The warm breeze of Ember Island flowed through Katara's hair as she watched the beautiful Fire Nation sunset. She felt someone approach from behind, believing it was Aang, she turned and without thinking said "hey sweetie." To her utter surprise and disappointment it turned out not to be Aang but Sokka. "Ewwww, will you and Aang stop it with that 'oogie' stuff!" Clearly embarrassed and blushing, Katara exclaimed "Sokka! I thought you and Suki were going to the play tonight." "Yeah we were but that plan fell through," Sokka said, " Zuko told all the Kyoshi warriors to 'report to his palace immediately for a very important mission'" "sorry" Katara said trying to hide a smile at Sokka's impression of Zuko, "but why did you come out here?" "Oh, your 'sweetie' wants to talk to you" he said, and walked off with a cringe. Katara tried in vain to make her hair look presentable to talk to Aang, but after a minute or two she decided to just go talk to him. She slid open the screen door, flinching at its scraping sound. She stepped through the threshold and found Aang meditating in the sitting room. He looked so still and tranquil that she jumped when he spoke to her. "Can I tell you something Katara?" Winded from the fright she replied with a relieved "sure." "I'm not sure if I am doing the right thing in allowing the construction of Republic City," Aang said.
"What makes you say that?"replied Katara. "Well, when I lived with the monks at the Southern Air Temple, they always taught me that for something to be in harmony, there has to be acceptance and balance. I think if I apply this to the situation of the four nations, creating one nation might disturb that balance." "You're right," Katara said, taking into account Aang's surprised expression, "but maybe the people of the four nations need to learn acceptance, just like you mentioned. I think Republic City could give people the chance to experience the differences of the four nations and maybe even incorporate some ideas from other nations into their lifestyles. Do you think the Fire Nation knew anything about the beliefs of the other nations when they started the One-hundred Year War? I don't think so. Maybe if everyone got to know each other then we wouldn't have to deal with things like the One-Hundred Years War or the Yu Dao Conflict. You are doing the right thing Aang, you just have to trust yourself." "You're right Katara," said Aang, "but what if it won't work? You saw what happened with the Harmony Restoration Movement, what if that happens again." "It won't Aang, now get some rest. You don't want to be tired for your meeting with Zuko and King Kuei tomorrow." "You're right again," said Aang with a yawn, "good night sweetie." "Good night Aang," said Katara, and with that Aang firebent the candle out and lay down to sleep.
As Katara lay in bed that night, she wondered why Aang never fully trusted himself. He had to know now that the world, or the majority of it, was behind him all the way and would support any decision he made. Or did he?