Just an Ordinary Girl

-----------

Disclaimer: Again, I still don't own any of the characters in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" or make any money from writing this.

Note(s): Hurray! Chapter Three! I've been updating this one like mad, huh? I guess when the muse hits me, it hits me hard! Remember, in this story you should pay attention to details. They might wind up being key plot points later on! Hope you've enjoyed the story so far! Let's see what happens to Katara now…

-----------

Just an Ordinary Girl

Chapter Three: Ordinary Girls Should Not Act Like Experts on Royalty

-----

If Monday had come any faster Katara would've thought she had been ill. It had been Friday afternoon when she was declared the winner of the competition. It was rather fortunate that the competition had fallen during her school's two week break. There was speculation that it had been planned that way all along…As if they were mainly targeting the younger girls. In any case, who wouldn't want to spend part of their vacation living with a Prince? As much disdain as she felt for how the Prince had treated her during their first yet short encounter, she still harbored excitement for her prize.

When she arrived home Friday evening she had received a phone call explaining what to pack and what time she would be picked up. Now it was Monday, only a few minutes passed one o'clock, and she was waiting on the front steps to her home with her knapsack, her suitcase, and her brother Sokka. Instead of going off to train at the local dojo with his friend Suki, like he always did on Mondays, he chose to stay at home and see Katara off. Whether it was just out of brotherly love or making sure it wasn't some kind of trick one wasn't able to tell. He stood on the stoop, leaning against the railing, eying the road. Clad in a green and white Rough Rhinos band t-shirt, a baggy faded pair of blue jeans, an his old worn pair of running shoes, he looked like any other typical young man of the lower ring. The only difference between him and the other boys was that he liked to keep his hair in a "warrior's wolf-tail" or "military style" as Katara tended to call it.

Katara, who was patiently seated on one of the steps, let out a sigh, "Well, they're not late…yet."

"Don't tell me you're actually excited about this?" Sokka arched a brow and looked down at his sister.

"How could I not be? For the next week I could bathe in chocolate mousse while buff macho guys clip my toenails and do my hair!" she replied with a smug grin.

"Why would you want to?" Sokka grimaced, making an awkward hand gesture.

She sighed and smacked her forehead with her palm, "I was just using it as an expression!"

"You're crazy, sis," he chuckled and then sighed before changing the subject. "So you're only doing this for the perks? It has nothing to do with the chance of hooking up with the number one bachelor of the century?"

"Did you not hear me in the car on Friday?" Katara rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I admit it's not like I've had a heart-to-heart with the guy so I really don't know much about him, but he definitely didn't leave a very nice first impression with me."

"I'm shocked," Sokka smirked. "You've just won the chance of a lifetime. Other girls would kill to be in your shoes…and you're only going along with it for unlimited pampering. Awesome, I approve." He gave her a thumbs-up and a wink.

"Thanks Sokka," she laughed and nudged him in the leg with her elbow.

Within a few moments a long black stretch-limousine pulled up in front of their house. Both of the teens stared at it in mild shock, not quite expecting something so glamorous right away. It was hard to believe all of that was just for Katara… They blinked in surprise when one of the doors opened and a young woman wearing a navy business suit stepped out. She went up to their stoop and took Katara's belongings.

"Come along," It was hard to tell if her tone was more firm or pleasant. "You must be Katara, the contest winner."

"I am," Katara nodded.

"Are you all set to go?"

"Give me a moment please," Katara smiled then stood and got close to her brother.

Sokka smirked, "Have a good time, Katara."

"I'll be home in a week," she wrapped her arms around him in a loose hug. "Take good care of the house. No wild parties while I'm gone."

"Don't worry sis," he grinned. "I'll behave. Tell the Prince of Pricks I said hello."

Katara giggled and with that followed the woman into the limousine. She was surprised at how fabulous the inside was. The seat covers were real leather and the carpeting on the floor was shag. There was a television and a small bar at the front and mirrors in every corner. It amused her that the most expensive vehicle she had ever been in had just been a normal taxicab. Sighing contently she got comfortable in her seat and eyed the young woman who sat across from her. The woman pulled out a PDA and nodded.

"Hello Katara," she spoke up. "I'm Sumire and I'll be the one to assist you the next couple of days until we're sure you're settled."

"Pleasure to meet you," Katara smiled and shook her hand. "Thanks for taking my things by the way."

"No trouble at all," Sumire chuckled softly. "After all, you're a princess for the week. Opening doors and taking bags are going to be the least anyone does for you."

"Oh, right," Katara giggled despite herself. "Is there anything going to be expected of me? Or will I just have to go with the flow…do what the Prince wants?"

"Heavens no," Sumire shook her head. "A basic schedule has been written up for you for the week, however it can be changed to how you or the Prince sees fit based on how well things turn out."

"Lay it on me."

Sumire smiled and glanced at her PDA. "When you arrive today you will be shown to your quarters and allowed to lounge about and relax for the rest of the afternoon. We want to make sure you get yourself settled in before we put you two together. Now, the Prince will be busy with business so he won't be meeting you until this evening for dinner. You two will be taken to the Flying Boar, one of the restaurants owned by the Bei Fong family. After that, you're free to do as you please."

"Sounds nice," Katara tried not to snicker when she mentioned the Bei Fongs. Wait until she told Toph! "Anything else?"

"Well, the rest of the week will be fairly simple. Most of the events will be in the evening as the Prince has to do his duties as well." Sumire explained. "Tuesday will be spent at the Estate where you two can hang out and get to know each other if you wish. The Royal Family has one of the greatest entertainment systems in the country…It's practically a movie theatre. Surely you'll find a way to amuse yourselves."

Katara nodded, awaiting further instructions.

"Wednesday I will take my leave and you will be left up to your own devices during the day. You can call your friends or visit your brother. Just as long as one of the officials knows your plans that morning. The Prince has a meeting that day with June, you know, the model. A magazine wants to interview them. I don't really know much about it, my job is you at the moment. Anyway, that evening he will escort you to a formal gathering with other important families and celebrities of the city. This includes the Bei Fongs, Haru the male model who does promotional work for that shampoo brand, even that charming young star Aang."

"Aang? Really?" Katara's expression brightened.

"I see you're a fan," Sumire laughed.

"Well….Yeah, I guess you could say that…" A blush tinted Katara's cheeks.

Sumire nodded, "As for Thursday, it's pretty much open. We were thinking about arranging a shopping day for you and Princess Azula. Family ties are very important to them and if you want the chance of a relationship the family has to approve right? However, if she becomes unavailable or if you and the Prince would rather do something else it could be arranged. We felt we shouldn't overburden you by cramming events down your throat!"

"Thanks," Katara giggled. "I appreciate that, really. I think I may check in with Sokka again that day I don't know."

"Thanks fine," Sumire looked at her PDA again. "Friday you get a spa day to freshen yourself up for the evening. You two are going to the premiere of the second Avatar movie at the Palace Cineplex. Many other celebrities will be there as well as the paparazzi. So you'd better prepare yourself. "

"I'll take that to mind," Katara nodded. A second Avatar movie? So that's why Aang had been unavailable for so many months…and why he was being tailed by the media.

"Saturday evening should be a lot of fun," Sumire smiled. "The whole upper ring will be gathered at the Royal Estate for a Masquerade Ball. You and the Prince will be the Honored Couple. Everyone and anyone who matters will be there. Of course, everyone will also be wearing masks so the media thought it'd be pointless to even try to figure out who's who." She let out a chuckle. "So if you feel awkward about proper dance you won't have to worry about it being all over the press. I don't think the Prince would mind. He's never been into the fancy stuff all that much either."

Katara beamed, "That sounds lovely! I've always wanted to see what one of those was like…I bet everyone looks so beautiful too."

"Oh yes, you're going to have a special dress tailored for the occasion as well. A dress you get to take home with you and show off to all your friends!"

"Hah!" Katara laughed. "I'll just show it off to my brother because for once I'll have something better than him. He's the oldest so he got most of the new stuff while I got a lot of hand-me-downs."

"Well, this dress and anything else you buy while staying at the Estate, or if the Prince decides to show a soft side and give you gifts, you get to keep." Sumire told her. "Sunday will be the big press day where the Prince will announce if he'll stay with you or if it didn't work out for him. Be prepared for anything, not just the Prince's decision. His admirers and the media officials themselves can get to be a bit out of control."

"I understand," The younger woman nodded. "Thank you."

As they neared the main gates to the Estate, Sumire flashed Katara a grin. "If you need anything just ask. Well, here we are…"

"Here we are," Katara repeated softly.

Meanwhile, over at the Royal Estate, Zuko stood on the balcony outside his room and gazed out at the distance. His family owned a lot of land that consisted of rolling hills covered in flowers, and rare imported plants from many nations. Closer to home was the large outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, and a special garden for yoga and meditation. The outside patio was large enough to seat a formal dinner party. To one side beyond the borders of his family's land, he could see part of the city. To the other, when he squinted, he could see the mountains where one of his homes used to be. This was a common hobby of his, just staring at what he had around him, thinking about life. It was a peaceful way to spend his break when he wasn't arranging meetings or filling out paperwork.

With a sigh, he stepped back into his room and closed the door behind him. The girl would be arriving soon so he had to find a way to look like he was busy. He wanted to delay the inevitable for as long as he possibly could. Suddenly, he got an idea. Smirking, he pulled out his cell phone and flopped back on his luxurious king-sized bed. He flipped it open and went through his library of numbers until he found the one he was looking for. Chuckling, he pressed the button and dialed the number.

"Hello," he said in a rather bored tone when the other person answered.

"Hey Prince, been a while," the other person replied, their tone a bit more playful.

"How've things with you been, Jet?" Zuko asked, feinting curiosity.

Jet chuckled into the phone, "Oh, fine. Bit boring considering I'm not such an important person like you are. Things have been somewhat of a drag."

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that," Zuko said, trying to sound interested.

"So, why did you call me exactly?" Jet asked in a firm tone.

"I just really don't want to let the fools know that I've finished my business for the day. Today's the start of my week with some floozy who won the contest. The longer I can go without having to waste my time with her the better." The Prince explained with a sigh.

"That's right," Jet smirked. "The winner was announced. Obviously you've seen her, is she cute?"

"Eh, not the best looking of the bunch," Zuko replied. "But she seemed like the type most likely not to annoy me too much. A very plain and ordinary girl."

"I was just wondering," Jet chuckled. "Besides, I bet none of those fangirl could compare to your good looks, Prince."

Zuko had to cover his mouth with his hand so Jet wouldn't hear him snicker. "Thanks for the compliment, Jet, but I've told you this before. It's not going to happen."

"It's not like you don't go for that kind of thing, you know," Jet scoffed. "You told me before you go either way."

"Yeah, but none of my paths lead to you," Zuko's tone firmed. "I've also told you before that I consider you my friend. It wouldn't work out, trust me."

"It doesn't hurt a guy to dream then," Jet chuckled. "Eh, I'll just ask Azula."

"Yeah," Zuko smirked. "You go do that. I'm sure she'd fall all over your feet."

"Fine, I will," Jet replied in a playful tone, obviously joking. "Well, I've got to get back to work. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye," Zuko snapped the phone shut and laughed to himself. Even though Jet took any opportunity he could to hit on him he was still a fun person to talk to and usually brightened his mood. He knew he should be on his best behavior when he went to meet Katara later on. Being in a sour mood would only make the media gossip more anyway. He knew that all he had to do was just keep his cool and lay low. Eventually the week would end and things would go back to normal.

Jet laughed as he hung up his cell phone and clipped it onto his belt. Prince Zuko was a bit of a laugh at times. Little did Zuko realize, his good pal Jet was actually one of those tabloid bastards he despised. When the two had met nearly a year ago, it had been at a formal party and Jet had presented himself as a corporate official to get in undercover. That was also the lie he told Prince Zuko when they started talking and became friends. It benefited Jet greatly because anything deep Zuko confided in him was just more fuel for the magazine. Jet was one of the lead editor's for Fab Five magazine, one that focused on the lives of the important and usually had the best gossip. (Mostly about the royal family, thanks to Jet.) It was funny how it never dawned on Zuko how all of his secrets kept leaking. Jet was just a devious and clever bloke so he never got caught. Now that he knew what Zuko's plans were for the week, Jet decided to do something about it as well. He pressed a button on the speakerphone that sat on his desk.

The phone clicked and a voice was heard, "Yes, Editor Jet?"

"Get me Longshot and Smellerbee. I've got a fabulous mission for them this week."

"Will do, they'll be there shortly," the voice replied and clicked off.

"Excellent," Jet grinned and rested his chin on his folded hands. "This week should bring me some interesting results."

Katara was in awe when she was showed to her sleeping quarters. She thought the house was amazing when given the tour but the room made up for her was more glamorous than she could have ever imagined. The pale blue carpeting was soft beneath her feet and the walls were painted a light shade of violet that went well with the floor and indigo curtains that covered the windows. Once she was left alone and her bags unpacked she flopped back down in her queen-sized bed. The comforter was so fluffy she sunk into it like it was a cloud. She knew she would sleep well this week. After spending a moment lost in her comforts she sat up and looked around her room. There was a lamp and alarm clock on the nightstand to one side, on the other nightstand was a phone that she was told she had free use of. Across from her was a chest of drawers with a widescreen flat panel television hanging on the wall above it. One side of the room had the door to what she was told was a large walk-in closet cleared out for her. The other side had two large double-doors that led to her bathroom. Curious, she got up to take a look. She never had her own private bathroom before.

It was as beautiful as her bedroom. The floor was made of marble and she had two sinks and a large vanity mirror all to herself. There was also a decent sized shower stall and…the biggest tub she had every seen in her entire life. It was the size of the Jacuzzi at a hotel she had stayed at once. There were even water-jets! She smiled with excitement and knew she would be taking baths often. She also appreciated the small room within the bathroom that was closed off that had the toilet. It gave her a sense of privacy. She took a look around the sink and tub area. Even the soaps and shampoos looked and smelled luxurious. The Prince may have been a jerk but she knew she was going to enjoy herself. Even if it meant spending the entire week in her bathroom!

There was a knock on her door and she went to answer it. A uniformed man came to tell her to get ready. The Prince would be downstairs in a matter of minutes. She thanked him then went to her closet to find something to wear. Glad it was dress-casual she pulled out a dark blue mini-dress and her favorite black heels. Sighing, she went into her bathroom to dress and primp herself.

"Well…" She muttered to herself. "Time to get ready to meet the "Prince of Pricks". Oh joy." Her voice feigned sarcasm.

If only she knew the Prince was as eager to meet her as she was to meet him…

-----

Note: End of Chapter Three! I hope you all liked it! Don't worry about Sumire. She's just going to be there to help Katara get settled in. However, as you can tell, Jet is definitely plotting something! Devious fellow, isn't he? And Zuko and Katara have their first date…The plot thickens! Thanks for reading so far! Let me know what you think!

---------------