Three years after the final battle.

Staring out at the night sky, Katara marvelled at the beauty of the full moon from her balcony, recalling how far her nation had prospered since the final battle.

The previous night Sokka had said his goodbyes as he left for Kyoshi Island with his pregnant wife. The water tribe chief was now a soon to be father, with his new responsibilities and having to face the prospect of finally growing up, he had stepped down as Chief of the water tribe for the time being, giving this particular responsibility to Hakoda, the very proud soon to be grandfather.

After her last night in the fire nation, Katara and her brother had spent their time travelling the world searching for water benders to help rebuild their struggling tribe. For four months they searched the marshy plains of the swamps, the cold conditions of the North Pole, a welcome reminder of their home. Now after three years, the south finally had something that would have once rivalled the north. Grand architecture woven in with ancient culture filled every area of what she was proud to call a winter wonderland. Master Pakku along with other elders and war veterans formed the first water council; their first act in power was to commission the building of an icy palace for the true heroes of the war, Katara, Sokka and their family. Unable to accept such a gift, she had stubbornly refused to acknowledge it at first.

"Please Lady Katara you must see why we built such a thing" a councillor supplied.

"I told you, My family and I although overwhelmed by such a generous gift, can't possibly accept this. And I wish for you to call me Katara. Just Katara" she replied grumpily.

"And I have told you many times, although you may now be a superior master to me, you were once my student and so shall listen to what I have to say, for I shall never repeat it again."

"Master Pakku" she acknowledged, her cheeks tinged with the rosy pink of her embarrassment.

"You and your brother have served this nation in such a way, that nothing we can do will every amount to ever repaying you. However we will continue to make such small gestures to show our gratitude regardless of what you may feel. We honour our people by naming you princess and your brother Chief, with respect My Lady, I wish to see our nation under your family's rule for we will continue to thrive."

Unable to formulate a response, she contemplated his words silently, becoming increasing humble for the gift and realising her initial mistake.

"I thank you and am ready for the duties of leading this nation" she announced.

Smiling, Master Pakku had then led her to meet with the named dignitaries of the then small tribe.

Shaking the memories away, she smiled herself, knowing that now her nation was growing and with some wishful thinking perhaps would grow to the size of the fire nation one day. Pulling up the hood of her velvet cloak, she took one last glance at the city beneath her, so much has changed, she mused. Although she was the named princess, she relished her freedom. With the increasing stability of her nation, she had given the majority of her work to her father, leaving her free to pursue her favourite skill, healing.

Now the head of an international healing guild, she divided her time between travelling, helping those who need it most and training new healers. Managing to establish several bases worldwide, the guild was well recognised for its help and skilled healers.

However soon after Sokka had left she had received an urgent note from a healer based in the fire nation:

Princess Katara, esteemed leader,

I am sorry My Lady to bestow upon you bad news.

It seems my skills are inadequate

where my most recent patient is concerned.

I don't understand what it is that ails him.

I beg you for your assistance for

I fear it may be a grave situation.

The patient in question,

I know is someone of significance regarding your past,

Former General, Iroh.

Please come,

Your faithful healer,

Maia.

Knowing that if she stayed away, she would inevitable cause pain to a person extremely dear to her, Katara wrote back immediately, giving her assurance that she would indeed come but wished to remain anonymous.

A bitter expression now blanched across her face, she would have to face a figure whom she had not seen for quite some time, not ever since an eventful night some three years ago on a beach. Grimacing, she clenched her hands. Iroh needed her. For him she'd brush away her thoughts and maintain an air of indifference. Yet no matter how hard Katara tried at pretending that the man in question meant nothing to her, she could not shake her raw feelings away. He had hurt her.

Squaring her shoulders, she decided it didn't matter, she didn't seek revenge. Yet. She just simply wished to never have to see his handsome face again.

Sighing, she left the palace, hoping that she'd be lucky enough to miss an encounter with the Fire Lord.

A/N: So I bet you're all confused and wondering how I managed to jump to this conclusion? Good ^^ that's what I want; although some of you may have your suspicions ;).

Don't worry future chapter will make more sense as plot develops.