath of death.
“My reasons are beyond your comprehension. Put your fire away and I will put my water away. I don’t mean to cause trouble and I just want to see my brother.” She said, holding eye contact with the grinning, mocking mask. Unlike what she expected, the masked man met her requests and so she followed his lead. Over his shoulder, she saw Aang catch her eye and withdraw his fire. Before the masked man began to sense suspicion in her continuously glancing over his shoulder, she met his eyes once again.
“Am I able to go?” She asked, slinging the pack of water over her hip again. “I don’t expect you to need anything out of me. Afterall, you chased me into an alleyway for what reason?” She took his silence as an answer and smirked. “Exactly. I must be on my way now, sir.” She continued. However, he did not step out of her way. At that moment, Aang sent a flying punch directly into the spirit’s back. The minute that the man hit the ground with a sputter of a cough, Katara ran towards Aang and pulled him alongside her as they made a mad dash for the cover of the busy street.
For a moment, the pair caught their breath among the animosity of the crowd. Moments later, they began their trek home, unwilling to stray any farther from the path, much less walk any slower and risk being swept up in another fight.
By the time the pair walked into the house, they were met with Suki and Sokka sitting at the kitchen table discussing an envelope marked with the fire nation emblem.
“Ah, Katara!” Suki said, lighting up at her arrival. “We made a plan for how you’re going to kill the Fire Lord!” Katara’s face went red with shock, unable to process how she would be the one to kill the Fire Lord.
“So, Suki and I were out on the town, ya know…acting all married.” He grinned as he scooped up Suki’s arm into his own. “And there were these two girls, fire nation girls, who were gossiping, as girls do, about the prince!” Katara nodded absentmindedly as Sokka waved his arms around wildly while recounting the details.
“Please Sokka. Get to the point.” Katara encouraged him.
“Anyways, they were gossiping and apparently there's a ball happening tomorrow night.” Sokka shot fingers at his sister as she slumped into a seat at the table and begrudgingly pulled the chair closer. “And you, dear sister, need to attend that ball, woo the prince, marry into the family, and kill the Fire Lord!” Sokka grinned, hands held out wide with pride as he looked excitedly to Katara for her joint excitement.
“Oh my moons.” Katara sighed as she face palmed. “You’ve really lost it now!” Katara exclaimed as she fell back into her chair and covered her face with his hands.
“Nope!” Sokka chuckled. “It is a flawless plan, I know!” He leaned back in his chair with this hands behind his head as Suki kicked him from beneath the table. In a moment of unrest, Katara withdrew a stream of water from her skin and whipped his forehead as hard as she could with the water whip.
“You’re an idiot!” Katara yelled as she let the water back into her skin and pounded her hand against the air.
“But it would work.” Sokka reminded her.
“Fine.” Katara sighed. “Tell me your plan.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
With the rise of the sun on the next day, Suki woke up as early as the sun and was quick to find her way into Katara’s room. Katara still slept as peacefully as she did any day, blissfully unaware of an excited Suki looming over her bed. Katara snore loudly and did not wake up when Suki first placed a hand on her back.“Kataraaaaa.” She sang as she pressed her fingers deeper into Katara’s back. When Katara did not stir, Suki dug her sharp fingernails in Katara’s sleeping form. “Katara. It’s time to go.” Suki urged once again. Still, Katara flipped over and screwed her eyes shut.“Go away. I’m asleep.” Katara whined as Suki began to pull at her feet to coax her off the bed. From the pillow, Katara still did her best to imitate snoring sounds while simultaneously kicking Suki away from her feet.“That is horse shit.” Suki replied. “I clearly know that you’re fake sleeping on account of the fact that you are kicking my hands away. Just get up already! We need to get you a dress for tonight’s ball, and get your hair all fixed up, and go over the plan one more time, and tie up all loose ends on our backstory.” Suki droned, counting off each of the day’s events with a flick of her finger. Katara soon came to the realization that no matter her attempts to silence or ignore Suki’s pushing, there was no way she would be getting out of this. Tonight was the ball and she had T-minus 12 hours to pull together an outfit worthy of royal recognition. On top of that, Katara knew that Suki would likely keep droning on about all of the meaningless tasks she needed to accomplish before the days end… and that would only stress Katara out more.“Fine!” Katara yelled out in annoyance as she sat up and threw her arms in the air. Suki pumped her fist in the air in enjoyment as Katara slumped out of bed and began raking through her long curls with a seal bone brush. In the hem of her mirror, Katara watched as Suki tore through her (very limited) collection of fire nation-esque clothing and held the different dresses up to herself.“Are you not playing my mother today?” Katara said, swiveling around on the stool and making eye contact with Suki.“I felt it may be better to play a friend rather than a mother.” Suki said as she slipped Katara’s dress on and spun around. “But that may complicate our story a bit more.” She continued as she stole some of Katara’s pins to shape her hair in different traditional fire nation styles, some of which she picked up and some of which she just approximated were real and genuine. Katara shrugged at her comment as she took her combed hair and braided it into a nice, non nation specific, braid. This way, she could still feel like herself even in enemy lines.“Honestly.” Katara said, whipping nee neck around to meet Suki head on. “I don’t care what disguise we pull as long as it works.” As she stood up and walked out of the room, she just barely caught the glare Suki threw in her direction.“Good morning, Katara! Up early, aren’t ya?” Sokka said as he raised one eyebrow, already in his Wang Fire clothes despite having no need to sport the disguise.“More like a bad morning.” Katara grimaced as she threw water into the pots of the plants resting in their windowsill. “Suki got me up way to early. Like, I know we have to go shopping but getting up before even the sun is up is a little excessive. Oh— why are you still in that costume?” She asked, brow furrowed at the ridiculous beard.“I see your eyes landing in my beard!” Sokka exclaimed excitedly as he began to stroke the bushy locks. “Im thinking I could grow one of my own. It would be quite…dashing! No?” He pondered, stroking his beard like the true philosopher he tried to become.“Whatever you say, Sokka.” Katara rolled her eyes. While Sokka continued to ponder his very very deep thoughts over whether or not to grow a beard, Katara sipped her morning tea. One thing she would admit about the fire nation is that they had damn good tea.“So, Katara.” Suki started immediately as she found her seat at the table. “While you were asleep, Aang and I worked out all of the details regarding this little ball and the plan to kill Fire Lord Ozai.” She paused to unfurl a large parchment paper full of numbered steps and dates. “We are one moon cycle away from Sozin’s comet. That means. Katara, you have three weeks to get Zuko on our side or four weeks to assassinate Firelord Ozai. Time is of the essence, and I believe wholeheartedly that you can get it done with time to spare if you simply go by our plan. But, Aang did tell me that you and Zuko know eachother… and you’re not on good terms. So, that poses an issue. But it is an issue I trust you will be able to overcome. After all, you don’t need to marry the man, just get him on our side in three weeks or less!” Suki smiled as she rewrapped the scroll and set it aside.“Okay.” Katara stumbled. Her mind was racing and it was far too fast to try to contain into one question for Suki, Sokka, and Aang. Finally, she thought of one dire issue.“What if he recognizes me?”“Well, lucky for you…. Tonight is a masquerade ball!” Sokka smiled half heartedly. Katara returned the smile, but despite her best attempts it looked more like a grimace.“Well, enough of all this chit chat. Let’s go shopping.” Suki said as she dragged Katara away from the table. For a few days now, Toph had been absent from the house, but Suki had persuaded her to join the minute she returned. Unlike the rest of them, Toph did not have to wear a disguise. Katara, honestly, did not understand this and thought she of all of them should be the MOST disguised. Yet, she relented and met the two women outside of their house with a bag full of money and empty spirits.The trio began by walking down to the center marketplace where a lot of tailors could be found. Most sold commoners clothing, yet Suki insisted that she had found one that sold genuine dresses for nobility. Katara however, doubted this immensely.She kept up her doubts until she found herself outside of a little rag tag shop on the main road of the town. From inside, she heard the whirring of sewing machines and she saw flashes of color against the normally red and gold fire nation buildings. After Suki encouraged both of her weary companions inside the shop, Katara found that she was amazed by the beautiful array of dresses lined up against the wall of the shop. Earthen greens, pale blues, midnight purples, and bright crimsons lay in intricate patterns all over the mannequins.“See, you won’t have to look super fire nation.” Suki whispered in her ear. As Katara began to pace up and down the dresses and lay her hand on every fine, silky fabric. After pacing through lines of the dresses, her eyes landed on a light ocean blue and deep purple dress in the corner. On it’s delicate hemline, the dress sported moon and star freckled embroidery.“This is the one.” She said, turning to Suki to display her extraordinary choice in dress. “I don’t know how well I’ll blend in with the fire nation nobility, but this is the dress I’m going to wear. At the very least, I’ll certainly stand out amongst the crowd.”“That may actually work better for our plan.” Suki said, eyes lighting up at the realization. “Alright! Let’s get it.” She decided as she whipped her head around for the store owner. “Mister! We’d like to get this dress please!” She called out.“Ah.” The shopkeeper smiled as he pushed his crescent moon glasses up on his nose bridge. “That is one of my finest dresses! It will suit you perfectly.”“What is the price?” Suki asked as she withdrew her money bag.“200 gold.” The old man said. “But… I am willing to barter.” He smiled, an evil glint in his eye.“120 and a jade bracelet.” Suki started. “It is one from the earth kingdom. One of the finest and purest minerals out there.”“130 and the jade bracelet.” The old man retorted.“100, a jade bracelet, and the fan of a Kyoshi warrior.” Suki said again, sliding the fan onto the table alongside the jade bracelet.The old man hummed. “This dress was embroidered with some of the North Water Tribe’s finest silk. A man I know very well and respect dearly will make a profit for his bartering efforts for the silk, and I deserve to give him his due.”“Oh, just give them the dress.” A second old man said, stepping into the shop. Katara turned around. Standing in the doorway was the old man that Katara had met yesterday in the market. “I don’t need any such payment.” Iroh said, tilting his sun hat up and smiling at everyone.“If you insist, Iroh.” The shopkeeper said, swiping up their gold and assorted items and giving the two girls the dress.“Do you plan to go to Prince Zuko’s party?” Iroh asked Katara and Suki. “I’ve heard the ball will be quite a smashing success. I plan on going myself!” The old man said as he roared with laughter.“Yes, I plan to attend.” Katara replied (despite Suki’s uneasy remarks.) Toph remained silent by the dress wall as the conversation continued. Perhaps she did not want to make her presence known, or perhaps she simply had no input.“I am honored that you will wear a dress I worked so hard to help make.” Iroh said, seeming to be genuinely joyful at the idea of someone wearing his grand creation.“It’s beautiful.” Katara replied. “Thank you, both of you.” Katara smiled as she, Suki, and Toph left the establishment and headed back to the house.“Did you know that man?” Toph asked as they entered the door. “I didn’t recognize his voice.”“Oh yeah. He’s apparently one of Aang’s friends. I met him in the marketplace yesterday. Unfortunately, I think he knows I’m not a real fire nation citizen. But he claims to be on our side nonetheless.” Katara paused. “I have reason to believe that he may have been the one to teach Aang firebending.”“Interesting.” Suki said as she placed a hand on her chin. “It’s good to know that we have at least one person on our side.”“Yeah. I suppose.” Toph muttered. “Let’s go put Katara in that dress already.”With that, the women all went off to Katara’s room to prepare.A few hours later, Katara looked in the mirror at her new, fancy self. The dress fit on her frame like a glove, highlighting all of her curves and enunciating the muscles in her arms. Her chestnut hair was pulled back into an elegant bun with white flowers speckled in the folds of her hair. Finally, her look was pulled together with a simple, yet elegant mask that sported the deep purples of the dress and also added a snow covered effect to the outfit. After she walked down the stairs to the main portion of their temporary home, Aang and Sokka took her in their arms and walked her out of the home and to the doors of the Fire Nation House, where the banquet and ball would be held. With a hug goodbye from each of them, Katara turned towards the gates of the castle, ready to kill Firelord Ozai.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Katara could not express how grateful she was, that of all of the royal ball themes the Fire nation could’ve chosen to subject its finest royalty to, it was a masquerade ball. She was clearly not Fire nation, nor could she pass as Fire nation. So, the animosity that came with a group of masked strangers was something to be appreciated. Most of the strangers in the room wore red or gold masks and dresses. Some had the bravery to stray into orange and crimson, but Katara stuck out like a sore thumb in her water tribe-esque attire. When people turned their heads, she knew that it was her they gawked at, yet she had never felt more confident than she did right now.The large room she was in displayed valiant shades of crimson and gold. The drapes burned in horrible shades of red. Waitresses and waiters flocked into crowded areas, holding fake excitement to take a noble’s dish or offer a drink. Some nobles of higher status (ones that even a water tribe member like herself knew to stray from) stood solemnly in corners of the palace surrounded by only those on the same level as them. Katara was most appalled by the lack of music and dancing. Back at home, she and Sokka would often dance around a fire pit and sing songs in reckless abandon as the night dragged on. Akin to their element, the fire nation nobles stood in stuffy silence and they stood as stiff as their armor.On top of this array of confidence, it was also comforting to know that Aang was somewhere in the crowd, disguised as a waiter with Iroh’s help.“Who is she?” One of the waiters asked a fire nation soldier who stood present in the room.“A noble.” He simply responded. “Do not look down on her. She is a higher rank than you will ever be.” A part of Katara smiled at the fact that she simply melded in with the crowd, but the other part of her felt repulsed that they would associate her with such degenerates. Nevertheless, she had left the crowd beguiled. She couldn’t be happier with herself. At every person of importance, Katara took a low courtesy.“Good evening, citizens and equals.” A booming voice began. The voice, as far as Katara could tell, was not any of the royal family, but rather an advisor or general to the family. “We gather here tonight to begin the preparatory celebration for our crowned prince, Zuko. In two days’ time, our Prince will get down on one knee and propose to Lady Katara of the Southern Water Tribe!” At the mention of her own name from foreign lips, Katara froze. The rest of the speech fell on deaf ears. Katara’s eyes were stuck on the lips of the man revealing her future like an unwelcome fortune teller. All at once, it hit her. This gathering… this royal ball… was to celebrate a proposal she was entirely unaware of. Her people had given her up to the Fire Nation. No. Her people were dead and the Fire Nation was claiming their war prize. Her blood ran as cold as ice. She had never felt more exposed.“Where is Prince Zuko?” She nervously asked a passing waitress, who immediately began bowing. “No need to bow—just… where is he?” Katara stammered, unsettled by the hoard of attention she felt looming on her shoulders.“I’m not sure where our lovely Prince is at the moment.” The waitress said as she pushed up a strand of loose hair behind her ear. “However, the gardens are a favorite of his. I believe they are open now. But, If you wait he will surely arrive soon—" Katara was off before the waitress could finish her sentence. As she paced the edge of the ballroom, searching for guidance in a foreign land, Katara saw a familiar face amongst the crowd.“Ah, lady Myku of the Dukida islands, am I correct?” Iroh said with a glint in his eye as he approached a very nervous Katara. “Your dress is magnificent. You certainly stand out.” He said as he bowed. Sensing her apparent unease, Iroh gathered up Katara, arm-in-arm.“Iroh! Thank god.” She said, happy to see him but still trying to trust him. “I’m trying to find Prince Zuko, do you know where he may be?”“After our time in the crystal caverns in Ba Sing Se, my nephew has been distant. He is likely trying to avoid the unfortunate news that you have just been made aware of.” Iroh said, turning his gaze towards Katara. “He has known that he must propose to you for weeks now, and he has been a silent watcher to his own destiny.”When he said this, Katara’s heart dropped into her stomach. Still, Iroh continued on.“He is currently hiding out in the gardens. Would you like me to take you to him?” He asked, ducking into an empty corridor. “I don’t think he will recognize you with a mask, if that is what's troubling you.”“It’s not.” Katara said. “We left each other on fine terms. I am not fearful of him.” She replied.“There is no need to fear my nephew.” Iroh said. “The dragon of this land has broken his spirits. So I only hope you bring him good news.” With that, Iroh opened the door to the outside garden and let Katara leave him.Katara lied to him. She was incredibly nervous and fearful of Zuko. She knew he would recognize her, mask or not, but she was here on a mission. She would not fail. Despite the news she was just made aware of.With this in mind, she continues to pace down the overgrown and dilapidated garden steps. Amidst the overgrown wild grass lay fire lilies. Among the fire lilies grew morning glories. Among the morning glories, sat a Prince. The growing moonlight lit his complexion with the beauty of the moon and his eyes were closed to her presence.“Good evening.” She said, playing into her false nobility and taking a low bow. “I heard we will be married soon.” She glared. Dropping the act entirely. With the act, came her masquerade mask. Zuko looked up at her, his eyes wide in her presence, and for a moment he couldn’t speak. His voice broke before he caught it again.“So you’ve heard. Katara.” He said. Throwing a look of both anger and sadness, but scooting over nonetheless. Alongside the Prince, Katara took her seat in the foliage.“It’s a beautiful night-“ she started in a broken attempt to ease her own mind and racing heart.“I’m not one for small talk.” He finished. Silently, Katara cursed him. A small part of her wished he would play into her fantasy of meeting up unexpectedly with unexpected plans.“—and you have a beautiful garden.” She continued.For a moment, he paused. Katara braces herself for some kind of attack. But instead, he simply said, “Thank you. It was my mother’s. But, you know that. Don’t you? You’re playing a fire nation citizen, shouldn’t you know this story already?”“Yeah. I really should.” Katara said, uncomfortable even under the powerful presence of the moon. “Your uncle told me I could find you here. I need to talk to you about—““I’ll have to talk my uncle and remind him not to allow strangers into my garden.” He snapped, clearly trying to get on Katara’s nerves. And by god. It was working.“You’re insufferable.” She stated at point blank. Zuko’s stubborn act melted away at her attack.“So are you, Katara.” He said, eyes held in a steady, but calm, gaze.“I don’t like you.” Katara sighed.“I don’t like you either.” Zuko retorted.“Oh really?” Katara grimaced. “I heard you plan to marry me. Or at least try to.”“Correction: my father is trying to marry me off to you.” Zuko half-joked. When she did not reciprocate, Zuko turned to stone once again. “You’re the closest thing to royalty in your little tribe, and your tribe is friendly with the North. And the North has yet to fall.” He said, glaring at her.“My tribe is dead.” She stated bitterly. “And, your highness, it’s your damn fault.”“Your tribe is alive.” He stated. Clear as day. As if it wasn’t the most important thing she could’ve heard. Katara’s heart swelled with hope. He held up his finger, “If you go along with my father’s plan. I will help you find your people.” With that, he crossed his arms and waited for her response.She thought silently to herself. The thought of her beloved Gran-Gran and homeland warmed her heart more than the coals of this firey nation ever could. Maybe, she could turn this plan into profit.“I will go along with your plan.” She paused, “IF you help me kill Firelord Ozai.” Crossing her arms, Katara raised an eyebrow at him. Conflicted emotions wrecked his face as he considered his options.“Deal.” Zuko said, shaking Katara’s hand. “You will marry me, and we will kill my father and find your people.”“Deal.” Katara glared.The two of them sat there for a moment, hand in hand, glaring at each other with the force of one thousand suns.“KATARA!” Aang screamed as the doors to the garden nearly flew off their hinges. “I just heard the news—you have to marry that scumbag of a Prince and—“ Aang stopped himself and skittered to a stop as he was met with the (very angry) face of Prince Zuko.“My uncle needs to stop letting people into my garden when I am trying to have a private conversation.” Zuko seethed, dropping Katara’s hand and standing up to meet Aang. Katara stood up quickly, unsure of who to stand by.“I’m sorry.” Aang apologized. “I’m—I’m…” he was lost for words. Unsure of where to go or what to do, he sat down on the brick half wall lining the garden and threw up his hands in surrender.Katara, Zuko, and Aang all stood in uncomfortable silence. All around them, the breeze and humming of bugs filled the air. If her future was not on the line, Katara would be at pure peace. Her eyes met Aang’s. His eyes were filled with fear. By the sound of Zuko’s voice cracking in and out, he too was fighting back fear himself.“On the third day.” Zuko started as he looked to no one in particular. His voice broke through the uncomfortable silence like an obsidian blade.“You will show up and accept my proposal. Do not show up tomorrow. Leave immediately through the garden. The world cannot know that you were here tonight.” For a moment, he met her gaze. Only to give her a letter with the Fire Nation insignia on it. “Present this to the guards on the third day of the ball, and you will be let in. I will visit you tomorrow to go over this plan once more. Avatar, come with me so that the others do not get suspicious. Until then.” With that, he and Aang left Katara in silence once more.
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With the empty silence, Katara began to feel tears well up in her eyes. She pushed them away and followed Zuko’s order to scale the wall and leave the garden. The sharp stones cut at the palms of her hands, but it was a welcome feeling compared to the emptiness she had experienced all night. As soon as she dropped down at the other side of the wall, her heartbeat quickened and she flew through the streets of the city. Her heels pounded with pain from the high heels she had forced herself into and her lungs screamed for solace. Her dress caught on stone and her makeup slid down her face as she fought back tears with a guarded heart. She felt the watchful eye of the Fire Nation on her as she passed through heavily guarded areas. Her heart cried out for her to stop and to let the tears fall from her eyes freely, but she ignored every instinct inside of her. Still, she ran.When the ache in her heart caught up to her muscles, she finally stopped running. Her dress had a tattered hem and her shoes were long gone. Her makeup was smudged and her heart was heavy as she swung open the door to her home. Inside, a few candles were still lit. Suki and Sokka’s forms were visible in the dim light, while Toph was likely asleep already. Katara could not tell if her brother was asleep or not, but Suki’s gentle snoring rang throughout the stiff air. With silent steps, Katara slid out of her dress and cleaned her face of the dripping makeup. As soon as she was finished, she sat down in front of a wide-eyed sokka.“You’re home early.” He whispered. “The candles are still lit.” Katara hoped they were dim enough to hide her tears from her brother.“Yeah. I talked to him.” She whispered back. “I am to be married to him. It’s a political engagement. But, out tribe is safe and sound.” She felt her voice falter. Beneath the crackle of the candle flame, Katara overheard the sharp intake of air flooding Sokka’s lungs.“Are you sure?” Was all he could manage. In the dim light, Katara was almost sure that there were tears in his eyes.“Yes.” She nodded, eyes fixated on the flame mere feet away from her rather than her brother. She watched as the flame flickered in and out under her watchful eye.“Okay.” He replied. “I’m not happy with this. The whole Zuko engagement shabockle.”“Nor is he.” Katara managed.“Are you?” Sokka asked amidst the quiet.“No. But it is what is best.” Katara reiterated. For her own sake, she would not let herself think anything differently about the matter.“I’m terrified to let you do this, Katara.” Sokka whispered. Although Katara could not see his face, she could only imagine it was twisted in pain.“I'm terrified too.” She whispered back as she sniffed out the remaining candle in the room, letting the fire kiss her skin. “Goodnight.” She replied. He bid his sister a silent goodbye as Katara let herself wander into the back gardens of their house.Their house was nowhere as nice as the palace gardens, yet Katara felt honored to be in the presence of nature as she mourned the loss of a life not yet lived. She lowered herself into Aang’s makeshift hammock and turned her gaze up towards the heavens. None of the stars looked like they did at home. None of the stars looked even remotely familiar. It was then that Katara realized this was the first time since meeting Aang that she had allowed herself to be still and calm. Ever since that catalyst of the boy in the iceberg, Katara had been running. But now, there was nowhere to run. She had to brave the next sector of her future like an earth bender. Still. Unwavering. Steadfast. She could not run away from this one, lest the entire world suffer as a result. In two days, she would take Zuko to be her fiancé and kill the Firelord where he stands.Her mind clouded with the hopes of a free land. A place where the Fire Nation had not eradicated the Air Nomads. She dreamed of home. She longed for the ice spires and penguins of her homeland. She wanted to go penguin sledding. She wanted to go ice fishing with her brother. She wanted to know the stars again and not be lost in a maze of unfamiliarity.“Damn fire nation.” She groaned as she twisted round in her hammock. She looked at her hand. Her homeland was far from here. She did not fit in in these foreign nations. But, at least her people were alive. If Zuko was telling the truth, she had something to go home to after this wretched war was over. Even if her land was melted and her ice shattered, the heartbeat of her people pulsed on in the northern water tribe and fire nation prisons and she knew they would not give up. As her eyes glanced upwards, she finally found solace in the foreign stars, for her people were looking at the same constellations no matter where on earth they were.She had not known when she had fallen asleep. But, she felt the ice of a homeland lost to a dream under her feet. To the sides of her, she heard only the wails and screams of her people. This was how she had left her people. At once she remembered that her people were not safe with the north. They were burning in prisons.“Slaughter them.” A familiar voice said over the pain and suffering around her. She whipped her head around to better see out of her Fire Nation helmet. When she looked to her side, she saw the scarred face of her soon-to-be fiancé. His brow was screwed into anger and his eyes glowed with raw, unabashed power. He looked at his men. He looked at Katara. The cool wind of her land mixed with the hot coals of the fire and plagued her nose. She was burning from the inside out. “Did you hear me?” He reiterated. “I said slaughter them.”Katara watched as the soldiers around her devoured her city on their exiled Prince’s order. Buildings of ice went up in steam when the vibrant fire hit them. Gran Gran and the other children of the village took shelter under an ice box, but even they were not spared. Sokka bashed Fire Nation helmets with his steel boomerang, but soon even he fell unconscious to the relentless fire nation soldiers. Aang was nowhere in sight, but his bison flew away faster than the Fire Nation ships could chase him. Katara stood in shock at the pain around her. She was immovable.“I can’t do it.” She said, looking towards the angry face of Zuko. Her gaze fell towards her bare hands. She tried to reach for some sort of water to fight Zuko off, but there was nothing in the dry air. She was hopeless. “I’m sorry.” She repeated as she looked down at the fire nation armor she was dressed in. She was disgusted at herself.“You are weak.” He sighed, not meeting her eyes. Before she could react, Zuko threw a flame directly into her hands, as Aang had done when he tried to learn firebending.At the impact, Katara’s eyes flew open. Something was held over her mouth. Against the darkness and muggy atmosphere, she could not see who or what was restraining her.“Don’t say anything.” The voice above her hissed. All she could determine was that the voice belonged to a man whom she recognized. Her mind flashed with possibilities before landing on the flashing jackpot. Zuko.“I am not going to hurt you.” He said again. “Just follow me. We need to talk.” With that, he let her go and drew her up in his arms. She did not fight him. Instead, she felt herself go limp in his arms. Perhaps it was from exhaustion, perhaps it was from trust. No matter what the cause, his gentle breathing and warm atmosphere calmed her nerves.***When Katara awoke, she found herself in a dimly lit inn. She lay on the middle of the bed while Zuko sat at her feet, adorned in a fiery red cloak. She rubbed her eyes sleepily as he turned his gaze in her direction.“Hey.” He said, voice breaking from exhaustion. “Good to see you awake. I think I caught you at a bad time.”“Yeah. No wonder.” Katara said as she sat up in the bed and scooted over to make room for him. Taking it, Zuko slid under the sheet next to her. Both of them tottered on the edge of the bed, leaving about a four foot gap of blankets in between them.“Sorry if I scared you. Also, sorry there’s only one bed, this was the only room they had left. Thanks for making space for me.” He said once again, not meeting her eyes.“It’s okay.” Katara replied, looking off into the distance. “I was having a nightmare, so I appreciate the wake up call. And, I’ll get over the one-bed situation.” She said sarcastically.After a moment, he replied, “Are you okay?” Zuko asked, his voice breaking once again.“Doing great. I was kidnapped and now I’m curled up in bed next to a guy that’s been chasing me down for years.” Katara said bitterly. “So. Why did you drag me here at unholy hours of the morning?” Katara asked, exposing the elephant in the room.“To make a plan?” He replied, unsure. His hands shook violently and he looked like he would be sick. Katara simply assumed he felt bad and didn’t know how to say it, or maybe he was just as nervous about all of this as she was.“Why did you have to kidnap me for that?” She yawned and slipped under the blankets to hide her shivering.“Well, first of all, it was unsafe for you to be asleep outside, so ultimately I did you a favor. Secondly, I didn’t kidnap you.” He turned on his side with a flop to look at her.“Mhm. Right.” Katara joked back at him. “So, what’s your grand plan that you dragged me here to talk about”“Well. Im not sure. It’s not fully fleshed out yet.” Zuko sighed as he crawled down farther under the blankets. “I mean I’ll obviously propose to you on the third day of the ball and then I think you live at the castle for a bit—in your own room of course—and a few days later there is a feast to celebrate the proposal and then the marriage will come later.”Katara listened the whole time, trying to take in every bit of information she was hearing while also trying to have a calm exterior. On the inside, she was on a rollercoaster 60 miles up in the stratosphere.“So, when do we kill Ozai?” Katara interjected.“Shhh.” Zuko hushed her and looked around wildly. “We’re alone, but just in case someone is whispering we should keep his assassination on the down low.”“Whatever.” Katara rolled her eyes.“Well, you could poison him.” Zuko stated. “That would be the easiest. But, you could also kill him in his sleep or duel him—though I doubt you’d last long against him.” Zuko said, counting off each method on a finger.“Zuko, how much time do you have on your hands to premeditate your father’s murder?” Katara laughed.“How long was I in exile again?” Zuko replied as he clasped his hands together and warmed himself up. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that they were meeting in, Katara was glad that he was making the best of the situation.“You look cold.” He said simply, reaching a warmed hand out to her.“I’m not that cold.” Katara insisted. Alas, despite her lies, Zuko pressed a warm hand against her cheek. Katara could not tell if he was just burning hot or if she was just that flushed by the contact, but she felt warmer than she had ever been in her whole life. Nevertheless, she relaxed into his touch.“Not that cold, huh?” He raised an eyebrow at her.“You know what—“ Katara said as she turned on her side with a humph and blew out the candle on the bedside. “Fuck you.” She sighed. “Goodnight.”“You don’t want me to take you home?” Zuko asked into the darkness.“You already bought me the room, didn’t you?” Katara smiled.
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When she awoke in the morning, Zuko was gone. The bedsheets (on his side at least) were cleanly folded and Katara was properly tangled in her sheets and blankets. On the mahogany bedside table lay a rip of paper from a book with a note scribbled on the back.Until tomorrow-ZukoKatara felt a slight tinge in her heart when she read the note but immediately wrote it off as nerves and turned back on her side to think about the night prior.After laying in bed for a formidable amount of time, Katara finally got up, gathered her stuff and got out of that inn. She knew that Aang, Sokka, Suki, and Toph must all be worried out of their minds, yet she found herself not regretting the night. Sure, she was technically kidnapped by her fiancé, but the night ended up going remarkably well! They made plans and they had a moment together and they…Katara pausedShe was very much blushing at the recollection of the memories. She sighed and pushed on through the growing sea of market-goers. All around her, Fire nation children played and women bartered for goods from hungry merchants. In the sea of people, one group’s heavy footsteps stood out. A company of Fire Nation soldiers marched through the streets, silencing the market-goers. Katara felt a horrible chill roll up her spine. The masked faces of the Fire Nation Army inspired fear in every soul in the market. She quickly raced into an alley as the patrol marched past. The air stilled as one of the soldiers in the back locked eyes with her. At his prolonged gaze, Katara ran in the other direction.Through the alleyways and backstreets, she jumped over barrels and ducked under clotheslines and weaved through people. She knew the fire nation was not following her, yet her heart panged with fear as she swirled through the maze.“K-uh-Myku?” Sokka yelled out from the side as he saw her and hugged her tightly. “Where have you been?” He hissed as he grabbed her shoulders and shook her around.“It’s a long story-““Aang, Toph, Suki and I have been so worried.” He interrupted. Katara nodded as she began following her brother through the streets.Once they came closer to the house, Katara found the group in all different parts of the house, drawing out missing posters.“That looks great Aang.” Toph said sarcastically. As soon as Katara’s foot hit the ground, Toph swiveled her head around and pointed at Katara. “She’s back!”“Katara!” Aang yelled as he tackled her to the ground. “Where did you go?”“I’ll explain! Just let me breathe!” Katara laughed as she pushed Aang off of her.“You better explain right this instant-“ sokka yelled as he stuck a finger in her face.“Zuko and I met up.” She paused, willfully ignoring the twisted looks on her friend’s faces and the absolute betrayal on Aang’s face. “We discussed the arrangement and went over how to go through with the plan.” She held her head high.“For what? Twelve hours?” Sokka asked, eyebrows screwed down in amazement at Katara’s stupidity.“I fell asleep.” Katara said pointedly. “I didn’t mean to, but I did. And we worked the whole thing out so it doesn’t even matter!” She threw her hands up in the air and marched off to her room. Ignoring the shouts from her friends, she slammed the door and collapsed onto her bed.~*~On the morning of the third day of the ball, all Katara felt was fear. She woke up in a haze of sweat after a horrible nightmare about her future and was suddenly swept up into a blaze of hairdressing, makeup, and fabric. Her day was full of monotone decisions and faked excitement. By the time the sun had neared the horizon again, Katara was fully adorned in her royal outfit. Her arms glistened with silver sheen and her dress glowed like a midnight moon. Her under eyes shone with bright white paint and her lips were brazen with red. She looked like a goddess. She felt like an outsider. Still, when the time came, she hiked up her dress and walked through the streets of the fire nation. Words floated on deaf ears as the townspeople were caught up in her majesty. Through the haze of backlash and beratement, she trudged on.She was immediately the centre of attention when she reached the palace gates. The guards stuck up their noses at her and other princesses and royals dared to stick their feet out where she walked, trying to trip her no doubt. Yet, when the royal guard took one look at her, he opened the blazing gates to the fire nation court and she was let in without announcement.Alas, she was a walking announcement.When the two gates swung wide open, her flashy dress caught the eye of every candle in the room and she sparkled like a winter sun. Azula, who sat off alone in a corner, was even drawn to her potent flame. Katara sat herself in the edge of the room, doing her best to remain humble and stoic as she outshown everyone in a fifteen meter radius. Her eyes traced the room, eventually landing on golden pillars and talonflame banners under which Prince Zuko sat. On his left side stood a guard whispering the situation to him, at the flip of the guard’s tongue, Zuko’s eyes met hers.If she was a humble woman, she would say he was endowed by her presence.But she was not a humble woman.He was seduced by her presence.“Good evening,” The guard said as he took his place on the pedestal. “We are here to welcome Lady Katara of the Water Tribe into the royal family.” He stated. “Lady Katara, I welcome you.” He said as he withdrew his hand from his side and waited for Katara to step up. Next to the man stood zuko. Zuko was dressed head-to-toe in perfectly fitted robes of silk and velvet. His hair was pinned up with a fire nation crown and his robes hung freely off of his princely outfit. He was a stark contrast to Katara.In the silence of the room, Katara was the only one who moved. Her iridescent skin glittered in the candle lights as she moved through the silent crowd. Time stilled as she took a stand next to the guard. For a moment, it was only her standing in front of a wild crowd. A mob. Praying on her downfall. Soon, Zuko joined her side and fell to one knee. In a rush of adrenaline and fear, she mindlessly accepted his half-baked proposal and placed the worthless ring on her hand. All of the hope she felt two days ago in that inn dissipated in a moment’s time.The crowd cheered. Zuko down at her with a content smile on her face. Her face was red with shame. Still, she lowered her head politely and turned towards the rupturius crowd. Everyone in the crowd had either a look of excitement or disgust on their face—but one stood out from the rest. Azula, the sister of Zuko, sat with two women by her side, on fire at the sight of Katara and her ring. Azula’s amber-colored eyes dug into her skin and stripped her of her humble pride.“Pay no attention to her.” Zuko said, noticing her clear unease. “She is always unhappy.”Katara said nothing.“Alright, May I have this dance?” Zuko said, holding out his golden hand. She lay her hand in his and he pulled her into the middle of the floor. Fire nation royals took a seat as the band began to strike up a gentle waltz.She was not good at dancing. She tripped over his feet and she was constantly falling over her dress and his cape. Still, she did her best to mimic the foreign dances that her partner danced. The waltz was nothing like she had ever danced back at home. The southern tribe had no waltz. They had rain dances and celebrations for days, but they were often accompanied with drums and laughter—not the stale orchestra meters away from her. She tried to keep her eyes on his amber gaze and not on the mistakes she kept making with her feet. He looked as uncomfortable as her. She couldn’t help but sense the disappointment in her skills as he continued to glide around the dance floor.“You’re not good at this.” He said pointedly. Katara was insulted for a moment. But something about the matter-of-fact statement made Katara chuckle. Her shoulders danced with laughter as the both of them smiled at the comment.“I’m not, no.” She replied. “How could you tell?”Zuko laughed at her comment. He continued to lead her gently through the moves to the waltz. He was being incredibly patient with her. Katara felt warm for a moment in the foreign land, perhaps it was from his kindness.When the orchestral music slowly faded out, Zuko looked at her kindly and pulled her off to the side of the dance floor.“Is Aang here?” He asked immediately when they were out of the spotlight of the crowd.“I have no clue.” She replied. Royals began to congregate around them as soon as they were out of the spotlight, so they both silenced as soon as they began.As the night continued, Katara was missing the presence of her friends. She really thought that they would be here in a disguise of some sort. But, they never showed. She thought back to her conversation with them last night. Her memory flashed with Sokka’s irrevocably angry face at her actions.The fire Prince looked over at Katara. Her face was twisted in fear and concern, yet her eyes looked out to nothing. Some of the people in the audience looked at her like she was an alien. With her sliver skin and deep purple dress, she may as well be.“Katara.” He muttered as he placed a warm hand on her shoulder. “Are you feeling okay?”She looked up at him.“Yes, I’m alright. Just tired.”“It is getting late.” Zuko concurred. He faced the crowd still waiting to congratulate us. “We will be retiring for the night. Until morning.” Zuko said as he locked arms with Katara and walked with her down the candle lit hallway.