Fireworks
Rockets of light flew up into the night sky, exploding into dazzling arrays of colour. The whole city had gathered outside the walls, in a vast grassy field not too far away, to see the former Fire Nation soldiers put their fire bending to better use. Since the war ended everyone's spirits were uplifted. The people were happy again. Fathers and sons were returning home and families were being reunited. It felt amazing to finally be at peace after a hundred years of bloody war.
Today was the one-year anniversary of the end of the war. That day, the solar eclipse, Aang finally defeated Ozai. After that all the Fire Nation soldiers surrendered, seeming quite happy to do so. It turned out that the only one who wanted war was Ozai. A few days later all the leaders and higher-ups of the three countries met for a conference. With the Avatar's help they had finally come to an agreement and signed a peace treaty.
The system of government had been reorganized completely. The three nations became the three territories, all part of one big country. The governors of Water, Earth, and Fire were now equal in power, so as never to fall out of balance again. The new government was shaky still, and there were still a few who were against it, but there was finally a hope for peace and equality amongst the elements.
Everyone had taken a day off from work to join the celebration; except Iroh, of course, who was too busy as the Fire governor to take a break. Katara found herself working to re-unite men coming home from war with their families. Of course, that was in addition to being the head Water bending instructor at the Ba Sing Sei Bending Academy. As part of the new treaty each major city had an Academy where each type of bending was taught. People could choose what they wanted to learn.
Aang, of course, was the only Air bender left, so Ba Sing Sei was the only place to teach the art. Each day the boy taught a group of young Air benders-in-training. Maybe one day Air could be restored to its former status.
Katara sat on the grass of the field watching the show the Fire benders were putting on. To her left were Aang and Toph, holding hands and sharing a blanket on the grass. The two were enjoying the show together. Toph, of course, couldn't actually see the fireworks, but she seemed to enjoy the sounds of them screeching up into the air and exploding with a boom and bang that shook the very air. Aang had never looked happier, and he had always been quite cheerful even in the darkest times of war.
She awoke from her thoughts as a soft hand touched hers. Glancing back at the man beside her, she smiled and squeezed his hand affectionately. Zuko smiled at her before looking back at the fireworks. She didn't know how he did it, but he could brighten up her world with only a smile.
Resting her head on his shoulder, she snuggled up close to him, turning back to the spectacular show. Katara had discovered in this past year that fire wasn't so bad after all. Maybe even a good thing.