Katara frequently worried about Zuko. Over the last four years, the new Fire Lord had spent every waking hour atoning for the mistakes of his ancestors.

Zuko remained in the Fire Nation capital dealing with the problems and concerns of his people, while the Avatar and his crew made their way throughout the nations solving minor disputes and having adventures. Though Katara was rarely bored with her travels around the world, her thoughts often drifted to concern for the firebender. Since the war ended, they only saw him every few months and when they did, he only allowed time for tea and meetings and updates on the other nations. Every time Aang would ask him to come along on an adventure he would give some new excuse and wish them luck on their travels.

After one such encounter Katara, Aang, Sokka, Suki and Toph made their way out of the palace and into the streets of the Capitol.

"Well then," Said Aang to the group. "Where do we venture too next?" Although he was now a lanky sixteen year old that had saved the world and brought peace, he still had the same childish enthusiasm when it came to adventures. "I know this place where every fish hums a different note. We could go looking to see how many we could bring together and start a fish orchestra!"

"We've already done that," Complained Sokka with an arm around Suki. Katara watched the pair with quiet envy. They had scarcely ceased to be separate beings since they had started dating. The only thing that had changed was the newly carved betrothal necklace that Suki wore around her neck. As far as necklaces go, it was probably one of the most poorly crafted. If something were to happen to it on their travels, it wouldn't be the worst thing, but she knew what it meant to Sokka, so she happily complied for the time being. Katara silently pondered why she and Aang had never been that romantic.

"Ooh I know…a bending competition!" Maybe that was why.

"Aang, first of all that's not fair to me and Suki; and secondly you're the Avatar…I think you have a bit of an advantage."

"Not so fast ponytail," Toph smirked, "Twinkle toes may have the quantity thing, but its quality that counts." Aang swirled a ball of air beneath him and excitedly flew around.

"Alright! It's on then!" He yelled, "I know the perfect spot, it's in the earth kingdom, so if we start flying now, we might be able to get there by morning."

Katara still couldn't stop thinking about how lonely Zuko had looked. She sometimes found him hard to predict, especially since he had distanced himself from the group. Maybe he wasn't interested in coming on adventures, but just needed one friend to talk to.

"Maybe before you kids start throwing rocks" Sokka snarled dripping with sarcasm. "You can drop me and Suki on Kyoshi Island."

"Fine, the three of us can manage without an audience."

"Actually Aang," Katara piped up. "I was thinking I might like to spend some time alone in the city." She didn't know why she had lied, but one thing she knew was that Aang could instantly sense it. He flew over to her side and let his feet touch the ground again.

"What's the matter?" She panicked as all eyes turned towards her, if she had suggested talking to Zuko, Aang might try to make a big group thing about it and he would end up giving some excuse and sending them on their way again. Aang was never very good at understanding people that weren't perpetually optimistic.

"I just feel tired is all, I've had enough traveling for the time being. You and Toph should have your match, I'm sure Zuko would let me stay in the palace for a few days. I'll catch up with you all later."

Aang paused as if he had something to add, but soon smiled and made another ball of air to roll on.

"Okay, be careful" He told her, "I'll see you in about four days. Maybe you could practice up for the next competition!" As he started rolling away, she felt a pang of sadness, but she never let it show.

"Ha!" She laughed smugly, "Like I need practice."

As the others moved toward Appa, Sokka broke away from the group and walked toward his sister. He pulled her into a brotherly hug that nearly squished the air out of her lungs.

"You be careful sis," He teased as he eventually released her. "I know the city's pretty safe, but you do have a way of getting into trouble."

"Thanks for your concern." As much as she tried to fight it, her eyes drifted towards the Avatar. Sokka was very aware of this, along with things she thought weren't as visible.

"He cares too, just in his own way. Not all relationships look the same."

"Yeah, we don't all have to be joined at the lips like you two."

"Well not all girls are fortunate enough to have a stud like me." Katara laughed at her dorky brother as he let a warm smile seep through. "I just want you to be happy. If hanging out in the city and spending time with Fire Lord Grump-o is what you need, then by all means, enjoy your stay."

"He's not that bad." She smiled as her brother kissed the top of her head.

"We'll be back before you know it." And with that Sokka ran off to join the others on Appa. Katara took a deep breath and turned her eyes from the sky Bison to the Palace. Inside her stomach was in knots as she went to find the lonely Fire Lord.