The first of 24! A short story a day, to lead up to a full, absolutely fluff-ridden Zutara fic. Other characters will pop up, but I know what you're here for. Enjoy!

Katara had only been out on the ice for maybe an hour when the first sooty ash hit her hand. She froze, fighting every instinct to run back to the village. The Fire Nation was good now. Closing her eyes with only a bit of trouble, she focused on finishing her training before turning towards the rising moon and bowing.

And then she ran like the Phoenix King was still alive behind her.

As the ash snow promised, a small navy ship was waiting in port. The actual soldiers were milling about, and she still felt a smile pull at seeing them chatting with the older women. The smile only dropped slightly at watching the ladies flirt. How awkward.

Her grandmother noticed her, smiling serenely as she waved her over. "Katara, child, you have a message from the Capital. It's inside the house." She pressed her hand against Katara's cheek with a smile, before waving her along. Nodding to the soldiers watching her, she slipped inside and immediately gravitated to the powder-green envelope. Lifting it, she felt a tug of anticipation at the neat, even script of;

Miss Katara

Master Waterbender

South Pole

but her breathing calmed with the soothing fragrance of jasmine.

There's only one person...

She felt her smile grow as she eagerly opened the letter, eyes skimming the aristocratic words. She giggled, feeling 13 again, as she held the paper to her chest. Biting her lip, she swept her eyes around before leaping to action and throwing things rapidly in a pile on the floor. Hakoda caught her as she was kneeling on the floor, furiously rolling clothing and stuffing it into a travel sack.

"Dad! I got a letter from the Fire Nation! Mister Iroh wants me to go visit! I promise I won't be gone long, please?" She had dropped her packing to grab her father's hands, turning her dangerously pleading eyes up at him.

He groaned, knowing he was going to say yes long before she did. Sweeping a loop of hair behind her ear, he leaned his forehead against hers. "Just promise me you will be safe, Katara."

He repeated the wish quietly as he watched his daughter climb aboard the Fire Nation ship, her arm waving happily and still clutching that fated sheet of paper.

Miss Katara,

My Nephew and I would enjoy your company on this upcoming Fire Festival, and I think that perhaps you could enjoy a trip during our colder months. I have sent this message with a Navy crew, and they will wait in the village for two days, or until you have decided if you would like to join us.

Also, I have procured a special jasmine tea that Zuko simply cannot appreciate! I sorely need someone to have a cup with me!

With the kindest regards,

Uncle Iroh

Those of you perhaps following other stories, I shall be updating soon. Both jobs have been a little mad, and have given me a bit of a writer's block. I needed something brainless and fluffy to work the kinks out.

Enough of that though!

Should you wish to comment, please be my guest! I love hearing from people! Should you wish to flame, oh please do. They entertain me.