The loss of Lu Ten's ability to lightning bend had seriously dampened Azula's mood and ignited the firelords. He even sent servants to tell them there would be no family dinner, they'd all eat at their own rooms. Well, Azula is an obedient child. She ate in her room and was absolutely bored after finishing. Her boredom was shortlived at the tapping of her window. Azula opens it and there's Ty Lee sporting a tired but excited grin and Zuko looking vivid. Two of her most favorite people.

"You ditched me!" Zuko growls.

"And?" Azula shrugs. She looks him up and down. He's wearing the dullest clothes she's ever seen. "What're you wearing?"

"We had to break him out," Ty Lee laughs and Zuko blushes. "It was pretty funny how we had to smuggle him. There was a flower pot involved and-"

Zuko pinches her lips. "Enough of that. The festival is still going. Mom said we can go but had to be sneaky."

Azula gasps. "You want to disobey the firelords order? I'm in." She slips on her shoes and jumps out the window. They stealthily climb down the tower and jump over the palace walls. Mai is waiting there with commoner clothes for Azula to wear.

"You're all so reliable," Azula grins proudly as she takes the folded red tunic and goes to change behind a tree. Hopefully, nobody she knows will see her wearing it. She smoothes out the wrinkles and goes to Zuko. "I can't believe mom just let you go. Were there any conditions?"

"The usual. Stay out of trouble. Don't bring dishonor into the family."

The siblings grimace. It'll be difficult but they could probably manage not to do anything shameful that will bring down their grandfathers and fathers ire upon their small heads. The next few hours are a blur. Azula ate spicy chicken wings, hot noodles, bomb candy, and a little bit of fire whiskey that Mai managed to steal from her parents. Only a little because it hurt to swallow and everyone ended up spitting it out.

It was horrible timing that Zuko had winced and thrown his bottle at the same time a firebender was trying to impress his group of friends and shot out fire through his fists. They quickly ran before someone saw them. It's not like the fire-nation isn't used too fire hazards happening. Fire fighters was a deeply respected profession.

They played booth games and Mai was by far the best out of all of them; especially at popping balloons. She had Zuko carry all her prizes. They were all good at climbing a fixed shaky ladder although Ty Lee didn't so much as climb as she did skip. When it came to strength games Azula and Zuko were the champions. Azula took particular delight in watching the crowds surprised expression when she was able to hit the ball in the bullseye and dunk the clown.

The gang didn't try to talking to others because they have been told by their poor classmates that they sound weird and snotty. It was fun and going well until they were approached by boys. Ty Lee was the only one not alarmed. The others were trained to get into fight mode whenever outnumbered.

"Hey, the circus show is about to begin. Our other friends are saving our front seats but we need four more people or the family with the babies will take it," the smallest boy explains and Ty Lee answers with a nod before asking her group of friends.

Fortunately, Mai doesn't give obvious sign of caring, Azula shrugs, and Zuko would love to interact with boys his age. It was tough being a spare. Mai didn't even try talking to them. Zuko tried and didn't realize how odd his conversation was. The guys awkwardly laughed at when Zuko told them about the time his father made him skin a buffalo bear. Azula was sandwiched between Mai and Zuko and was having an amazing time internally laughing at her brother. She wouldn't jump in unless he let something dangerous slip. Her attention was ripped from Zuko at Ty Lee's giggle. She was talking to an older boy, lean, amber eyes, and thick charcoal hair. If it weren't for Azula's airtight self control the entire tent would've burned down. Zuko and Ty Lee were both annoying her. Why were they talking too people they didn't know. They could be undercover spies.

It was without a hint of guilt that when the ringman asked for brave volunteers from the audience, Azula shoves Zuko and Ty Lee. The ringleader pauses with surprise on his face. He's probably not used to people being forward. Mai quirks a thin eyebrow at her.

"What happened to keeping a low profile?"

Azula twirls her hand. "Look around. They're just another pair of kids. Look how awkward my brother looks." There was nothing royal about his gangly stance. No about of war meeting and public appearances have removed stage fright.

Ty Lee faired better. She was good at going with the flow so when the ringleader told them they would climb the poll, sit on a lance and be balanced by another guy as he walked the tightrope, she didn't flinch, Zuko's eyebrows almost disappeared. Neither backed down though. Azula didn't fear either of them getting hurt if they fell. The strongman picked Zuko and Ty Lee up like they weighed the same as babies. Extremely entertaining to watch. When Zuko looked down at them Azula did the royal wave on him. He would've laughed but was focused on not falling off. When they made it to the other pole, the strongman carefully plucked them to their feet. Ty Lee whispered something into his ear and then there was simutanious gasping when she walks the rope with her bare hands. Azula claps and the boys sitting with her cheer and holler. Ty Lee balances herself with one hand and waves at them with the other.

Before Mai and Ty Lee have to leave and find their families, they lend the siblings some money and the two of them bought Lu Ten a get better skunk bear.