"So what if it's totally cliché! You and Zuko, together, it's like, harmony. Fire and ice. You know." Suki was packing, and Katara was trying to pack, but her hands kept going all sweaty.

Suki faced her. "Don't tell me you're going to chicken out? After all, you did marry him. And with that holy tie comes-"

"I know, I know! Responsibilities. Stupid, fucking responsibilities." Katara glared at Suki. "But just because I'm this new Fire Lady or whatever does NOT mean I'm no longer water tribe. So stop trying to patronize me! I'm fine!" Katara sat down on her bed, and began to sob.

"Katara…"

"No." She wiped at her eyes. "I'm done with this. I'm done with everything. And Aang can go fall off a cliff for all I care."

"Don't say things like that! It's bad luck!" Suki latched the suitcase. "Aang is just overreacting. I mean, a tornado at the wedding? I expected some screaming, or maybe even a banana cream pie at Zuko's head, but all Hell broke loose. What do you think he's going to-"

"I don't know!" Katara whispered. "And it's not just Aang I'm worried about."

Suki cast her a dark glance. "I'm surprised they even let her out after all that shit she did to you guys. That psycho bitch, in the Fire Nation, again? Why couldn't they just isolate on some godforsaken island?"

Katara shook her head. "It's not so easy as that. There are papers that need to be signed. And guess who has to sign those?"

"Ummm, who?"

"Duh! My dad! All of those cold, forgotten islands exist near my house! Everything else has been occupied ever since Ozai stepped down. Even those tiny islands near Ba Sing Se. The South Pole is more prosperous, yes, but would you want to live on one of those islands? I mean, would you?"

Suki shuddered. "No. But why don't you send that bitchy princess there, then."

"She was stripped of her title. And do you seriously think that my dad is going to let her within even a thousand miles of our home? And even if he considered it, he has to travel all the way to the Fire Nation to sign the papers with Zuko. And you know how he feels about…" She trailed off, and looked at the floor, decorated with intricate, ice blue rugs.

"Yeah," Suki said sadly. "It's too bad. Even after all Zuko went through for you. Giving up his title to Iroh to live here with you. And then your dad gets mad at him for leaving! As if he had a choice."

Katara held up a piece of blue cloth. "Do you think this counts as a head scarf? I want one for when it gets too hot."

"Katara! I know it's a hard burden to bear, but at least act like you care!" Suki thrust a scroll at her, emblazoned with the Fire Nation seal. "You never opened this."

"I already know what it says. I knew this day would come, and it has. And I'm not ready."

Suki lay a dress, woven of the finest silk, on the bed. It was a dark red, with gold braids woven around the waist.

"You have to be." She wordlessly handed the dress to Katara.

Katara held it up. It looked like blood.