Katara walked confidently through the palace halls, navigating the large building with little difficulty. It had been a year since the end of the war and her last visit, but she still remembered the place well.

Pausing in the gardens, she took a moment to take in the view. It was pitiful, and she was the cause. During the final battle, she had been forced to draw water from the plants, ultimately killing them. The pond water had been evaporated by Azula's intense flames, and the steam from them wasn't nearly enough for both attack and defence.

It seemed odd that the flowers hadn't been replaced yet. Then again, the people in charge of rebuilding probably had more important things to focus on – like the East Wing, which had been completely demolished.

Standing in the center of the wilting garden was Zuko, staring sadly at the empty pond. The turtle-ducks were gone.

"We used to come here all the time," he said quietly when she walked up beside him.

She knew without asking who he referred to.

Gazing at the area more intently, Katara noticed that a few plants had survived – namely a cluster of drought resisting flowers and some grass. They were beautiful, but they seemed lonely.

There had to be a way to fix it. If waterbending could pull water out of plants, then maybe it could force it into them, too. How, she had no idea, but it was worth trying. Taking a few steps forward, she spread out her arms, focusing on the water in the air and the pond.

"What are you doing?" Zuko asked.

She ignored him.

The airborne moisture began to bead into tiny droplets as a few waves stirred the pond. Vegetation surrounded her, thirsty for the substance. All she needed to do was provide it.

With smooth, fluid motions, she manipulated the element, sending it into the plants in thin ribbons. As quickly as they had died the previous year, the plants were revived, stems straightening and flowers blooming.

Lowering her arms to her sides, Katara turned to smile at Zuko, her breathing ragged. Though it looked simple, the technique had been complex and tiring.

The prince (Iroh had taken the role of Fire Lord) stared in wonder. After taking a moment to process the suddenly thriving garden, he met her gaze, eyes saying the words he could not form.

"Thank-you."

Author's Notes: So, yeah, kinda random. Sort of a waterbending-theory in the form of fanfiction, but whatever. I hope you guys like it!

Disclaimer: 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and all its characters are property of Mike and Bryan.