Katara sat in the bath tub. The warm water and lavender bubbles surrounded her. She loved her baths. They gave her time to think everything through. Today was only her first day back in the Fire Nation and she already had to absorb so much. Surprisingly she really wasn't angry about it. She and Zuko we're finally getting along. And he actually wanted to try. He was changing right before her eyes.

Dipping her head into the water she came back up. Her long hair dripping wet. There was a knock on her bathroom door. "Lady Katara, are you finished bathing? You're dress has arrived."

"Yes ma'am I just did. I'll be right out." She called to the maid. Getting out of the tub she wrapped a towel around herself. Walking into her room she saw the gown lying on her bed. She touched the fabric and it was soft as silk and the silk was covered by a gauzy material. The dress was a deep midnight blue. The gauzy material was covered in silver glitter and silver gem stones in the shape of intricate flowers were around the hem. The soft gauzy material went down her sleeves and flowed. She felt like a wave. She absolutely loved it.

"Do you like it?" She heard a voice from her doorway ask. Turning Katara saw Fire Lady Ursa.

She nodded. "Yes ma'am. It's beautiful. I love it!" She exclaimed.

"I thought it would bring out your eyes." Fire Lady Ursa said with a smile.

"I'm sure it will. Thank you so much Lady Ursa!" She said happily. She almost hugged her future mother in law but forgot she was only in a towel. Ursa noticed.

"Maybe you can hug me at the ball. It should be starting soon, so I must take my leave. I will see you tonight Lady Katara."

Katara quickly sat down at her vanity and water bended the water out of her hair. Her hair was now completely dry and she began to brush it. The soft wavy curls billowed down her back and shoulders. Taking her hair she began to put it up into a bun. Leaving little tendrils here and there she felt satisfied with her look. Calling a maid she had help getting into the dress. It slipped on like a glove. When she looked at herself in the mirror she felt beautiful.

Hearing a knock on the door she opened it and found Zuko. He was just staring.

"Hello." She said with a blush.

He said nothing. Just looked at her. He was amazed. She looked absolutely stunning. The dress made those blue eyes look bluer than before. As if that was possible!

"Shall we go down?" She asked.

"What?" He asked.

"I said shall we go down...to the ball?" Katara asked.

"Oh yes. Let's go." Zuko said taking her arm.

The two walked to the ballroom and set foot onto the dance floor and began to waltz. Hours passed with just the two of them dancing together. Occasionally Katara was taken by another partner but after a few moments he would cut back in. While Katara was dancing with her father he walked off to the side. The two of them were doing some water tribe dance. Katara was very light on her feet. She had to be, to be a water bender.

Zuko stuck his hand in the pocket of his black robes and felt the silk ribbon and then the stone. He had chosen the stone himself and carved both of their nation's symbols on it. His mother wanted him to propose soon so they could go ahead and get ready for the wedding and begin planning. But he wanted to do it right and choose his own time to do it. Tonight seemed right. Her family was here. Even though Sokka was just eating the whole night away.

When the dance finished he walked over to Katara. She was laughing and her cheeks were red and flustered. "Katara would you do me the honor of taking a walk with me through the garden?"

"Yes." She answered taking his hand.

Zuko saw his mother looking at him and he nodded as he and Katara walked out into the gardens.

The gardens were lit up with lights that twinkled and the flowers were in full bloom. Taking her to the gazebo he sat her down and gave her a white rose. "Katara I know that we don't know each other well. I know that we used to hate each other. But I want to fix things. I want us to be happy. I want to know what makes you cry and makes you laugh. I want things to work well between us both. I want us to be strong rulers because together we can make the world right. Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, would you do me the honors of becoming princess of the Fire Nation, the future Fire Lady , and my wife?" Zuko asked pulling out the necklace. The ribbon was a cerulean blue and the stone was purple. It had both of their nation symbols carved in.

"Yes Zuko. I would love to be your wife." She said with a tear in her eye. Zuko came up behind her and put the necklace on her. The stone was cold against her bare skin.

This was it. She just took a big step. Zuko turned her around and gently placed his lips on hers. Pulling back both of their lips tingling he rested his forehead against her. "Thank you Katara." He said with a smile.