A Dagger at the Circus
BA SING SE
Year 92 A.S.C. (After Sozin's Comet)
A year after their first meeting, Prince Zuko and Katara meet again. This time they're with their families, enjoying the Earth King's private circus. Sokka sits next to Katara, eating some sort of fried dough covered in sweet syrup. Her eyes scan the tent; she sees familiar golden eyes and waves brightly.
As the trapeze act finishes, Zuko comes over, dragging his elegant mother and his scowling little sister.
"Katara!" he calls excitedly. She jumps off her seat and hugs him, earning a stern glance from her father and a fond smile from his mother.
"Chief Hakoda, Lady Kya," greets the Princess. "I've heard a great deal about your daughter from my son."
"Likewise," replies Kya. "I'm glad the children have someone their age to play with. Sokka, stop eating for a moment and say hello."
The seven-year-old obeys, scowling. He really does like Earth Kingdom food.
"This is Azula, my youngest," Princess Ursa tells them. The little girl stays silent.
"We should schedule some playdates," Kya suggests, and the adults chat amongst themselves while Zuko shows Katara his latest toy, a lovely wooden dagger carved by his cousin. Sokka looks on with interest.
"I asked Lu Ten to make one for you," Zuko confesses, taking another dagger out of his pocket. "I know you've got your bending, but it's always good to have another skill."
"Daggers are for boys!" Sokka protests, trying to snatch it out of his sister's hand. "Everyone knows that!"
"It's mine!" Katara cries, hiding it behind her back. "Get your own!"
"Yeah, Lu Ten made it for her. If you want one I'm sure my cousin can make it, when he's not in the meetings."
Appeased, Sokka agrees. "Maybe we can practice with them when I have one?"
Zuko smiles.
Standing next to him, Azula scoffs and mutters about 'weapons' being for lesser beings who can't bend.
The other three ignore her, now trading stories as they eat Sokka's food.
That year, Zuko visits the Water Tribe family's assigned house every day. By the end of the conference, Zuko and Sokka are comrades and sparring partners, and Zuko and Katara are thick as thieves. They promise to write letters this time, after the conference ends and they go home.
Katara sleeps with the lovely wooden dagger under her pillow; it's not because she's in danger, but because she misses her friend. She dreams of a boy and a girl, having adventures in a large city under the stars.