My first try at an one-shot!! BUT, im kinda torn; if i get enough reviews telling me to do so, I will make it a two-shot!! So get reviewin'!!
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just kidding, oh lovely readers!
The bustle around the marketplace was both new and familiar to Katara. She has many memories of walking these streets, in happier times. But it is also a new experience to be walking them alone. Katara lengthened her stride, not liking the leers she was receiving from some of the males as they also registered the fact that she was alone.
Her eyes drifted from product to product, not really focusing on anything. She thought of all the reasons why she was alone on this sunny, happy day. Sokka was still helping Dad back home. Nobody knew where Toph was. The last time I'd heard of her she was going around Earth Kingdom village to Earth Kingdom village repairing some of the Fire Nation's damage. Aang was--- that thought stopped cold as guilt and sadness surged through her.
Aang was probably halfway across the world right now, looking desperately for more air-benders. Aang was still avoiding me after that day years ago when I told him the news. I can still remember his shock.
"Aang, I have to tell you something," I started off ominously.
"Sure. What do you need, Katara?"
"I'm sure you've been expecting this for some time now, so here it goes: I am marrying Zuko."
In truth Aang had no idea what was going on between us. Aang had his suspicions, but hadn't known that we were that far along in our relationship. He had been banking on his time to win me back. Now there was no time, with our wedding coming up too soon.
I could feel the familiar ache in my chest when I thought of our ill-fated engagement. Aang was right: Zuko and I were not in love.
I naturally tried to focus back on Ba Sing Se's huge market. One could easily get lost here. I kept my eyes sharp for what I was looking for: A nice floral arrangement to spice up my small apartment.
It had felt weird at first, moving from Zuko's palace to an apartment of my own. So lonely. It still hurt at times to wake up alone. A few tears would come now and then, but by the end of it she was reminding herself of all the bad things about Zuko. His temper. His cruel, biting final words thrown at Katara to mask his own hurt.
I picked up a fairly plain potted plant, paid for it and made my way back to my apartment. I picked up my pace when I noticed the angle of the sun. I would have to start my new day job soon. The first day will probably be excruciating.
I placed the potted plant in my house quickly, not noticing all the small things I saw everyday. The crack in the ceiling that reminded me of my poorness. The mirror, reflecting my once happy face, now showing an unfamiliar, sad girl. The one dress in my closet, taken from the palace with Zuko none the wiser.
I walked the foreign path to my new employers. Smells of tea leaves hit head first, and I knew that I would probably smell like them by the end of the day.
I went up the counter hesitantly and got the attention of a worker.
"Umm, hi. I'm new here. I'm Katara," I said, giving a little wave.
"Hi. I'm Kariana," The elderly lady at the counter started. I could just see another elderly, pot-bellied man brewing tea in the kitchen.
"I better put you to work. Today is gonna be mighty busy," Karriana smiled proudly.
I mumbled meekly, "Why?"
"Haven't you heard? Royalty's coming, of course!"
This was all written in one night when sudden inspiration hit me (coming in the form of PARAMORE). I hope its not too predictable. Over-all, I don't think it was my best work (im in the middle of another story), but what the hell, might as well post it!! hope you enjoyed!
mariah
