Zuko took a drag on his cigarette as he received a message from the messenger hawk confirming that the Avatar would soon be arriving. What was better is that he'd be coming with Katara. He really missed the waterbender's company, even from when she hated him. He thought she might have warmed up to him during their travels fighting alongside the Avatar. He couldn't wait to see her again, along with Toph, Sokka, Suki, and even Appa and Momo. It had been a year since he'd seen any of them and he couldn't wait until they arrived.

Zuko snuffed out his cigarette in the ash tray next to the window. The moon shone on his muscled arms and abdomen until he moved back into the shade and slid into his bed next to Mai, who was sleeping peacefully beneath the twisted sheets. He put his arm under her head and she responded by turning towards him and putting her arm on his chest. He stroked her hair and stared up at the ceiling, thinking about Katara.

Katara thought about Zuko's letter to Team Avatar as they flew to the Fire Nation Palace. She wondered why his tone was so formal and distant. Did he no longer think of them as friends? Was his title getting to him? She didn't know what to think.

The waterbender fidgeted with her brown waves and looked down at the ocean. She remembered the look on Zuko's face when she told him that she would never trust him. Did he know that it wasn't true? She counted him as a friend now, but still didn't know what he was thinking or how he thought of her.

"Hey Katara! Why you so quiet? I haven't heard your overbearing voice in over an hour!" Toph smirked at Katara.
Katara continued staring at the ocean a few seconds after Toph stopped speaking.

Aang moved closer to Katara and whispered in her ear, "Hey. You okay?" He gave her a look of concern as she turned to him.

"I'm fine," she said. "I'm just nervous about going back to the Fire Nation." This wasn't a lie. Katara was nervous about going back there, she merely omitted the more specific reason.

"Hey, I'm sure all the hotmen and women are fine with us now and want peace just as much as we do. So many people have been hurt during the war, and there weren't just casualties on our side. Fire Nation soldiers died, too. As the Avatar, it's my job to go and spread peace, and I hope that you are willing to do this with me."

Katara looked into Aang's eyes and saw the kindness and caring within them. She knew she had to stop thinking of Zuko and get closer to Aang. He'd always been good to her. "I know. We'll be okay. I'm sure the Fire Nation citizens have come a long way. I mean, when we threw that dance for the kids they were really eager to break away from that rigid society. If not the elders, we can influence those our own age. When the Kyoshi Warriors arrive, we can also feel better knowing that there are more of us."

Suki had left the group to gather the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors to attend the festivities that Zuko had planned. Notable warriors of the Water Tribe were also on their way, with many staying behind so as to not leave their families defenseless. Hakoda went to gather members of The White Lotus.

Katara grabbed Aang's hand to reassure him of her feelings. "I'm fine," she said. "Don't worry." She pulled in her boyfriend and gave him a kiss. She heard Sokka shudder nearby.

"Can you two kiss any louder?" Toph protested whilst clipping her toenails. It was Katara's turn to shudder as she observed the scene.

Beneath the group, Appa emitted a low rumble.

"There it is!" Sokka exclaimed. "We're finally here!"

"It hasn't been that long, Sokka," Katara remarked.

Sokka shot back, "I'm not used to flying on Appa all the time anymore! We haven't had to travel so far in a while."

They all watched as the palace drew nearer. It was a very regal sight. The building was mostly stone but the main entryway and everything visible there was gold and copper except for the cobblestone. The Fire Nation Flag was placed atop the castle and hung from either side of the gate leading on to the grounds. Appa flew over the gate and alighted in the courtyard. Sokka immediately jumped off of the flying bison and flopped over onto the ground. He closed his eyes and was enjoying himself when Toph jumped down beside him.

"RAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Toph roared beside him.

Sokka jumped up and took a few steps back. "What did you do that for?"

"I was getting a good look at you." Toph giggled and elevated herself to grab her sack from atop Appa, who groaned as though disapproving.

Katara shook her head in amusement at the display. She was suddenly whisked into the air by Aang and they gracefully landed by Appa's tail. Katara's braid fluttered in the wind.

"It's good to see you all again," a voice behind them claimed. Everyone, with the exception of Toph, turned to see Zuko fully dressed in formal attire. Three servants were beside him. "It will be getting dark soon. You have very good timing. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. The servants will take your bags to your rooms if you tell them which are yours. I'll lead you to the dining room." Zuko gave them each a warm smile. Katara returned it briefly, being unsure of his emotions. The continuing formality was really unnerving her. The group gave their luggage to the servants as instructed and followed Zuko into the palace.