Katara traipsed into the meeting room.
Another meeting. They seemed to never end. Well, you were the one who wanted to come along. No wonder Aang gets so angsty all cooped up all the time.
"Ah, Katara, you're here," Zuko's voice greeted her as she automatically slipped onto the cushion next to Aang.
"We're going to try to make this one quick," Zuko continued. Katara resisted voicing her relief, and smiled politely instead.
"Now that we have established the idea of a four-nation city as the capital of this area of colonies turned universal, we need to decide on a form of government. It needs to be unique from the Council of Elders," he nodded toward Aang, "Tribal Chiefdom," a nod at Katara, "and monarchies.
"This city will be very diverse in its people, and the government should reflect that," Zuko continued. "So we need a new idea where all four nations will have their say."
"Zuko…" Aang began, staring at the center of the table, deep in thought. "You said the people are diverse, and they should have a say."
"Well, not quite like that, but-"
"You're right, though! Everyone should have a say…" he trailed off, and Katara couldn't help but wonder where he was going. "Why don't all of the people have a say? That way they can't complain that one nation has more than another, because they're all voting."
"That's crazy! There would be anarchy - you need a structured government, Aang. This is insane, even for your peace talk."
"Hear me out, Zuko," he insisted, floating up and pacing back and forth, pointer finger raised in thought. "What if each nation had one representative, chosen by someone, to tally the votes of their people in the city and to help make essential decisions? We could make sure that they were honest, unwavering people, looking out for the good of everyone, instead of themselves?"
Zuko hesitated, and Mai leaned over to whisper something in his ear. He nodded, kissing her cheek, and sitting straight up again. "I would only trust you to chose the representatives, Aang. It seems like the Avatar is the only person truly with a foothold in all four nations and their interests."
Aang looked taken aback. "Me? And you agree with the idea?"
"Sure. Mai does too."
Katara wondered just how much control Mai had over Zuko, and she grinned to herself. They were cute together, she had to admit.
"Oh… Katara. Any opinions?"
"It sounds fine to me, Aang, but you said that this is about the people. You have to make sure this is alright with them too."
"Yeah, of course." He made his way back to his seat, drifting back down slowly.
"So who are the representatives going to be?"
"I'm the only airbender," Aang said slowly. "So I have to represent for us. For the Earth Kingdom… how does Tyro sound?"
Katara nodded fervently. "Haru's father would be perfect for it. An earthbender, old enough to have experience, and a level-headed person."
Relieved to have his first choice approved, Aang looked to Zuko.
"Zuko, who would you trust more than anyone else? Is there anyone that's always been there for you? Maybe Iroh?"
"Not Iroh. He would be more than happy to never leave his tea shop in Ba Sing Se. Jee, would you like to be the Fire Nation's representative?"
The older man looked surprised, eyebrows rising. "O-of course, Fire Lord Zuko. I would be honored to represent the Fire Nation's best interests. I am truly humbled by your choice."
"Don't be. It's sad that I can trust so few people anyway."
Katara had to stop herself from giggling at Zuko's serious tone. He needed to lighten up.
"General Jee it is then," Aang concluded, nodding at him. "And the water tribes. Should we have one from each pole?"
"No," Katara piped up instantly. "That would give the waterbenders two representatives, and that's not fair. We need one who's experienced and has seen the world, so that we can justify them being from one tribe or the other."
"Bato!" Aang exclaimed. "He'd be perfect! He travelled with your dad as a soldier and has enough experience to do the job."
"That's great, Aang!" Katara replied excitedly.
"So the Avatar has made the decisions," Zuko replied. "Now there's only one last order of business before we can leave for the day. A name for the city."
"Well," Mai said boredly. "Kaipho sounds like an Earth Kingdom noble had a coughing fit. This city's gonna be all about peace and equality, so why not just call it Republic?
"Republic means a group with equality among its members," she sighed. "And it gets rid of that awful name."
"Republic City," Aang said. "It has a certain ring to it. I like it! Anyone opposing?"
Silence.
"Good! Republic City it is, then. Great idea, Mai!"
She yawned in reply, hands entering her opposite sleeves again.
"Aang, we have one minute until the speech starts!" Zuko yelled into the curtained room.
"Alright, Katara, are you ready?" Aang asked.
She nodded, pacing the room. "What if they don't like my idea?"
"They will. It's a great idea, and the jobs provided are too much to pass up. They'll love all of it."
She continued pacing, and his hand caught her forearm, pulling her from her incessant walking.
"Katara? It'll be alright, okay?"
She nodded, breathing in calmly.
Like when you're bending. Collected and in focus.
Katara smiled, much more at ease with her own drawn parallels.
"Here," Aang said with a smile, leaning in.
Finally, her mind seemed to scream. Finally, a kiss.
"AANG!" Zuko yelled, bursting into the make shift tent. "Was I interrupting something?" he asked, eyes wide in questioning.
"Yes," Aang sighed, and Zuko smiled slightly in amusement.
"They're all waiting for you," Zuko replied, backing out of the tent, expression rife with amusement.
Aang sighed, pushing through the curtains in irritation.
Katara followed him out with an equally exasperated sigh.
A/N: I'm sorry I'm being so evil to you all. I really am being a horrible person with my delaying. But it's coming soon, I promise. Oh, that was pretty evil too, for those of you following Korra closely. Bryke and Nick keep using "soon, I promise!" Teehee. I can't help it. I usually wait for 2 or 3 reviews before I post the next chapter (I have around 5 written ahead of time), so please review! Thank you so much for reading. Also, I broke 10,000 words! Woot woot! Review for 10,000?
