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I sighed. This waiting was sure to be the end of me. The sun had not even started its descent to the horizon. I knew I was being impatient, but I deserved to be. It had been one year. One whole year since I saw him. Aang. I missed him so much everyday, it made my bones ache with longing. After our victory over the Fire Lord, we decided to agree to not see anybody else during his absence. He was going around the world, rebuilding. This was also a spiritual journey for him to reconnect with himself. He had not contacted us for fear of it interfering with his trip. Word of him had travelled so we knew he was alright. Tomorrow was not only the day he was coming back to the Southern Water Tribe, but it was also my 16th birthday. Tomorrow, I would be of marrying age.

Sokka was picking up Toph and Suki. We had seen them recently of course. Sokka and I travelled to see them once a month. Suki has been on Kyoshi Island to complete her training. Toph has been with her parents. They were reluctant at first, but they finally accepted her for who she is. I was happy for Toph, but I missed her still. Same with Suki. They are my sisters, just like Sokka is my brother. Zuko and Mai are traveling down here also, but since Zuko is the Fire Lord, he and Mai need bodyguards. We have visited them a few times, and Zuko is doing an excellent job so far. It will be so nice to see everyone at the same time. If only the stupid sun would just set, and then rise already!

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"Katara, would you just hurry up and be done already? I know that it's your birthday, and you want to look nice, but everyone here has seen you while we were traveling around the world and getting dirty."

"Sorry Sokka! I just want to look perfect when I see Aang!"

"I know, but could you look perfect a little faster?"

I sighed and waited for Sokka to leave the igloo. As soon as he was gone, I put the finishing touches on my hair. My hair is one of Aang's favorite things about me, so I want it to look good. My hair had my standard loops, but I decided to try something special and put the rest into a long braid that rests on my shoulder as opposed to leaving it down.

I walked outside and was immediately greeted by a chorus of "Happy Birthday!"'s. I hugged everyone and thanked them for coming, but I couldn't find the one person I was looking for. I pretended not to notice and instead turned my attention to Zuko, who was about to make an announcement.

"Attention everyone! I have some big news!"

We all looked curiously at each other and listened to Zuko.

"Mai and I are engaged!"

We all screamed and congratulated the happy couple. Mai showed us her ring: a large ruby with the fire nation symbol carved into it, surrounded by smaller diamonds. It was perfect for her. We could see the happiness in Mai's eyes, no matter how hard she tried to disguise it. Zuko couldn't stop smiling and gave Mai a kiss on the cheek. I was so happy for them, but I was starting to get worried. Where was Aang? He just missed a huge announcement!

Sokka cleared his throat to indicate that he had an announcement to make as well. I wondered what it was about, because if it was hugely important, he would have told me. Wouldn't he have?

"Can I have everyone's attention please? Thank you. I hate to put a damper on the mood, but I feel that I should let everyone know that Aang won't be here until tonight. He got held up at an Earth Nation village, and couldn't leave until today. But he assured me that he will in fact, be here tonight."

My heart dropped down into my heels. This was not fair! I waited this long! Now I still have 12 more hours! It is infuriating!

"Wait, I thought Aang wasn't supposed to contact any of us. How did you find this out?" Asked Toph.

"Good question! He decided that since he was going to see us today, he could send word with a messenger hawk."

I sighed in frustration. I can do this. Might as well enjoy my birthday, and being with all of my friends and family.

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