YES! LOOK AT THIS! I'M SO EARLY GAAAHHH

Anyway, I just really want to thank everyone that is reviewing so much! I mean, I've had people review other stories but you just have no idea how excited it makes me to update every week, knowing so many of you love this story. I am always completely overwhelmed and bowled over by the responses I'm getting and I hope I can continue making you all so happy!

So, thank you so much to my awesome lovely reviewers: Queen Bbrony, JoinTheDarkSideofMagic, story teller, KnightOwl247, lucel18, Waves20, XxShadowfangxX, 25Carin, and Randy Stiles.

Story Teller: Thanks so much!

Randy Stiles: Mai will be unraveled with time...I mean, I think we can all guess she'll be here pretty long and eventually when there's not that many girls left she'll HAVE to talk to some people, even if she doesn't want to. But, she's not an important character until much later on, I'd say. And don't worry at all, that is not assish at all. I should show you some awful reviews if you want to see what assholes look like...Anyway, funny story about that part! You guys totally did deserve more action, and you'll get some later one. At the time of writing it, I just really wanted to get to the next chapter and so I just put in like a (more later finish) bracket with the intention of going back and doing a full fight scene. Then, as I was uploading, I realized I never actually went back and wrote that. But my computer was being stupid and was dying fast, so I made the choice just to tie it up and upload it, instead of at that point, possibly having to wait another two or three days. So, yeah, I'm not offended by that at all. And I don't consider it too much of a personal question at all, but I'm 22!


The morning she woke feeling even worse physically. When she tried to stretch out her back, her whole body quaked and she folded in two, gasping.

"Okay, nope." She puffed out, touching her chest gently. Admittedly, she'd done a lot by herself. This was the first chance she'd gotten to spar on an even playing field. She went against her brother, sure, but that was with siblings so it always ending with cheating. And she'd gotten bumped around loads of times, but that fan...well, wow. She understood how powerful the Kyoshi truly were.

She wrapped her breast tunic on tightly, trying to obscure the bruise the best she could. She considered trying some of the colorful powders that went on her face, as she hovered near the makeup stand. But, she hardly knew how to put blush on without looking like she was embarrassed all the time, so she just wrapped it down lower than she normally would.

She was glad that had been the first thing she did because Aiga knocked and waltzed into the room.

"Aiga!" Katara breathed a sigh of relief. Zuko had sounded sure that they were safe, but she didn't deny the idea that he might just be a grand liar. Aiga dropped her linens in surprise. Katara's tone was very friendly, "Spirits, you're alright, right?"

"From yesterday?" Aiga asked, "Oh, yes. We hardly were near any of the action anyway." Aiga said, lowering herself to gather Katara's items.

"Good," Katara beamed, "I was worried," She said, tilting her head.

"Worried? About me?" Aiga echoed, smoothing her black hair back nervously.

"Of course." Katara said, "I mean," She trailed off. She was going to say something to the effect of that they weren't so different, and truly the one thing that separated them was the arbitrary boundary line between a worker and a competitor. Yet, they were the same height, around the same age, and Katara's wealth at home was probably comparable to Aiga's, in truth. Maybe only a sliver better, but not much. In fact, Aiga was employed, with money, which is more than the South had.

"It's kind of you to say so," Aiga said after a moment, eyebrows crinkling, "I shouldn't gossip, I know, but some of the other ladies...they'd…" Katara didn't have to hear the rest of it. She was sure that the well-being of their handmaids, some of which girls they'd brought with them, never crossed their mind.

"I also heard you were quite the hero," Aiga grinned, then covered her lips, trying to settle her emotions.

"Oh," Katara winced, "Hardly."

"Truly, though," Aiga said, "Few people run toward danger."

Katara tried sitting, "Yep. That's me," She said dryly. She stood back up when her chest hurt. Aiga gave her a concerned look.

"Do you need to see someone?"

"No, I just slept weird, that's all." Katara lied, "What dress today?" She asked, flinging open her wardrobe, leaving Aiga to do her usual morning jobs that Katara allowed- picking her ensemble, showing her which colors to use on her face and where, and helping Katara put her hair up because it really was a two person job. Once that was done, Katara dismissed her. She sank onto the chair on her makeup table slowly, achingly. She should have asked Aiga if she had any sort of numbing tea or salves around.

The breakfast hall was back to the usual chatter instead of the deadly silence the room had heard yesterday.

"I saw you practicing in the gardens," Yue said when Katara sat down, "You're very good."

"Good enough," Katara said, but in reality she didn't think so since Suki beat her.

"No, really! The masters in the North might rethink women learning fighting if they saw you." Yue said with a tinge of hopefulness. Even this piqued Katara's attention.

"Really?" She asked, turning her whole body toward Yue, since her bruise didn't allow her much movement.

"I'd hope," Yue admitted, "They can be pretty traditional. Honestly, I've thought the rule is outdated for years. Besides, we have much more women than men on average, and I've heard a rumor that back a long time ago when a plague killed most of the men the women fought instead." Yue sipped her morning tea, "However, they call that 'fanciful storytelling' and if were true 'extreme circumstances'."

"So we get rid of most men. Sounds ideal enough," Katara teased, and this brought a tiny smiel from Yue.

"I'm not allowed to rule unless I marry a man. And if I were to be chosen by Zuko, my right would be forfeited to my cousin." She admitted, "I have to say, I jumped coming here because at least I know women are more respected here." She added the last bit in a hushed whisper, as though it was heresy to say.

"I think you're a strong enough women you could change things." Katara said and Yue just shrugged.

"In my dreams, perhaps."

Zhi entered the dining hall, and by this point all the girls knew to quiet down. Katara rolled the bread between her finger with mild curiosity how things would be after yesterday.

"Ladies, in light of yesterday's...event," Zhi cleared her throat, "I have spoken with the Royal Family and we have decided the most safe way to continue is that you will be divided into three groups to dine with the family. They do not meet for every meal, but they make a great effort most of the time to. It will rotate accordingly."

There were mild sounds of distress from the girls, but Zhi just clasped her hands.

"Ladies, look on the bright side. Even if you do not see the Prince as often, you will get a more intimate experience with him, since there will be fewer girls vying for his time."

Her logic made the twitter more excited in nature. Katara chewed slowly on her bread.

"Wei here has the lists of groups. These groups will not change in the near future, and remember if you are one, two or three. If you try to sneak into a group that isn't yours for more time, you will be eliminated. Group one will go at lunch today and two at dinner. I believe that they are meeting for breakfast as well tomorrow, so at least you will experience it all together." Zhi said, "After you are finished, Wei will sit here and let you know where you are." Wei loudly pulled a chair across the wood, plopping himself down with a scroll, "Enjoy the rest of your meal, ladies. Today will be a day in here, since we need to do a little juggling of our schedules with this new rule in place."

Zhi nodded, leaving the dining hall. There was a moment of silence before half of the chairs were scratching back as girls clambered over to Wei.

"Kilee," Katara said, trying to grab her wrist, "Your name won't change location if you finish," She said, pointing at the half eaten plate.

"You've had your chance. I'm just too excited to finish!" Kilee said, and Katara watched her go, leaning on the back of her chair.

"Oh, that's just her," Saoirse said as she continued eating, "Can't change her." None of the other Water tribe girls, except Eva who actually had been done, had gotten up to see their results.

"As long as the prince doesn't see," Katara murmured withich was met by a hum of agreement from Yue. Katara caught her eye. Perhaps she'd already assessed the situation in the way Katara had, and knew the same pitfalls of her fellow girls.

Katara wondered if Yue would truly try to help them, though, as Katara was doing. She, unlike Katara, actually did want this title. Perhaps letting Kilee blabber in front of him or Eva turn into a stone when he complimented her would work in her favor?

When most of the girls had cleared, Katara went up to Wei.

"The fighter," Wei acknowledged to her bitterness, "Group one."

"How were these chosen?" Katara narrowed her eyes.

"All random." Wei shrugged. Katara had to wonder if it truly was. Not that Katara cared what other girls thought, but she knew she was getting quite a lot of time with the Prince. She would have been happy to be group three.

Wei had sounded almost in awe when he called her 'the fighter', so maybe they liked that she was stupid like she had been? Maybe they were pushing her as one of the ideal candidates? Well, she supposed that could only help her position...she hoped. She snorted to herself; if only she could tell these girls that apparently the best way to get to the Prince was to tell him that you had zero interest in him. It seemed she only ever saw the Prince now.

She read a little more on the book about the Ladies of the Fire Nation. She was glad it was surprisingly thorough and a little tough to get through. It gave her a goal, something to work toward. Plus, she acknowledged she was entering into now a game of not only beauty but of politics, on her end. She had to model herself to be a Fire Nation Lady if she wanted Ozai's vote, which she knew she'd need if she intended on staying through the next culling.

At around sunhigh, there came a knock on her door. She thought it might be Suki or Yue, but was surprised to see Aiga.

"Zhi requested a little more formalness for this meal. There are said to be some political representatives coming." She explained, "We have about an hour. I think you need to put on a dress that's more...presentable."

Katara looked down; she was wearing what they would consider 'casual' at the palace. She frowned, but allowed Aiga to lay out one of her pretty blue dresses, the same color as her eyes. Aiga helped her with her makeup, since she needed something that looked a little more artistic than Katara's shaky hand.

"I can't believe you're so good at this!" Katara marveled at the swift way Aiga put on kol around her eyes, just smudging it along the lash line. When Katara did try, it was bulky and uneven.

"Makeup is common here in the Fire Nation. Since working here, I've been able to afford it." Aiga explained, "I do have a life...go on dates…"

Katara turned, raising an eyebrow. "Really?" She asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Well, I haven't had one in awhile...but just, I've been busy. Being upgraded to a handmaid is a huge responsibility. I just want to get a feel for it before I start making plans." Aiga said confidently.

"When you do, I want to hear about him...or her." Katara added for good measure. Aiga chuckled, picking up Katara's dress she'd worn for about three or four hours.

"I hardly think that would interest you, not when you're courting the prince." Aiga said self-consciously.

"I've dated pretty normal guys before. Plus, I like seeing you smile." Katara said. Aiga blushed a bit, then narrowed her eyes outside.

"I'd expect you'll be lining up for lunch soon. Best of luck," She said, touching Katara's palms gently before leaving.

Outside, a line of girls was already formed by the large double doors. Katara saw Yue with Eva waving to her.

"Group 1?" Eva asked excitedly. Katara nodded.

Down the line, a girl with ginger-brown hair similar to Suki's gave a groan.

"Of course we have to be with the favorite...he'll never even look at me!" She whispered to a dark-skinned girl, who nodded with anger. Katara swallowed, trying not to look at them. Yue frowned at the pair.

"Don't listen to a word. They're awful to talk like that. If the Prince finds them interesting, he'll talk to them too." She said in a moterhing-like tone. Katara gave a thin smile.

She noticed Besu- Smellerbee- was also in her group and she hoped to learn more about her.

Five guards came to escort them, with Zhi leading the pack.

"Why do we need all those?" The dark-skinned girl asked, "Katara the fighter is here." Of course, it was probably meant as a jab, but in reality it made Katara glow with pleasure. She probably was better suited for a fight than these guards, most of whom she assumed had never seen much fighting and protected the Prince and Princess from love-sick fans.

The dining hall was full when they arrived, all the spots that may normally be filled with girls now instead filled with ostentatiously dressed representatives, some from Fire Nation, others from Earth Kingdom. Most gawked openly at the girls as they shuffled in, like they were on display or something.

Katara choose a seat far from the Prince as possible, hoping it would encourage him to talk to other people.

"Now that the girls are here, we may start, after our Prince does some introductions," Ozai said, calling attention to the front. Katara half-listened as Zuko rattled off the names of the girls and where they came from, only tuning in when she was expected to stand and curtsy at her own name.

He didn't go around introducing the representatives, because of course only one of the girls here would need to know them. Katara didn't speak much, except to Eva, but took this opportunity to listen in. One awesome thing she'd learned about being a girl is that males usually didn't expect a small thing like her to be eavesdropping. Lots of the representatives were military positions, which she turned her nose up at a bit. The Earth Kingdom people usually represented some sort of trade, like cabbage or ostrich-horse. One was a fashion-designer, who raved about his newest silk designs. Katara tuned him out quickly, instead trying to focus on the military discussion going on in quiet tones.

Zuko did make a point of asking other girls questions specifically, starting with Yue, which Katara was grateful to see. She learned that Besu was only a couple months in age ahead of Toph and she could climb any tree. Most of the table turned their nose up at the idea of a lady shimmying up a tree, but Iroh looked delighted. The man sitting next to him, who Katara still did not know who he was and at this point was too afraid to ask, clapped his hands a bit.

"There's a tree we have here that's as high as the palace, I'd like to see you climb that," The man chimed in. Besu looked confident.

"I'd do it,"

"Maybe another day," Ozai said, his displeasure seeping into his tone. Zuko didn't seem fazed, but instead continued asking Besu about her skills and such, before moving on. He even asked Eva a question, but Eva was so flustered she knocked her entire drink onto the table. People jumped back, raising their plates to avoid it ruining the meal. Katara, hardly thinking, flicked her wrist up and deposited the water into the glass, handing it off to a waiting servant.

She hadn't realized it was such a surprising motion. To her, it seemed logical. It would have taken forever to mop it up and if you couldn't apply your bending to practical uses as well, where was the use of it? But everyone at the table just looked at her with varying degrees of curiosity.

"I forgot, we had a 'master' waterbender amongst us," Ozai's velvet voice broke over the silence. He spoke little at this meal, except to voice his displeasure, "I heard about your actions yesterday. Quite the talk of the staff. So...brave."

Katara looked over to the end of the table, biting back a sigh. From his tone, she knew once again he was making fun of her, she was sure. Until she looked up and saw something unrecognizable in his gaze; admiration? Surprise? Tolerance? It was utterly mystifying to her.

"Father," Zuko's voice was a low growl, a threat. He hadn't made a point to defend the other girls vocally, usually just sending them a quiet apology if his father said something mildly insulting. But then again, his father hadn't made such a declaration.

"Oh, come on, Zu Zu," Azula had also been quiet this whole time. But now when she spoke, it was the same enchanting way her father did, and Katara could see how this family played with minds and stayed on the top. Zuko's face grew even darker at her nickname, which Katara took as a sibling thing. She called her brother 'Idiot' or 'Meathead' on occasion, but never with such a tone, "He's just giving her a compliment."

At her deceptively innocent comment, Katara was even so more confused about where Ozai's note lay. In her mind, she decided between insult and recognizing she wasn't filled with air in her head.

"Then don't say it like you're about to execute her," Zuko muttered under his breath, which darkened the feelings of the whole room instantly.

"Zuko, we're not killing anyone here," Azula said, but by the way her eyes lit up, Katara could have been fooled, "Do you have to be so dramatic? Spirits, and to think you'll be the Fire Lord with that temper-"

"Azula," Ursa's voice was stern.

"I'm just saying," Azula continued merrily, taking a bite of her meal, "Zuko has a tendency to jump to conclusions over petty little things. Just imagine, handing Zuko the keys to the Fire Nation and someone says a little joke and it leads to war. Seems pretty plausible to me. Do we really think that he's-,"

"Azula. Eat your lunch. In silence." Ursa cut her off, her gaze furious. Katara glanced at Zuko and saw the way his fists were clenched. The chopsticks between his fingers were beginning to smoke. Katara saw Ozai give Zuko a very disappointed look while Azula just shrugged at her dad, sending him a 'see what I mean' sort of look. Ursa was looking at her daughter like she was going to be grounded until she was thirty. Iroh looked concerned about the whole thing.

The representatives all quickly made reasons to be done with lunch early, to retreat back to their suites until dinner. Soon, all that were left were the girls. Katara tried to sink low in her chair, rubbing her temples. Who knew her doing a simple water-bending move would spark all this nonsense? Zhi seemed to be blissfully ignoring it, and Yue tried to engage Zuko in another conversation. Zuko did his best to try to be nice to her, but Katara could tell his mind was entirely elsewhere.

"Azula," Ursa said in a moment between their talk of education in the North, "Finish your meal."

Azula shook her head, standing, "You know, mother, I don't think I'm really hungry anymore," She said, but turned back, her eyes zeroing in on the Royal topknot sitting in front of Zuko, "For food, that is, at least." She said in a very pointed manner, before exiting.

"Azula!" Ursa followed after her, quickly followed by Iroh and the man (he had to be family, didn't he?).

"Girls, I think it's time we also take our leave." Zhi said once it was just Ozai and Zuko. Probably for the best, as most of the girls looked terrified imagining just Zuko's father there, no buffers.

"What just happened?" Eva whispered to Katara, truly confused. Katara opened her mouth, but shook her head.

"Later," She assured her.

"Ladies, I apologize for that very uncouth display of manners, from both of my children," Ozai said, face tightly stretched, like a bow taut, before letting go. She knew the peircingness of his gaze would land on her, and it did. Katara pointedly did not look at him. Ozai hardly spared his son a second glance as he exited the room, leaving Zuko there. Katara could tell he was trying to smooth his breathing. If he was holding something, he may set it on fire, Katara thought.

"Girls, come, I'm sure the Prince has very important things to attend to," Zhi said as she motioned to the hall.

Katara stood up, rolling her shoulders and took a step to the left. Immediately, she found herself crashing down over Eva's chair, taking a handful of plates and glasses to the floor as she stumbled hard. At first, she thought she'd just been extremely clumsy, until she saw one of the girls from Earth Nation giggling maliciously behind her fingers, eyes watching Katara fumble to get up. The other girls looked shocked and Yue came over, trying to push past Zhi to help Katara.

Her body ached from the bruise, which would now be joined by at least ten more. One of her ankles was bleeding from where she'd yanked it across a piece of glass on the floor.

"Princess Katara, what happened?" Zhi said, rushing over. She hadn't seen. Katara held her tongue, wondering if she should speak up, name the girl that had very obviously tripped her. Before that could happen, Zuko's feet came into view. Katara managed to catch a look up toward him, and he was furious.

"Fidelia," He said, his voice low and dangerous. Katara sucked on her cheek. Of course, this was Fidelia, "You can pack your bags when you return to your room."

The humor slid of Fidelia's face, "You're throwing me out because Katara is clumsy?" She asked, batting her eyes and looking as innocent as ever.

Zuko almost grinned, "We both know exactly what you did. I saw, I'm sure other girls did too."

"Fidelia," Zhi scolded, her voice disappointed.

"I did not! And if my foot happened to be in her way, it was just an accident!" Fear seemed into her tone as she tried to hold onto her place, "Zuko-,"

"You may call me 'Prince' or 'Your Highness'," Zuko corrected.

"Your highness," Fidelia backtracked, "You cannot deny that we had a spark? Didn't we? I know you felt it. Wouldn't you be upset if you let this one little thing get in the way of our eventual relationship." Zuko crossed his arms, "Katara, did I trip you?" Fidela asked in a tone that said that if Katara said 'yes', she might kill Katara in her sleep.

Before Katara could answer, Zuko shook his head, "Katara is a kind person. But I know what I saw. And even if I was hallucinating for one strange second, I don't think I'd want the future Fire Lady to laugh at those who are down, I'd want them to help them up," He sent a smile at Yue, "Kindness is necessary for my wife, but cannot be achieved by all." The tone of his voice told Katara this was final, "Let this go as a warning. I will not tolerate any sort of this pettiness from anyone. You will go the same way Fidelia is going." The remaining girls nodded, eyes wide. Fidelia was still shaking her head in shock.

"But-,"

"Fidelia," Zhi said, "Do not go out looking like a child," She sounded affronted she even had to tell someone that, "One of the guards here will take you back. Girls, let's go to the hall."

"I'd like to speak with Katara a moment," Zuko said. Zhi's expression softened.

"Of course, my prince."

Yue hesitated, but Katara sighed, shaking her head. Fidela left half-way between tears, sending angry looks back at Katara.

Once the room was cleared, Zuko dropped his firm face and beant down to help Katara up. She tried not to flinch, but she didn't manage it well.

"Has another girl done something?" He asked angrily, rubbing his face.

"No!" Katara shook her head, snorting, "It's just the fall." She said, waving a dismissive hand. Zuko scrutinized her, and then poked her directly where Suki's fan had hit. She hissed through her teeth. Zuko raised his good eyebrow.

"Okay, fine," Katara threw up her hands, "But before you go kicking people out, I was just sparring with Suki. She won. I lost."

Zuko looked unconvinced, "You lost?"

"Yeah, I mean, I don't get to spar with real people a lot. It's so easy to win against snowmen," She mumbled to herself, "And Suki is not a force to be reckoned with. But she's my friend, so…" She sighed, "Really, don't kick her out."

"As long as this fight was...consensual and not about me." He said.

"I promise," Katara said. Once she was steady, Zuko let her go. He grabbed a napkin from the table, offering it to Katara for her ankle.

"I can have a healer look at that," He said quietly.

"N need. I can heal it myself," Katara said, patting it dry and trying to assess the damage, "I just need water and a quiet space, which I'll get back in the ladie's area. I can't believe you just...woosh, Fidelia, gone."

"She tripped you."

"And this is why people think you play favorites," Katara said under her breath, but she was pretty sure Zuko heard it. He shrugged.

"If she'd tripped anyone I would have sent her home. Really, I'm not going to tolerate it." He said, holding up his hands, "But, I didn't like she tripped you, I'll admit…" Katara blinked, trying to erase away his last comment. It was far too loaded for her. Instead, Katara tapped her chin.

"For the best. Toph told me her grand plan for winning was to get pregnant, by you, and then win by default."

"Spirits," Zuko ran his fingers through his hair, "She seemed so normal, so put-together at the breakfast meeting. This is why I need a friend like you. She seemed like two totally different people!"

"Zuko," Katara sighed, setting the bloodied napkin on the table, "You need to not talk to me so much. The girls think it's all in the bag and stuff." There was a pause, "With me...and you."

Zuko's jaw was locked, "Don't you think I know that?" His voice was harsher than she'd expected. He looked away from her, "Sorry," He said after a second, "I just like talking to you. You're so easy to talk to. I don't have to worry about much when I'm with you." He said and Katara nodded, trying to once again brush away this too.

"I know, I know. But...there's other great girls out there. Like Yue," She hinted at again.

"I could see myself really liking her in the romantic sense," Zuko said, "Among others. Don't think I don't see."

"Then, as your friend," Katara said softly, "Ignore me for a couple days."

Zuko laughed, "Come on." He nodded to the door. The group of girls had already left, so Zuko walked her back.

"You're safe with me," Zuko scoffed when Katara asked if he was going to call two guards for her, "And to be honest, I feel safer with you...even if you did lose your sparring match," He said the second bit in a low, teasing whisper. Katara whacked him on his shoulder.

He left her at the doors. When she entered, the hallways were buzzing with gossip of the whole lunch.

"Azula clearly wants the throne," Yue was explaining to Eva when Katara joined the group, "I can't believe you didn't pick up on that."

"Well, Zuko's first born," Katara chimed in. She knew this much, from other talks. Azula was her age, "So...she's just saying things to thin air, basically."

"Yeah, but you know-," Saoirse began, but Kilee talked over her.

"Katara! Your leg!"

Katara sighed. She looked at Saoirse, hoping for more info, for her to finish her sentence, but she never did. Now that Katara was back, their focus shifted to her.

"I can fix it, easy," Katara said, "He was just making sure I was okay. Nothing more."

"What Fidelia did was dishonorable. I'm glad she's gone," Yue said, "I'm sorry it had to happen at your expense."

"I'm thick skinned," Katara tilted her head, "I'm not going to let it bother me at all."

"He's just so nice," Eva sighed, "He looked so concerned about Katara."

"That's good, isn't it?" Kilee said, seeing the look on Katara's face.

"Yeah, yeah," Katara forced a smile, "Just...it's been a long day and it's hardly past noon."

All the girls in the group agreed, and with that Katara was excused socially to go fix her leg.

As she rubbed the glowing water up and over the cut, she thought alot about Fidelia. Sad thing was, she was quite pretty. She had two different colored eyes, which was a catch anywhere and a face like a fairy. But her personality was so nasty. If she had focused less on making sure other girls didn't succeed and worried only about herself, maybe she'd be fine.

Katara was also glad Zuko spoke over her, which usually she would loathe. Mostly because Katara wasn't sure if she'd tattle on her, if Zuko had let her speak. A part of her hated to admit the temptation had been there, loudly.

She focused on these troublesome thoughts over the other troublesome thoughts, which might be, despite their friendship, Zuko was getting a crush on her. She was sure it was just a crush, and early stages at that, but this...this could not happen. Absolutely not.

There was a knock on her door. She expected Aiga, so just mumbled something inaudible. She was quite shocked, however, when Zhi creaked the door open, followed by Pan. She hadn't seen either of her representatives so far in this competition, but then again there wasn't much she needed of them. The chef was good to make a wide array of food from other nations and Aiga was able to send off any messages she needed.

"Katara, I see you've healed your leg. Indeed, quite the bender," Zhai said, nodding to where Katara's wound was nearly fixed. Admittedly, Katara fell behind on her healing practices. If she were better, it might already be done, but as it was she liked something a little more...interactive. Besides, most of the men and girls in her tribe liked a scar or two to show their worth. Katara couldn't tell what Zhi truly thought of her bending and she understood it was more of a polite way to come in.

"I've asked Pan here," Zhi nodded, "Because of what happened this afternoon. You're alright, aren't you?" Zhi did sound genuinely concerned for her well being.

"I'm clumsy anyway," Katara said, shrugging, "I'm fine."

"She purposely hurt you," Zhi said, "You should not take this lightly, Katara."

"She's gone now, isn't she?" Katara asked, raising an eyebrow, "It's done." She said simply. She thought of the waves back home, trying to release any animosity toward this girl and let it float off. In fact, she pitied Fidelia...to imagine being so desperate you'd trip other girls…

"Well, if you wanted to do more action, this is why Pan's here."

Katara frowned. Their justice system back home wasn't very complex, mostly because they were a small group, but she still understood the implication, "Pan or Laio would intervene on your behalf for more legal matters, including whe-if you move up to an elite." Katara didn't miss how she nearly said 'when'.

"Oh, that's why you've been absent," Katara said to herself. She had admittedly been wondering where her representatives, who she'd thought wever very kind but merely ignorant, were lately.

"Do you think you want to?" Pan cut in, "It would be within your right."

"Look, I'm fine. Just a little cut. She didn't set me on fire or stab me, you know? Plus, I think she's punished enough." Katara replayed her flabbergasted look as the Prince sent her away.

"You are truly modest and kind," Zhi said, folding her fingers together, "But I agree. Fidelia will hopefully learn something now."

Katara bit back a hum of disagreement. In her experience, girls like Fidelia never did learn. They always thought the world was against them. But, she did truly hope maybe she was wrong. She hoped Fidelia could look back and realize it was such a stupid act, but still an unkind one.

There wasn't even a girl Katara disliked that much, even if she wasn't trying to get to the Prince. She just didn't usually hold that sort of animosity toward others.

"If you change your mind, just tell Aiga and she'll find me." Pan said. He blinked, "I hope it's otherwise been a good stay? Well, discounting the rebels…" He trailed off. Zhi hit the back of his arm with her pointer. He coughed, shaking his head away from that topic.

"Perfectly well," Katra said, which wasn't a whole lie. This had been nice, in retrospect, so far. She wasn't finding it awful, just a little boring at times, but overall it was a little thrilling to be deep in the territory of her tribe's most mysterious and dangerous opposition.

And well, Katara already knew she practically ran toward danger.

"I'm glad to hear. I hear you had a much bigger role at home," Zhi said, "But, that will have just groomed you for the Future Fire Lady."

Katra gave a smile, one that felt genuine even if it wasn't. If she were here for Zuko's heart and the crown, yeah, she'd have a hand up when it came to dealing with politics. She figured few others even tasted that.

The pair didn't stick around long after, leaving Katara back to her leg. She was determined to fix it until there wasn't even a scar. Often, she would have enjoyed having another mark to add to her ever growing collection on her skin, but this one felt so fake. She was a little ashamed she'd been tripped and not wounded in a battle, too. The entirety of this wound just felt off so Katara plowed through the boringness of healing until one couldn't even tell she'd been dripping blood on Zuko's cutlery sets today.

Katara only left her room when the second third went to dinner. It seems like so much had ecliped since lunch that it was impossible to imagine it was the same day. No such drama occurred, nor at breakfast the next morning. Katara wondered if she was very lucky or very unlucky because of these facts. She decided somewhere in between; she was too curious and so she was just glad drama happened around (and usually about) her but at the same time, it almost felt like someone was pulling the strings to make this whole affair more interesting than it already was.

As breakfast was clearing out, Saya made a faint gasping noise, staring wide-eyed at the door. Everyone turned, except Katara for she had a good idea about what it was.

"Good day, ladies, I hope I'm not interrupting."

Yep, the Prince.

"No, your highness," Zhi assured, grinning brightly as all the girls sat up straight, "What brings you here?"

"Well, I was wondering if I could take Mai out for a couple hours," Zuko asked. Kataras head swung around, frowning. Most of the girls deflated, but some looked at Katara with relief, as though thinking 'at least it's not her again.' And, June in particular misread her reaction, muttering under her breath, "It can't be you everytime, princess."

In reality, Katara felt upset. She thought they'd agreed upon Yue. Well, it's not like she truly had a say in this, but it mostly confused her. Plus, she saw how Yue's expression clouded and she wanted to tell Yue that the prince liked her, but then she'd have to explain more than she wanted.

A thought hit her, one she hadn't considered. The prince likely knew politics. Katara and Sokka had grown up with it. When they were young and both of their parents were needed at meetings and her grandma or grandpa were gone, Sokka and Katara would lay at the feet of their parents council meetings, playing with skits and dolls. But they'd still heard things. Even just counseling the tribe needed a particular brand of intelligence, one that could be learned; political savvy. So she had to think that a kid who was groomed to be the Fire Lord over an entire kingdom and more would have lived in that sort of world his whole life.

And, if Katara were being political, she wouldn't have chosen another Water Tribe girl as a second date either. It would seem, if he had, his choice was done and he liked a certain...erm, brand of girl. With this, it was solidified that still everyone had a chance. You wanted hope like that, because truth is, someone was going to win. It really could be anyone.

So, she settled, and another thought hit her. It was how quiet the Prince had sounded. Not physically, but mentally. There was longing. Katara recalled that Mai had been his friend, long ago. Perhaps he hoped to set up a relationship to hers like he had with Katara, though more geared toward the romance. She hoped for his sake Mai said yes to at least this.

Breakfast was cleared away and truth be told, Katara thought very little about his date with Mai. It seemed like everyone else thought it would be the only thing she thought about, sans those that knew she wasn't really here for his heart.

"Are you upset?" Eva asked.

"No?" Katara frowned, "Why would I?"

"Well, you were his first."

"You make it sound so serious. We hardly did much," Katara said, setting her work down, "And this is a competition. I get that he'll go on dates, spirits even kiss other women."

"I'd be jealous. I am jealous." Eva admitted. She sighed, "I wish I could just be more like you…"

Then, as she was crossing to use the ladies room, Ratana stopped her, "Finding it hard to imagine Zuko wants to be with Mai over you?" She asked cruely. Katara rolled her eyes.

"Says even less about you, then, doesn't it?" She said cooly, pushing past her to get into the bathroom.


BYE FELICIA, erm i mean, FIDELIA! So yeah, Zuko ain't gunna tolerate any bull-shittery on his watch.

And Ozai...and Azula...They're terrifyingly confusing people, aren't they?

If you feel like this sort of ends awkwardly, it does. Admittedly, while writing the first 100 pages or so, I wasn't concerned about where chapters would be so much as I was just writing. So when I went back to cut it up, I was like, 'huh...I'm not sure I have a good spot to end this' but if I let the next section go on, this chapter would be much longer than the rest (which, I'm sure many wouldn't mind) BUT it would make next chapter really sort. So I just snipped it here. Meh. It works.

So, you may have noticed I am updating VERY early. It's because tomorrow/today, I'll be going to classes and then going straight to the airport to fly to Florida. And, since I live in cold and snowy Wisconsin FLORIDA CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH. My bf's older brother is getting married and he's asked me to be one of his wives bridesmaids! I won't be there very long, because well classes, but it should be fun. Especially since my bf's anniversary gift to me was tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! So, I'm updating now because Friday is the wedding, Sat is HP, and Sunday I come home so you see where I'd have like no time to update anything...

If you're curious to see what your dear author looks like, I'll be likely posting pics of my weekend and my outfits and all on my art/story tumblr youngbloodlex22.