The streets of Ba Sing Se were filled with crowds of people, finally enjoying their freedom from the Fire Nation and the cruel Dai Li. Their new leader, Avatar Aang joined them in their celebrations. The Earth King nodded with approval, as Aang was officially crowned Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se. Katara, his long time friend and newly announced fiancée, gave Aang a kiss in front of his new people. They cheered as fireworks began to erupt from a distance. One man looked on. Unlike the others, he wasn't cheering. Zuko, the Fire Lord, an honorary guest of Ba Sing Se, quietly walked away from the town's centre, and retreated back to his room. Though a good friend of Aang, he could not bring himself to celebrate his friend's new success. How could he? Katara was at Aang's side, holding him with such pride and adoration.
In his room, Zuko began to pack. He would be heading back to the Fire Nation in the morning, and away from Katara, yet again. He remembered a time, not too long ago, when he was the one at her side. A time where she looked at him with her blue eyes and loved him, not Aang. Just as he finished packing, a knock came from his door. "Enter."
Katara stood at the doorway. Zuko was taken aback at her presence. She smiled, "I noticed you left the party." He took a seat on his bed and motioned for her to come closer. "I was pretty tired, I have a long trip tomorrow." Katara leaned on his now empty dresser. "Zuko." He looked away; he knew where she wanted to take the conversation. He knew she'd ask about Aang. They were best friends at this point, she confided in him when Aang wasn't there. "Zuko, please at least look at me." He looked up, her blue eyes stared at him, mesmerizing every part of his being. "Yes Katara?" His scar distracted her. She remembered the night in prison, the night she offered to cure him of his father's doing. She remembered how she left him the minute Aang arrived, knowing how disappointed Zuko must of felt. Katara reached out for Zuko's scar, caressing it. "Zuko, do you think I should marry Aang?" Zuko sighed. "He's a good guy, he's loved you since we were kids." Katara smiled. "Aang does love me. I guess that's what marriage is all about." Zuko knew it was now or never. This would be the moment he was waiting for. "But Katara I want you to know, I still love you." Katara let go of his face, taking a step away from Zuko. She wasn't too shocked, but nor was she relieved. "Zuko, still?" Zuko got up from the bed. "I know I said we were better off as friends, but that was only because I was sure Azula would kill me. The day we conquered my father, I was ready to tell you but I saw you and Aang and I- I left it alone." Katara was silent for a moment, thinking back to the events of Sozin's comet. Zuko broke her heart, and Aang had comforted her. Katara quietly whispered, "So all this time?" Zuko nodded. Though he had gone back to Mai, and moved on with his life, his love for Katara never quite disappeared. Katara's eyes began to water, thinking of what she was to do. "Do you love me Katara, more than Aang?" He knew their friendship would never be the same if she said no. "I need to think." With that, she left his room. Zuko still had hope, that wasn't a yes but it sure wasn't a no.