A/N: Hey guys! So I have been watching Avatar: The Last Airbender since I was a little kid, and recently became reunited with the series. Being the person that I am, I decided I MUST write a fanfiction, of course changing the character match-ups a bit.

This is a Zutara story, and I hope to not make it as mushy and quick as some other fanfictions I have read in the past. This story is how I think their relationship would've come about, and I hope you enjoy! Rated M for later chapters and language!

Katara watched the eggs cook with unfocused eyes, listened to the sizzle breaking the silence of the early morning. It was unlike her to be up so early; waterbenders usually drew strength from the moon, not the sun. She had unfortunately, not had the best sleeping patterns the last few months.

Being outside, with the subtle cold wind blowing through her hair, she was soothed. After spending a month in the Fire Nation, they had left to visit the neighboring Nations. They arrived at each city, announcing the defeat of Ozai, and the promise of peace. Aang had been so proud, his eyes lit up each time he delivered the news. His destiny had been fulfilled, and the legend of the Avatar lived on. Once they had traveled the entire map, they returned back to the Southern Water Tribe to begin living their lives; to build a relationship and family together.

She stood over the small fire pit, the raised metal bars surrounding it holding the skillet in place while she cooked. Pushing the eggs around with a wooden spoon, Katara knew it was only a matter of time before everyone smelled the eggs, especially Sokka. Four years had passed and he still woke up to her cooking breakfast like they were kids.

Four years had passed. Four years since the war had ended, and the nations had formed an alliance. Four years since her and Aang had officially gotten together. Four years since she had seen anyone in the fire nation, including Zuko-

"Hey."

Aang's soft voice interrupted her thoughts, and she turned around to see him smiling at her. His youth had almost completely left his face, with a square jaw-line and the roundness of his eyes looking less innocent. He had grown over a foot easily, and now looked down at her as he walked closer.

"Hey," she replied, giving him a small smile before returning her eyes back to the task at hand.

She felt him walk behind her, and his lips hit the back of her neck before his arms slipped around her waist. Her breath hitched slightly as he trailed kisses down the side of her neck.

"You're so pretty when you're cooking," he whispered in her ear. She tried to not take that as a sexist comment as he continued his light kisses to her shoulder.

She tried to focus on the kisses, the feel of his lips on her too cold skin. She tried to focus on Aang the man she loved, the way his hands felt on her hips. It seemed the more she focused, the less good it felt-

"Eggs!" Sokka exclaimed, popping his head excitedly out of his tent. His hair was let loose of the normal wolf tail style, falling in front of his face. "Katara, you're the best! Where did you get these?!"

He climbed out of the tent, pulling a hooded sweater over his head as he went. He had grown at least 6 inches in the past four years, and his shoulders were significantly broader. Suki poked her head out of the tent as well, a look of annoyance on her face.

"Sokka, must you be so obnoxiously loud?" she asked with a sign, tying her hair out of her face.

"What?" He threw his hands up in the air with raised eyebrows. "She made eggs! You don't come across these often in the South Pole."

"I got them when Aang and I made that visit to the small Earth Kingdom town," Katara answered Sokka's question, spooning the now scrambled eggs onto a plate. "They stay good for a month as long as you keep them cold."

"We figured you'd enjoy them!" Aang said happily, biting into a small apple.

"Oh Aang I completely forgot to make you something," Katara exclaimed, running a hand through her hair. "I can cut an apple up if you want, put some butter and cinnamon on it-"

"Yesh prease!" Sokka's mouth was stuffed with food, and he shot a toothy smile at Katara.

Katara blanched, and Aang had a slightly disgusted look on his face before turning back to her.

"That's ok, Katara, really I'm fine."

Suki settled down into the snow with the rest of them, her legs crossed.

"Hungry?" Sokka asked, swallowing another mouthful of food.

"I should probably eat something," Suki mumbled. "Don't talk with your mouth full Sokka, that's disgusting."

Katara watched Sokka's cheeks turn pink, and giggled. This was why she liked Suki; always keeping Sokka in line. Aang took another bite of his apple, and Momo came to sit on his shoulder, trying to sneak a taste. Katara spooned out some eggs into a bowl for Suki, handing them to the warrior with a smile. Suki smiled half-heartedly back before taking the bowl. Katara noticed Suki's face looked quite pale.

"Are you ok?" she asked, eyebrows furrowed in worry. "You don't look so good."

"I think I just need to eat something," Suki answered.

Sokka paused from eating to look at her, his eyebrows raised. Suki ignored him, taking a tentative bite of her breakfast. She swallowed, then stared at her bowl for a long moment.

"I'm sorry guys, I-"

She bolted behind a tent, but the distinct sound of her retching could be heard by all of them. They all exchanged a shocked look, and Sokka stood up.

"Don't worry Katara, I still like you're cooking," he said with a grin, then turned to check on Suki.

"Mai, I don't know what you want me to do!" Zuko exclaimed, fists clenched to his sides as he glared at his girlfriend.

"Oh I don't know Zuko, maybe you could make some time for me?" her tone was dripping with sarcasm, arms crossed over her chest as she glared right back.

"I am the Fire Lord, Mai; I barely have time to breathe," Zuko lowered his voice only slightly, trying to keep calm. "I know you need me to spend more time with you, it is just hard with all of these meetings-"

"Yeah, yeah Zuko, you and your meetings," Mai rolled her eyes, and waved her hand at him. "I've heard all this before."

"Well then why won't you retain it?!" Zuko snapped, rage pulsing through his veins. This woman was so infuriating.

"Because you would think, after all these years, you would learn to balance!" Mai shot back.

She turned on her heel, heading for the door leading out of his bedroom.

"I guess just let me know when you have time for me again."

She wrenched the door open, giving him a sad look over her shoulder before walking out.

"Mai, it's not like that! I-"

He was cut short by the slamming of the door behind her.

"Gah!" he exclaimed, running both hands through his shaggy hair.

Why didn't she understand? Couldn't she see that he was trying his best here? He laid face up on his bed, staring at the red canopy above. She had always been a complainer; always wanted to be entertained or helped. When she was fun and loving, he always had a blast with her. Lately however, she had been more negative than positive-

"Fire Lord Zuko?"

There was a sharp tapping on his door, and with a sigh he sat up.

"Come in."

His royal servant, Shin, was bowing before him.

"I do not mean to disturb you sir, but the councilmen are very anxious to get the meeting started. They sent me to see how much longer it would be."

"Tell them I will be there in just a moment," Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed with the lack of patience in the councilmen. "And tell the other servants to have my robes ready."

With a closing bow, Shin exited the room with a promise to fulfill his wishes. With a deep breath, Zuko pulled his hair into a topknot before exiting his room.

"Zuko!" Uncle Iroh threw his arms open in a joyful welcome, a wide smile on his face.

"Uncle?" Zuko was confused, but couldn't help but grin back at his uncle. "What are you doing here?"

The meeting room was filled with councilmen, all looking rather annoyed at the family reunion, though none of them would dare speak a word. They were seated around a large map of the world, wearing traditional Fire Nation red and black robes. The throne meant for Zuko sat high on a platform, a large and comfortable red chair under a small wooden gazebo. Iroh had been sitting amongst the councilmen, but jumped quickly out of his chair when he saw his nephew enter the room.

"I came in town for the meeting," Iroh replied, taking his nephew in for a hug. "One does not want to miss such an exciting celebration."

"Celebration?" Zuko asked, pulling gently out of Iroh's hug to look at the men surrounding the table.

"For the Avatar, of course!" Iroh answered Zuko's questioning gaze as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "It is the four year anniversary of the day the Nation's became one, my nephew!"

Of course, how could Zuko have forgotten? Every year, a celebration was held in honor of the Avatar and the end of the Hundred-year war. Each nation took a turn hosting the event, in order to show the alliance of all. The festival was always spectacular, filled with parades, food, and the joining of all the nations throughout the world. Cultural differences were cherished and shared, and people danced together in harmony. Zuko had heard all of this from others, for he had never actually been to the event himself.

"Right," Zuko scratched the back of his neck, an embarrassed look on his face. "Uncle, I don't think I will be able to make it. With everything going on here, I think it's best if I just skip it for-"

"Nonsense, Zuko!" Iroh put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You have not been to any of the festivals, and it is important you are a part of the fun just as much as the politics. A flower does not bloom from just water Zuko, it needs sun as well to stay alive."

Zuko couldn't deny he had missed his Uncle's metaphors. He gave him a small smile before backing away.

"Uncle, I'd really rather not-"

Zuko did not want to explain why he wouldn't go, couldn't go to these festivals. It all sounded fun, and he could do for some relaxation, but he didn't know if he could face it. Face seeing his friends again after all these years. Face their questions as to why they had not seen him in so long. Aang's concern if he needed any help and Sokka's jokes about him being too good for them now that he was the Fire Lord. Katara's sad eyes as she told him how much she missed him…

"Fire Lord Zuko, I am afraid that is not an option this year," councilman Yan spoke up, a warm smile on his face. "You see, it is the Fire Nation's turn to host the celebrations."

Zuko's eyes widened and he swallowed, staring into the expectant faces of the councilmen.

Azula paced back and forth in her cell, her long hair falling into her face. She eagerly awaited for her messenger to return, an evil glint her eye that had been gone for so long now. She had been through so much these past few years, it was about time things started to go her way again.

"Princess Azula?"

A tentative whisper came from the shadows, and she sped quickly to the door of the cell, her hands on the bars in the small window.

"Chang!" she hissed, a scowl on her face. "It took you long enough. What have you got? What did they say?"

Chang smiled wickedly, moving closer to the window.

"They're in."

A/N: Well, there you have it! Please review and let me know what you think! Thanks so much for reading!