A Work of Art

Hello all! So this is my new Avatar the Last Airbender fic, I'm hoping all goes well with it. It takes place 6 years after the final episode making Aang 18 or so. Also I'd read The Search if you haven't already, there may be some minor spoilers concerning Zuko's mom. Tell me what you think.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Avatar but I do own Zhen.

Peace had finally arrived to the four nations and after years of restoration, the people were able to truly rejoice. The habitants of the Fire Nation had trouble adapting to the rule of their new Fire Lord at first and while some still clung to the radical ideas of former Fire Lord Ozai, most had accepted and embraced Fire Lord Zuko. But others were still wary of those who came from the former tyrannical nation. Try as he might, there was only so much Fire Lord Zuko could do to get others to welcome his people. It had been six years since the demise of Ozai and the sight of a Fire Nation inhabitant still brought unease. And the Avatar hoped to bring a change to this with the help of his good friend.

Aang had been travelling around the four nations for some time, spreading the word of peace as he went. With most of his companions in tow; Toph was forced to stay behind as she had work with her new earth bending academy, they arrived at the Fire Nation village of Hira'a. It had been a few years since they'd been to this particular village, not since they searched for Zuko's mother. They were welcomed with open arms and the mayor of the village quickly through together a small festival. Nothing but the best for the Avatar and his Water Tribe companions.

"You know, a guy could get used to this kind of treatment." Sokka exclaimed after falling onto a plush floor pillow.

"Don't let it get to your head." Katara scolded while taking a seat next to her brother.

"I'm just saying." He shrugged.

Aang crossed his arms and smiled. "This is nice though, you've got to admit."

Before their conversation could continue, Mayor Jinko entered their tent.

"It's an honor to have you and your friends in our humble village once more Avatar Aang." He greeted with a polite bow.

"Please, Aang is fine." Aang replied, bowing in return.

"Of course, is everything to your liking?" he asked.

Katara stood and offered him a small nod. "You and your people have been very hospitable Mayor Jinko."

"It's an honor to have you all here; I ask that you visit all of the shops we've prepared for you."

Jinko bowed once more before taking his leave.

"Well you heard the man, let's get out there." Sokka exclaimed, jumping up to his feet and grabbing the other two by their arms. With a goofy grin, he dragged them out of their tent and led them towards the festivities. There were plenty of stands to look at and Sokka made sure to take up anyone who offered them free food. Whenever they passed by a stand that had a game, Aang insisted that they all play and despite not winning very often, he still received a prize every time. Which he passed on to Katara or a child that passed by.

"Oh Aang, I couldn't accept this," Katara said after he offered her a small fish he'd won, "we can't take this on our travels."

While her reasoning was sound, it still slightly hurt his ego that she'd declined his gift. He still had a soft spot for his close friend. Sometimes they would share a secret kiss in the heat of the moment, but Aang was hoping for something more public. He had strong feelings for her and he wanted the whole world to know it. But Katara wanted to be absolutely positive before jumping into a relationship. He'd wait for as long as she wanted him to.

Aang nodded. "You're right."

He stopped a small girl running past them.

"Hey kiddo, do you think you could take care of this little guy for me?" he asked.

The girl's eyes were wide with awe and her mouth gaped. Aang chuckled and reached down to ruffle her hair.

"I'll take that as a yes."

She nodded and held her hands out for the bag. He smiled as she accepted the gift.

"Thank you Mister Avatar Sir, I'll name him Aang I promise." She explained, admiring her new pet.

"The honor is all mine."

The girl giggled before skipping away with her gift in tow. Katara placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze.

"You made that kid's day." She said.

"More like you made her whole life." Sokka added.

"Just doing my Avatar duties, all in a day's work."

They continued visiting all of the stalls, making sure to speak to everyone who stopped them. The people of Hira'a were truly humble. Katara stopped at one particular stall that sold various ceramic pieces.

"Look at how pretty these are," she grinned, "let's go in."

The two men followed after her as she approached the stall, immediately making her way to the back. Aang let his eyes scan each and every piece, admiring the beauty each vessel held. Some had subtle shapes, but had colorful vibrant glazes. Others had delicate etching that must have taken a skilled hand to create. He picked up one particular vase and was surprised by how light it was, it looked like it would be heavy but that wasn't the case. With the utmost care, he set the vase back on its stand, making sure he didn't knock it over. With his hands behind his back, he ventured to the back where Katara was speaking to the owner of the stand.

"Oh Aang there you are," she said.

By the time Aang got to Katara's side, the owner of the stand was already bent forward in a polite bow.

"It's an honor to meet you Avatar." She greeted.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "No need for the formalities, please call me Aang."

The woman straightened up and offered him a smile. "Then please call me Zhen."

Aang was taken aback by how young she appeared. Zhen looked to be around his age. The pieces on display looked as though they'd needed years of expertise to create and yet she was already creating beautiful works as well as running her own business. He stared into her golden eyes; typical of a Fire Nation native, and noticed the warmness in them.

Perhaps she's always been naturally talented.

"It's nice to meet you Zhen."

She tucked a lock of black hair that had slipped from her bun behind her ear and smiled.

"So did you make all of these?" he gestured around the stall, hoping to quell his curiosity.

Zhen nodded. "I did, pottery has been an art that has always been in my family."

"Well you've done a wonderful job." Katara said.

"You mustn't flatter me Katara; I'm simply carrying on the family business."

"I'm just stating the truth."

Sokka took this moment to make an appearance. "Hey guys, I'm going to go look around some more and grab a bite to eat, I'm starving! I'll come find you guys later."

And with that, Sokka was gone again. Katara huffed and placed her hands on her hips.

"Don't mind him, that's just my brother Sokka. He thinks with his stomach rather than his brain." Katara explained.

Zhen chuckled. "It's not a problem. It's wonderful that you all are here, but I'm curious as to what brought you to our little village."

"We're here helping ease the tensions people have with the Fire Nation." Aang said.

"I understand why people are apprehensive. After all it was the Fire Nation who started the war and made if continue for one hundred years. While I didn't approve of the war, I'm still a member of the nation that fueled it." Zhen sighed.

"And that's what we're trying to fix, people like you shouldn't suffer because of something the last Fire Lord did." Katara said with a sympathetic smile.

"I wish you all the best of luck then."

Aang cleared his throat. "So Zhen, are you a bender?"

It was slight, but he noticed how Zhen's shoulders tensed.

"No I'm not," Zhen changed the direction of the conversation, "you all should have come in a couple of weeks. We have been preparing a production of Love Amongst the Dragons. It's a real treat to see."

"A friend of ours really enjoys that show," Katara looked to Aang, "maybe we can come back and see it. Zuko's said great things about it."

"That sounds like a great idea."

"It really is a great production; it's our village's pride and joy." Zhen added.

The three young adults began talking about anything that came into their heads and Aang enjoyed Zhen's company, she had a lot to talk about. Aang was about to explain why jasmine tea was his favorite when the small girl he'd given the fish to dashed into the stall

"Mister Avatar Sir, please come quick!"

Panic settled into the pit of his stomach as he ran out of the stall with Katara behind him. His eyes settled onto the small group of people that had formed a circle near a large tree. When they noticed his arrival, they part ways for him. It's then he notices Sokka lying on the ground, his leg bent incorrectly. He drops to his knees beside his friend.

"Sokka what in the world happened?" Katara asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "It was an honest mistake really; I was climbing a tree so I could get a cat out of a tree for someone. And well…then I slipped. "

Aang looked up to Katara. "I can't fix breaks with water; we'll have to wait until it heals."

"Do you think he'd be okay to travel on Appa?" He asked.

"I wouldn't suggest it."

"I'm fine with staying here, everyone has been great." Sokka added.

Aang nodded in agreement. "I think that sounds like a great idea."

Mayor Jinko stepped forward with a group of men holding a stretcher. "We will make arrangements for you all to stay in our village for as long as you need. We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience we have caused you all."

"It wasn't your fault, you don't need to apologize." Katara said.

Aang got up on his feet to help transfer Sokka onto the stretcher. He looked to Katara and couldn't stop the goofy grin that appeared on his face.

"I guess we can see that play now."

So what do you think? Let me know? Is everyone in character?