A silent breeze blew gently through Katara's long, smooth, chocolate hair. For a moment she closed her eyes, and an unwelcome memory took its form.
"Katara, I'm leaving."
"Oh. Okay, when?" she asked turning around, and melting when she saw Aang's friendly face. But it looked oddly . . . indifferent . . . almost sad.
"Tonight."
"Tonight? Why didn't you tell me, Aang? I would've packed and-" Suddenly she saw something in his eyes. Something that seemed wrong.
"Katara . . ." his voice seemed to almost choke on the words, but he swallowed.
"You don't want me to go."
"No."
With a jolt, Katara opened her eyes. She could feel tears welling up in them.
"Arggh, get over him!" she yelled several times, slamming her fist onto the railing, ignoring the pain. After all, what could possibly hurt more than remembering-
No, she couldn't think about him. She wouldn't think about him.
"Katara?" She jumped at the sound of her voice. It was Zuko.
"Um . . . yeah?"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm, um, fine."
"Don't lie to me, Katara."
"I'm not lying." But he could tell she was, and she knew it. She had let her voice rise in pitch, like it did whenever she lied.
"I think now is the time for the truth."
"I was remembering Aang."
"Oh," he breathed in understanding. Katara couldn't help but blush as memories of Aang came rushing back in swift shots. Memories of the cave, Ember Island, that kiss after Sozin's Comet had ripped across the sky . . .
"Yeah, I know."
"Don't fret about it, Katara. You know, I truly think he loved you."
"If he loved me why would he leave me?" Katara spat sourly, her lip curled in anger to hide her pain. But Zuko could see right through it, into her heart.
"I believe he wanted to protect you."
"Yeah, right."
"Well, I actually didn't come here to be a therapist," Zuko said, "I have some news."
"What?" she asked.
"Sokka is here."
"Sokka?" she asked in surprise. Sokka had been in the Southern Water Tribes for a while now, scouting out potential waterbenders. Why would he come to the Fire Kingdom? To visit her?
She was only in the Fire Kingdom for a short while, visiting Zuko.
"Yeah, Sokka. He told me to meantion," he started to grin at this point, "That it was about Aang."
Katara, who had been taking a sip of water, spit it squarely on Zuko. He stood there for a short moment, his eyebrows raised and his eyes closed. A smile of amusement and a groan tugged at his lips.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Zuko! I mean-"
"If you say Fire Lord, I will burn you."
"Okay."
"Just go down before you spray me some more."
"Gotcha."
Katara rushed down the stairs, her heart beating faster than it had in a long time. Three years, in fact. When she saw Sokka, she couldn't help but feel disappointed.
What were you expecting, Katara? That just because Zuko meantion Aa- him- that he would be standing right there?
She embraced her older brother, who looked amused at the mixed emotions flitting across her face.
"How're you doin' sis?" he asked.
"I'm fine. How's Suki?" she replied.
"She's all wrapped up in planning the wedding, but she is very good at it and is enjoying herself."
"That's great, Sokka." And she meant it.
"Thanks. But I'm sure you want to hear about Aang."
"What do you know about him?" Katara cursed under her breath. She had meant for the words to come out easily, nonchalantly, but instead the had been rushed and excited. Sokka noticed, of course.
"I don't know if you want to hear this . . ." he said, grinning.
"Don't tease me, Sokka!" Katara moaned, "Just tell me!" Sokka grinned and Katara listened a bit too eagerly as he went on.
"He's coming here."
"Here?" Katara whispered.
"Yup." Sokka popped the "p".
"Oh no," she whispered. "Sokka, I've gotta get out of here!"
"But I thought you wanted to see him!"
"I- I- I can't."
"You can't what?"
"I can't look at him, Sokka. I'm not ready."
"But he really wanted to see you."
"Wait, you saw him?"
"Yeah. Actually, he tracked me down. He said he was heading to the Fire Nation for an annual meeting with Zuko, and that he was looking forward to seeing you."
"Looking forward to seeing me? Well, he'll be in for a nasty surprise."
"Katara . . ."
"Leave it, Sokka, I'm getting out of here."
"Katara . . ."
"Stop saying my name!" Sokka sighed, and the two had little time to exchange words before the sound of a bell rang through the city.
"He's here," she whispered.
