Today was the Festival of Love. Zuko hated it but Katara loved it, and he would do anything to make her happy. She pulled him along, smiling and laughing and truly enjoying herself. Slowly, Zuko found himself enjoying it as well. They had met up with Team Avatar half way through the day and they all moved as a group around the festival. The only time Zuko had forgotten how good it felt to be free was when he saw his exgirlfriend Mai. Though she seemed happy (as happy as she could be) with Tai-Lee, he could tell she was upset by Katara holding Zuko's hand.
Later that night, Suki, Toph, and Katara were all in Katara's room, giggling. Zuko called Sokka and Aang to help him make something for Katara. They decided to make a small cake for her. As they were baking, Toph walked in. She frowned as she felt everyone stiffen.
"What? What am I missing?" The boys puased.
"Toph, can you keep a secret?" She nodded. "We're making a cake for Zuko to give Katara." She made an "ohhh" sound and helped them with her "feminine" touch.
Eventually they finished and Zuko ran to get a necklace Uncle had picked out for Katara. It held all four elements etched on the hollow ring. Zuko knew it would fit perfectly around her mother's necklace. He'd checked.
Sokka called Suki out and Zuko walked to the door and knocked softly.
"Katara?"
"Yes Zuko?"
"Can I come in?"
"Of course!" He opened the door and stepped in, closing the door behind him.
"What's wro- Oh!" She gasped as she saw the small cake. "Is that for me?" Zuko nodded and handed it to her, hiding his face under his shaggy hair.
"And this too." He quickly handed her the small leather pouch that contained the necklace.
"Oh it's beautiful Zuko!" she cried, hugging him tightly. He smiled and hugged her back.
"I'm glad you like it." He unclasped it and moved around to put it on her.
"It fits perfectly around my mother's necklace," she remarked, touching the necklace gently. Her boyfriend just beamed. She hugged him again, whispering, "I love you," as she held him tightly. His heart swelled up, overflowing with love for Katara. He held her close, returning to sentiment.