A/N: Okay so this takes place seven years after the war, so everyone is seven years older! Read and PLEASE review! Btw the dress I describe for Katara later is like the one Taylor Swift wore on the red carpet by Reem Acra, for those of you who want to look up a pic of it!

The young women stared out at the ocean, watching as Yue lit up its glossy surface. Absentmindedly she tucked a piece of her long dark hair behind her ear, oblivious to the fact that it was damp with mist. It was quiet on the deck, the only noise was that of the waves that gently lulled against the ship. As she looked out at the sea with deadened eyes only one thought was going through her mind. She had felt nervous about her decision for weeks, but now that she was here, the Fire Nation only a few miles away,a soothing calmness filled her. She knew Zuko would be waiting, he would have seen the ship. It was too late to turn back now. For the first time in months, a small smile formed on her lips.

Katara woke slowly as the dream released her from its grasp. With a sigh she tossed on her bed, the damp sheets tangling around her long legs. She stayed that way for a moment before irritably jerking herself upright, tugging the stubborn sheets away from her as she rose. She had been having that same dream for nearly a month now, and every night she would wake at the end of it, unable to return to sleep. After pacing for several minutes she quickly dressed in a simple Fire Nation dress before quietly sneaking out of the Palace. Excitement filled her as her steps took her further from the palace. Living there wasn't all bad, but she was used to the open air, doing what she wanted when she wished and not having to tell servants of her plans. With a last cautious look around Katara left the streets and headed down a lightly used pathway, her ears quickly picking up the quiet gurgle of the stream. She took a deep, pleasant breath as she walked next to it, allowing it to lead her to the river that it adjoined. It was only a five minute walk, if that, but that time was precious to Katara. It reminded her of better times, and for that she was grateful. When at last she reached the river she didn't pause but instead walked straight in until she was thigh deep. Gracefully she stretched her arms upwards before lowering them and easily encouraging a string of water to crawl its way up her wrist, its cool presence soothing. Excitement began to course its way through her body as she moved in complex water bending forms that were now almost ridiculously easy for her, still, she never felt more like herself when she was bending. Because of her dreams, this had become her nightly ritual, and at times she wondered if that was the true reason she couldn't return to sleep, or if it was the enticing call of her beloved river.

It was nearing dawn when Katara gave the river one last loving look before slowly wading to the shoreline. Quickly she put on her sandals and made her way back to the palace, if Hideo knew about her nighttime adventures, he would be sure to stop her. As she walked her mind wandered back to the young man she was destined to marry.

Katara gazed shyly around the room, her eyes searching for Zuko who had gone to find her betrothed. Not seeing him, she turned her attention back to all the dancers, the womens beautiful ball gowns swirling gracefully around their dancing bodies. She had found it ridiculously for Zuko to insist on throwing an engagement ball, and the sights before her confirmed it. She didn't know anyone here, and she was feeling irritable with nothing to do but stand off to the side.

"May I have this dance?" Startled she turned to see a man, not much older than her bowing with a flourish, his brown eyes twinkling.

"I'm not sure," she hesitated, "I'm supposed to be waiting for someone."

"Is this someone a gentleman?" He asked looking upset.

"Yes," she said, unable to hold back a light laugh at his expression, then, deciding the truth was best, she added "I'm here to meet the man I am supposed to marry."

"Well is he a good man?" He asked, one eyebrow raised stubbornly.

"How should I know? I haven't met him." she replied indignantly.

"Well let us suppose that he is," he said with a small chuckle, "do you think this nice man would want you to be standing off to the side instead of joining in the fun."

"If he is a nice man, which I will remind you that I'm not sure of, then I guess no. He wouldn't want that."

"That being the case, my name is Hideo, and I would be honored to have this dance."

They had talked, laughed, and nearly danced the night away when Katara came to her senses and quickly backed away, looking around frantically for Zuko.

"What's wrong Katara?" Asked Hideo with a frown and she pushed him away.

"I was supposed to meet my Fiancée!" She cried, "I got so caught up in our conversation that I didn't even realize," she let her sentence trail off.

"Katara-" began Hideo with a chuckle, but she quickly cut him off when Zuko came into her sight.

"Zuko!" she called him over.

"I see you two have been having fun." he observed lightly, making Katara blush.

"Zuko I'm so sorry! We started dancing and I forgot." She mumbled her excuse.

Zuko looked at Hideo confused before turning to Katara. "What are you talking about?"

"I was supposed to wait for you to introduce me to my Fiancée."

"Oh well it's not a big deal Katara."

"Yes it is! Oh I feel so stupid!"

"Well if it bothers you so much," Zuko grabbed Hideo and pulled him to his side, "Katara this is Hideo, your betrothed."

Her mind snapped back to the present when she opened the palace door and was ambushed with hugs.

"Katara!"

"Hey Sugar Queen!"

"Sis! Where's the kitchen? Ouch, kidding Suki, just kidding!"

"What are you guys doing here?" she gasped when she was finally released from their embrace.

"Did you forget what today was?" Said Toph with a grin.

"Um no," she laughed nervously, "of course not."

"Yes you have!" accused Sokka, pointing a finger menacingly at her wet hemline. "You were too busy playing with your water to remember!"

"You guys," said Suki calmly, "I'm sure Katara didn't forget that were all here to celebrate the seven year anniversary of Ozai's defeat ok?" Turning she winked at Katara before continuing. "It's still early, why don't you both get something to eat?"

Not needing to be asked twice, Sokka and Toph left quickly in the direction of the kitchen.

"I can't believe I forgot! I thought it was next month!" Groaned Katara as she led the way to her room.

"Your busy, any normal person would understand. I mean aren't you getting married in three months?" Asked Suki with a smile.

"Two." Corrected Katara wearily as she pushed open her bedroom door. "I'm so glad you guys are here though! I've missed you all so much!"

"We've missed you too, even Toph was excited to see you again!" Suki said with a laugh. "So," she began, her voice more serious, "Do you know if he's coming?"

"Who? Oh him?" Replied Katara airily, "no I don't believe so. He hasn't been to the last three at least."

"You mean ever since you two broke up?" Suki asked knowingly while Katara nodded sadly. "You still aren't really over him, are you?"
"It's silly isn't it? I mean it was a mutual split, we just were away from each other for too long, it wasn't fair." Katara said with a sigh.

"Well at least you've got that cutie Hideo." Said Suki, brightening up instantly. "Now go get dressed so we can go shopping for tonight!"

Katara watched Suki leave before she collapsed on her bed and stared at the ceiling. She couldn't help but wonder why she kept lying about their split. It didn't seem like any of them were likely to run into the all mighty Avatar any time soon anyway, and it would feel good to cry to someone about the unfairness of it all, and how much she still hurt from that day three years ago when Aang, without any true explanation, had walked away from her forever.

"Katara hurry up!" Whined Sokka from outside her door. With a sigh she took one last look at herself in the mirror, still amazed at her sudden makeover. Her dress was gorgeous, the top was heart shaped and had dozens of silver diamonds that reached her pelvic bones before spreading out in sharp points, the rest of the dress was a very dark blue, in honor of the water tribe. At her throat was her mothers necklace, her long dark hair fell freely behind her in waves, only the front pieces were pinned back to further accentuate her eyes. Satisfied she grabbed her clutch and hurried out the door.

"About time Ka-wow." Said Sokka as he faced her. "You clean up nice."

"Thanks Sokka." She replied, her voice sarcastic.

They met with the others in the hallway, and after Sokka drooled all over Suki's beautiful green dress and Katara confessed she truly did like Toph's outfit, the four made their way towards the dinning hall. Katara couldn't help but smile when she walked through the doors. The dinning hall had gotten a makeover as well, and now instead of only Fire Nation banners, there were banners of all the four nations. People were dressed in their respective nation's colors and were milling about the table, unsure where to sit.

"Katara, you look beautiful!" Exclaimed Hideo as he reached her side, lovingly taking her arm in his.

"Hideo! I want you to meet my friends." She said happily, turning him to face the others. "This is my brother Sokka."

Quietly Sokka took Hideo's hand, giving it a firmer shake than necessary while looking into his eyes. "If you ever hurt my sister, nobleman or not, I will kill you." He promised before backing away.

"Sokka!" Snapped Katara angrily.

"Hey if he treats you well, then there's no problem." He replied with a shrug.

With an understanding nod Hideo reached a hand out for Toph before freezing when he saw her eyes.

"Yeah I'm blind." She said deadpan. "But I'm with Sokka," she added, stomping her foot on the ground, causing a small boulder to fly into her fist that she held menacingly in Hideo's face. "You hurt Sugar Queen, we'll hurt you!"

"I understand." Said Hideo with a grimace while Katara glared pointlessly at Toph . He then turned to Suki and eyed her wearily.

"What can I say?" She said with a grin. "We protect our own." As she left to find Sokka and Toph she turned and gave them both a large smile, "congratulations, it was nice to meet you Hideo!"

It was nearly an hour later when everyone was seated and Zuko stood and held his arms out wide. "Welcome to the Fire Nation! We are honored to have some of the brave warriors that fought against Ozai seven years ago sitting among us right now! As the Fire Lord, I am forever grateful for your help to restore our Nation's balance." He nodded at his friends with a smile. "Unfortunately Avatar Aang was unable to make it this year as he has other duties that require his attention," continued Zuko, "but please eat, dance, and enjoy-" Zuko paused as a guard rushed up to him, whispering quickly and glancing around with excitement.

"Please excuse me, but it appears I was wrong." He turned around and waved the guards to open the doors, a friendly smile spread on his face. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Avatar Aang."

She couldn't breath. He's here, why is he here? Her heart raced, her ears were filled with cheers that were meant for the man who had broken her heart. She should have left, shouldn't have even cared that he was here, but before she even had a chance to convince herself of that, she saw him, and she knew it was all over. He was more handsome than she remembered, he was wearing clothing similar to what he wore when he defeated Ozi seven years ago, his head still shaved in honor of his ancestry. Katara drank in the sight of him, of the brilliant tattoo's that spread down his back and arms, she felt tears gather at the corners of her eyes, her heart filled with a painful longing. She watched as Sokka stood and happily slapped his old friend on the back. Katara watched as Aang gave him an odd look, and terror filled her. Quickly she shoved her chair back, causing it to screech against the hard floor, but she didn't care, she ran and then did the only thing she could do to distract Aang, she threw herself into his arms. Shocked he momentarily put his arms around her and for a moment she allowed herself to pretend that nothing had happened three years ago, and that they were still both in love, but all too soon she felt his hands grab her and push her back. She raised her face to his, hurt to see the anger in his eyes. He left me, not the other way around! She thought bitterly, what does he have to be so angry about? But still, now was not the time for Sokka to hear the truth and want to kill the Avatar, so she looked at Aang and said with a smile, "Hey we all missed you! Oh and don't worry, I told them all about our breakup and they don't hate you or anything, so you didn't really have to stay away for so long, great right?" She knew she was blabbing but she couldn't help it, he was looking at her as if she were crazy and it was scaring her.

"You told them everything?" he asked, eyebrow raised. Silently she nodded. With a smile that didn't reach his eyes he pulled her back into a friendly hug before putting his lips to her ear and whispering, "if you told them everything, then why on earth would they hate me?"