Author's Note: Hi guys! Sorry I haven't updated my other stuff, but this is something I've had in my head for ages. This is a fic based on non-canon interpretations of Mrs. Pettyfer's The Black Games trilogy. It's like an ATLA/THG crossover, but better. If you want to understand these one-shots and the like, I highly recommend you go read The Black Games and The Rise of One first. I probably won't be doing many based on the final installment, The Phoenix Queen, until either it's completed or more chapters are uploaded.

Credit is due to FFN user Mrs. Pettyfer, who has given express permission for the writing of this spin-off. Thanks a ton!

Chapter 1. Katara's Play

"Uncle, I've seen every play of the Black Games since I was five… I really don't think going to this year's is necessary…"

Iroh sighs, knowing why his nephew is anxious about it. "Your father has requested it, Zuko."

He stops pacing, eyes widening. "Father requested it? Why would he care?"

"Because he wants you to see how some in the Capitol saw you. He wants you… To…"

Zuko ungracefully plops onto his uncle's bed. "To see weaknesses in myself and to see what the world saw?"

Iroh sits beside him. "Something like that. You may come with me if you like, rather than going with Ozai; Lady Katara will be there, and I want to check on her. Although my box is still a royal box, it's closer to where she'll be."

"Katara? Why would she be there?"

The General thinks for a moment before replying. "The play is part of the Victor's tour, and… Your father is displeased with recent events, Zuko. Very displeased."

The prince snorts. "Of course he is. Azula was always his favorite, but what does that have to do with Katara?"

"More than I think you can know. For now, though, please reconsider attending the play."

The night of the play, Zuko fidgets as he sits in his uncle's box in the theater. The Girl From Nine: the Story of the 75th Annual Black Games is written on the pamphlet in a staunch red ink with blue shadowing underneath the words. The cast and crew who put it together are written in black ink, but he can't be bothered to pay attention to them.

"Ah, Zuko, isn't the theater wonderful?" Iroh greets him with a happy smile and a tea tray.

"It'd be wonderful if I didn't have to watch myself get killed, you know," he muttered.

"That may be true, Nephew..." Iroh leaned in so that the Guards would know to tune him out. "Katara is in Lady Sen's box, if you wanted to say hello. I was hoping to have her here with us, but Sen is her sponsor and so has that privilege."

Zuko nods in understanding as the lights flash an ominous shade of blue, a warning for patrons to get to their seats. "Thank you."

Despite the play being an absolute atrocity, Zuko does bark out a laugh when Katara shouts at other patrons. Iroh elbows him gently with a hushing gesture, but can't help a small chuckle of his own. They're both just relieved that she's alive to speak at all.

Surprisingly, the part that bothers him most isn't his own death. Or even Azula's. It's Sokka's. Zuko can almost feel Katara's pain from watching it again, and he almost stands and protests the script's word choice about it being her fault. The only reason he doesn't is Iroh's firm hand on his shoulder.

"Please don't, Zuko."

Begrudgingly, the prince finishes watching the play. As he and the General stand to leave, he hears a small scream that makes him tense.

"Katara," he breathes. He's not even sure if she realizes that she's screamed in the theater. "Uncle, I..."

"I will check on her, and then let you know if you can see her. I will return shortly. Guards, do stay here. Admit no one other than myself back into the box. Thank you."

Iroh finds Katara on an upper balcony, away from the exiting crowds. "Lady Katara - "

"Please, General," she answers in a shaky voice. "I'm no lady. I'm just... Katara. And I'm only here because I needed air. Couldn't breathe."

"Excuse my mistake. Katara, would you like some tea?"

She's shocked by the gesture. "We... I... Sure... I really should be with my team, but..."

"I've already talked to Pakku and Lady Joo Dee. They know that you'll be under my care, and have consented to let me escort you back to them when we are done."

Nodding, Katara follows him into his box. "Okay," she says. Her breath hitches when she sees Zuko.

Before she can ask why, he's helping her sit down and pouring her some tea.

It's a good couple of hours before Iroh escorts her back to her quarters.

"Thank you, General," she bows to him as she bowed to the people of Province 5. "I'm surprised you let me - let us - see each other. Why?"

He gives her a smile. "Because you rise with the moon, and he rises with the sun."