For anyone who haven't read the Avatar the Last Airbender comics I suggest you to read them mostly because they are awesome and seccondly because my story continues from where the comics stop.I don't think you will need to know what happens in the comics to read my story but I still can't tell for I hope you enjoy it.

"Just give me five minutes" I heard Sokka mumble still sleepy.

I was standing outside his tent but I was pretty sure my brother was still lying beneath his sheets.I guess some people don't change no matter how much time pass.

"Come on Sokka wake up! We are gonna be late." I shouted him but still there was no sign of my brother waking up.

Fine then! There is no reason waiting him any more. If he wanted to be late I didn't care.I left my brother behind and start walking towards the center of our village.I was really happy to be with my people again and how things turned out to be. After the end of the war it was announced a rebuilding project all around the world to restore the damages dealt to the various cities due to the fights. Our village was also a part of the project and right now it has become twice its previous size.I guess I have to thank Zuko for that,since he personally sent people from the fire capital to make sure that everything was done wright. Today it was finally the day…the end of the reconstruction and the opening of our own embassy,allowing our tribe to be part of the world politics and organization.

As I reach the center I could see the embassy standing tall beside me and a little further there was this big cloth covering something also big. Well…it looked like a statue but I wasn't exactly sure since nobody told us what it really was. Sokka and some other warriors insisted of making this one but they didn't tell anybody about it,except Zuko of course.I guess they needed him to make it since he brought the workers. When I stopped wondering about it I started searching into the crowd for my father.I found him a little bit further drinking with some other warriors of our tribe.I went and sat next to him at the table.

"There's my little girl…" said with a smile and he hugged me. It's good to be a family again. "…would you like some earth kingdom beer? I am telling you those guys who made this know a lot about beer."

"No dad,thank you.I believe Sokka however would like to have a sip."

"By the way where is he? Don't tell me…"

"Yes…he is still asleep."

My dad laughed and patted me on my head.

"Let him be. He still have some time to show up in time. For his own good." he said and winked me.I couldn't help but smile.

In a tent nearby.

I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep.I thought I would find this furry bed uncomfortable after getting used to the huge beds back at the palace but I was wrong. It was probably the best sleep I had for days. Of course now that I think about it again I used,most of my life up to now,to sleep on the ground so yeah…a furry bed like this is perfect. But still…why do I feel so relaxed,so good to be here. That dream of mine…maybe it holds more of a meaning than I am giving it. Last night was no exception,I saw it again.I saw a woman silhouette with dark skin and long brown hair running down her back.I saw a beautiful smile and two beautifu eyes. Everything about her was so perfect. What troubles me is why I couldn't reach those feelings all this time.I guess I had serious problems to deal with,more serious than love fantasies. Also back then I had May. May…why I allowed myself to remember her. Nevertheless,as long as I had her,there was no reason for me to think of another woman. But now she is gone and she is not coming back. Maybe that's why this is happening now.

Truth to be said I found interest in that woman from the first time I met her here,during my chase of the Avatar,but back then I had different beliefs,different ideals,different thoughts. Nothing could have happened between us back then but now maybe…NO! Who I am kidding? I mean she is with Aang and Aang is my best friend.I would rather die than betray him. Apart from that what makes me thing she feels the same about me. She probably doesn't. Like I said before,she is with Aang. Dammit Katara…what's wrong with me?

"Zuko are you ready? We are gonna be late." I heard Suki asking me from outside my tent.

Shit! With all these thoughts I lost track of time.I can't be late. This ceremony is important for Katara…and her tribe of course –but mostly Katara-.I did brought my clothes for important occasions but the weather won't allow me to wear them,so I'll deal with the coat Hakoda gave me. Although right now I feel more hot rather than cold.I put my clothes as quickly as possible and went outside. Suki and Ty Lee were there waiting for me.

"Sorry I was late." I apologized.

"Don't worry about it." said Suki.

"Did you have a good sleep?" Ty Lee asked me.

"Yeah…it was good. How about you?"

"I was feeling so cold that it didn't really help. But the beds were great." Ty Lee answered me happily.

We three walked together to the center of the village where the ceremony would take place. There I saw Hakoda standing next to Katara,Sokka and some other people of the tribe.I walked close to him.

"Chief Hakoda…" I said and bowed slightly to show him my respects.

"Ah! There you are Lord Zuko,he have been waiting for you." he replied.

"Please forgive my delay."

"Zuko is not wright to be late in important ceremonies." said Sokka. "Sokka you just came yourself." said Katara angrily to him.

"No need to worry my boy…" said Hakoda "…But now that you are here allow me to start the whole thing."

I nodded and so Hakoda went up a stand in front of the new embassy of the South Water Tribe to start his speeh,followed behind by Sokka. Suki followed Sokka,after his request and Ty Lee,well…I guess she is happy and try to make new friends no matter where she is standing in the crowd. As for Katara she stayed next to me. Alright now I feel even more hot than before! Hakoda started his speech by talking about some of the history of the Southern Water Tribe.I didn't want to be disrespectful so I tried to listen to his speech,even though it made me feel a little bit bored.

"Thank you." said Katara suddenly.

"What?!"

"Thank you for sending people and for coming here yourself to ensure that the reconstructions were proceeding well."

I smiled slightly.

"Don't thank me but the ones who actually did the job." was my reply.

"If you say so,Lord Zuko." said Katara trying to tease me.

I smiled again. She had that skill. She could make me smile and I smile rarely. An impressive ability I must admit,that only she and my uncle posses.

For some time we were just listening to Hakoda speaking but at some point I decided to start the conversation again.

"How come Aang isn't here.I was really hoping to see him when I came,three days back."

She looked sad when I asked her. Well done you idiot!

"Well…he was supposed to be here but then they called him from Ban Sing Se to go and help them fight that criminal organization…I can't remember the name."

"The Phoenix Remnants?"

"Yeah that's it. You know them Zuko?"

"They are followers of Ozai,they fight to raise again the Phoenix King –my father- at the throne. It's funny they didn't cause as any trouble up to now but it is said that someone is supplying them weapons and they have risen stronger now.I have to deal with those at the Fire Nation too,so yeah I know them pretty well."

"I see. Well the point is that Aang had to leave and he isn't here. Toph went with him in case he needs help,so that I can stay and be present at the ceremony."

"I understand. If the people need the Avatar he has to go." I said.

But she still seemed sad.

"It's not that I don't understand that but you know…after all this time of war finally we have peace and I thought we would spent more time together as a couple.I really wanted him to be here at such an important occasion for me and my tribe.I don't really want to be mad but right now I don't feel like I can do anything to help me stop."

"I guess I understand you Katara.I am sorry for bringing this up.I wish I could do something to help you."

"Don't be sorry. It's okay. Also you have already done enough for me. You are here now and I appreciate that."

At this point we both turned our attention back to Hakoda again.

"…After all this time he have finally brought peace and prosperity back to our land,while after the end of the reconstruction project our village has regain some of its glory and prestige. There is a man I want to thank for all of this.A man that some time back it was considered our enemy but turned out to be an important ally and mostly friend.I present you everyone Fire Lord Zuko." said and pointed at me.

I was a little bit surprised since I didn't know Hakoda intended to bring me up the stand.I looked at Katara. She smiled at me and urged me to go so I did.

"Thank you Chief Hakoda…" I said when I took the stand "…and thank you all of you for allowing me to stay with you these last three days.I know that some of you maybe still feel uncomfortable with the whole idea of me being here and being a friend of yours,but I want you to know that I want to be your friend and I wanted to give your tribe what it deserved,what I once destroyed,back."

When I finished everyone applauded.I couldn't really believe it,but I guess I had underestimated the strength of the hearts of the Southern Water Tribe people. For once I was happy being wrong. At least at some point,beause I still don't think that everyone is happy with me.

Apparently after I was done it was Sokka's turn to speak.

"Well now ladies and gentlemen it is time to present you everyone what is that big thing,under the cloth of mystery. Ooooooooooooooh !"

Seriously? I guess some people never change.

Sokka cleared his throat. "Without further ado I present the statue of a hero of our tribe. Chief Hakoda! This is for you dad." said Sokka and then revealed the statue of his father to the whole tribe.

Hakoda seemed touched and quickly hugged his son. It was touching but then again made me feel bad.I guess every interaction I see between father and son makes me feel bad and…jealous.I thought I didn't have that problem anymore but like I said some people don't change.I looked back at the crowd again. They all seemed so happy.I looked straight to Katara. She was smiling. She was so beautiful.I wish one day she is smiling like this for me.

Dammit Katara…what's wrong with me.

Well I know it was probably boring as a chapter but it is just the begining.I intend or better say tend to write big chapters so probably from now on the chapters are gonna be bigger and definitely have more adventure and romance.

Please give me a comment if you like it and stick with me,I'll try to make it worth your time.