Disclaimer: I do not own avatar, nor do I make any profit from this story

Arc II

Rating: T

Chapter 09: Dancing Games

Katara, Toph, Aang, and Zuko

"Katara."

A mumble.

"Kataaaaarrrraaaaaaa."

A vague shooing gesture.

"KATARA!"

Toph smirked in satisfaction as Katara jumped six feet in the air.

They had all decided to let Katara sleep in, but noon was approaching and Iroh had asked for them to join him for lunch.

Toph heard Katara's grumbling as she moved to get out of bed. It only made her grin wider. After the wedding she wouldn't see Katara for Hei Bei knows how long. She would take advantage of their time together. If that meant dragging around the cranky waterbender, well, Toph was not known for backing down from a challenge.

Katara crossed over to her wardrobe. Apparently all their belongings had been unpacked during last night's supper.

Toph seated herself ungracefully on the rumpled bedspread.

"Why must I get up?"

Toph grinned. "You have an appointment, Sweetness."

"For what?"

"Lunch, naturally."

Toph relished in Katara's increased grumbling, something about food not being anything to get worked up about.

"I wouldn't let Sokka hear you say that."

She felt the burn of Katara's glare. For as long as they had known each other, Katara refused to awake early if she was away from home. Something about the sunrise. It didn't matter much either way to Toph.

"Are you nearly done?"

"Yes, why?"

"We're late."

Aang sat next to Sokka, who was loudly complaining about the wait. Iroh, out of courtesy, had postponed their meal, until Toph and Katara arrived.

Zuko incidentally, slid into his chair only moments before the girls arrived.

Aang slid a sideways stare at him. The Prince was intimidating. He couldn't help but resent Zuko for what he stood for. As the avatar, earthly attachments were unwise, but Katara was too much to let go of. The Prince would never be worthy of her.

Zuko raised his head and caught Aang's stare. He nodded his head. "Avatar."

Aang merely nodded.

Iroh's voice reached Aang. "How are your studies coming along? Bumi tells me you've already mastered airbending."

Aang nodded. "Katara's been teaching me waterbending, but I'll have to find a new master.." His voice trailed off, and Iroh nodded sympathetically.

The door opened to reveal Toph and a rather tired looking Katara.

They sat down quickly and Sokka practically cried in relief. Katara send him a scathing look before the meal was served.

Iroh took a sip of tea before bringing up the topic of their stay. "With such important guests for such a wonderful cause," here Sokka nearly choked and Suki pounded him on the back. Iroh looked at him in concern, but Sokka waved for him to continue. "I took the liberty of arranging an engagement ball."

Zuko groaned out loud, and Iroh sent him a pointed look. "It's tradition. I have been putting it together as a gift for the bride and groom."

"I knew you were scheming..."

"Quiet Nephew. It is a chance for our guests to mingle with the Fire Nation court. Balls are an excellent way to meet people."

Aang shook his head. He didn't mind dancing in the slightest, but the curious questions and stares of hundreds of people was something he had never enjoyed. Balls in the Earth Kingdom were the same. Astonishment, flattery, and endless people followed him wherever he went. He had been thrilled to escape top the smaller scale of the South Pole. His friends had never treated him differently and he blessed them for it.

Katara and Suki were exchanging looks. They seemed torn between excitement and dread. Toph however looked disgusted.

"Must I dance?"

Iroh smiled at her, but the effect was lost on Toph. He had become fond of the little earthbender since their initial conversation after Katara left the supper last night.

"I pity the men who try to make you."

Toph smiled.

Aang found himself studying her. He had seen her from afar before he met her. Surrounded by suitors, and looking utterly bored. Bumi had introduced them once, but Aang had been far more concerned with a small girl who had been stalking him around the dance floor. She called herself Meng and had followed him until her Aunt Wu had swatted her on the head and kept Meng by her side.

Toph was petite, but he knew better than to think of her as weak. Her skill was legendary after Bumi discovered it. He had heard quite the stories of her parent's amazement when she ran way from home and lived with the badger-moles for nearly a month. Never again had they confined her for her 'safety'. Bumi had personally approached them to inquire as to her training and had been very 'convincing' when it came to gaining Toph some freedom.

She had a way about her that spoke of fierce independence and the aura of someone who knows more than you want them to.

During her stays with Katara and Sokka they had become friends and he had been startled to encounter her blunt manner and sarcastic wit. Terrorizing Sokka seemed to be a specialty of hers, as well as assigning nicknames to everyone she came across.

Now he watched her as her face lit up in humor as she made a comment about Sokka's table manners. Her withdrawn manner from a week ago had concerned him, and to see her active and loud once more was a small comfort.

Suki was bouncing gown ideas off of Katara, while Zuko argued with his uncle about the importance of socializing. Sokka was defending himself while Toph roared in laughter.

It was the same as any other gathering between them, with the addition of Zuko and Iroh.

He quickly sobered at the knowledge that they were not going to be able to come together with ease anymore. Katara was to be wed, Sokka was planning his own life and preparing for leadership, and Toph was growing more mature by the day, settling into the role of heiress of one of the largest fortunes in the Earth Kingdom.

Everywhere he looked he saw changes, but the fabric of his life was still be woven with the same threads, they were merely being placed in a different pattern. Being able to rely on the simplest things to remain helped him keep his focus.

Despite her wedding, Katara was still kind, still easily riled up, and still terrible at making jokes.

Despite her recent strange behavior, Toph was still blunt, still sarcastic, and still there with a comment to make him stand taller under her abuse.

Sokka still ate, was still gullible and overly protective, and still had a way of breaking everything down into the simplest of things.

The world might be spinning beneath his feet, but the people he loved would never desert him.

The ball was set for three days from the morrow, the day after their original arrival date.

Surprisingly, Suki had been the most excited, other than Iroh that was, he had been giddy, and had taken them all shopping for new clothes and jewelry.

When Katara had expressed her concerns over the time constraints, he had waved it away and had pre-made gowns fitted and altered to each of their sizes and desires. Toph had protested loudly, unwilling to be made up in all the pomp that was accorded to balls. She only conceded when Iroh and Katara convinced her that she looked lovely, and that it was in fact necessary.

Suki had been eager to surprise Sokka, since she was nearly always clothed in the garments of a warrior. The gown she chose was a deep green, that off set her eyes and boasted of the curves that had been hidden beneath traditional armor. It was edged in silver and tan accents, with a tight bodice that was topped with a squared neckline that showed the smooth lines of her shoulders.

Toph's dress was a pale sage color. There were stripes of yellow and gold that ran through the fabric, giving it a gleam when the light hit it. The skirt cut open in the front to reveal another layer of smooth glistening silk.

Since the Fire lord had announced the event yesterday, Katara had been forced into more clothes than she had ever possessed. Iroh had insisted she parade before them in every one. He bought her several that weren't appropriate for the formality of a ball.

They were currently settled in a small shop looking over dozens of fabrics. Suki and Iroh were conversing excitedly with the seamstress, choosing colors and styles that suited Katara.

Katara herself stood perched on a stool before a large mirror. Her measurements had been taken and assistants had begun bringing out piles of gowns to be tried.

Toph sat on a bench, amusing herself by making the helpers trip suddenly while they carried the cloths. They would stand up, completely bewildered, brush themselves off and ignore it. As soon as they had convinced themselves they were terribly clumsy, Toph would shift slightly and a rock outcropping would trip another victim before sinking into the ground.

Katara shook her head.

"What do you think Katara?"

She returned her attention to the others to see them looking at her expectantly.

"Um…Excuse me?"

Suki smiled softly. "We were debating whether you should dress in blues or reds."

The comment took her by surprise. "Blue of course."

Iroh looked disheartened for a moment before brightening. "It is important we show you and Zuko's unity," he stated and Katara nearly asked him what unity he was referring to before thinking better of it, "If you want to wear blue, we much accent it with crimsons and golds."

She nodded her acceptance, seeing the point he was trying to press before her.

He looked delighted and turned to discuss shades and fabrics with the harried looking seamstress.

Suki looked at her searchingly.

"Are you nervous?"

She nodded slowly. The idea of facing the entire court was not something she relished. They were the people whose daughters, sisters, and cousins had all wished to marry Zuko, and resented her interference.

Suki smiled comfortingly.

"At least Zuko will be there." Her tone was sly and Katara's head snapped up.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing."

"Suki!"

"Yes?"

"Has Sokka been telling tales?"

"Hardly." Suki snorted.

"What did he say then?"

"He merely…expressed his concerns about certain, older, firebending Princes and his young, naïve sister." Her grin was wicked. "I wonder what reignited his doubts?"

Katara flushed intensely. "Don't believe a word from him! Nothing happened!"

"So he does have a reason, then?"

"Suki!"

"Oh do go on this is quite amusing." Toph had snuck up from behind Katara, circling her to fall into place beside Suki. Katara had talked with her, and she had agreed that her bitterness towards Suki accomplished nothing, and put it behind her.

"I have already told you nothing happened!"

"D-e-ni-a-l," Toph sang, smirking widely.

Katara spun away from them angrily, and promptly fell off the stool.

Zuko caught her silently, before righting her on the ground.

Katara's heart leaped into her throat at the sight of him. They hadn't spoken or been alone since their…conversation almost two days ago.

"Zuko!"

He started, turning to face his uncle. "Yes?"

"Do you prefer cerulean or maroon?"

Katara couldn't help but giggle at his confusion and he shot her a look.

"For what?"

"The gown, of course!"

"Gown?"

"The ball, Zuko!"

"Oh…shouldn't Katara choose?

Iroh looked puzzled for a moment, before he turned away muttering. "You may have a point."

Suki shook her head, and glanced suggestively from Katara to Zuko.

Katara caught her look and shook her head furiously. Zuko was still being pressed into choosing colors.

Suki smirked and nudged Toph. Toph perked her head up and gave Katara a look that she had come to dread.

"Firelord?"

"Yes, Miss Bei Fong?"

"Katara's feeling tired. Is she done with the fitting?"

"Of course. Zuko take her back to the palace."

Zuko balked, and looked at Katara, who was furiously trying to hide her flushing cheeks.

"Miss Suki, Miss Toph will you stay? I need help choosing a pattern."

Katara groaned at her luck. Iroh had obviously caught onto whatever Suki and Toph were playing at.

Zuko looked confused. "Isn't the earthbender..bl-?"

"Don't question your uncle!"

Zuko led Katara to the carriage he had come in. He had been restless and went out to find the trinket he was to present to Katara at their wedding. He knew he shouldn't have waited this long, but he had wanted to meet her before choosing such a personal gift.

He offered her his hand to help her into the carriage. Her touch was light and fleeting, but Zuko felt its echoes for several moments after.

He pulled himself into the carriage and sat on the cushioned seat opposite her.

She steadily refused to look at him. Zuko watched her curiously. Her cheeks were tinted a light pink and her shoulders were tense.

"Stop staring at me."

He blinked. "I wasn't staring."

She looked up at him. "Why are you out? Your uncle said you despise shopping."

"I do, I was looking for...something."

She nodded distractedly before turning her gaze out the window.

"Are you excited?" The question was foolish, but he didn't feel like letting the awkward silence hover over them for the rest of the way to the palace.

Could you be any less princely?

She tilted her head and gave him a searching look. "Are you?"

"Not exactly." Balls meant nobles. Nobles meant Mai.

She smiled softly. "I understand."

Her smile was infectious, the corner of his mouth curled up.

"When did you become so poetic?" She bit her lip and turned away. It was obvious that her question was a stray thought that she hadn't meant to say aloud.

Zuko couldn't begin to grasp what she meant. What had he said? "Excuse me?"

She shook her head. "Never mind."

"Please tell me."

She leveled her gaze at him. "Your apology." Her words were soft, but firm and he heard them quite clearly. "You never seemed so…eloquent…in your letters."

At least he had managed to fool her.

"Would you rather I speak like your brother?"

She frowned. "Sokka's manners are…suitable. Besides that's not what I meant."

"How was I supposed to know that?"

"Why are you getting so defensive?"

"Shouldn't I be?" He probably shouldn't be riling her up so, but for some reasons, her reactions amused him.

"You're impossible!" She turned her head as if the conversation was over, silently frustrated.

"They why did you nearly let me kiss you?"

Zuko immediately snapped his mouth shut. That thought was supposed to stay inside his head.

Katara had no reply. She merely stared at him, mouth slightly gaping open.

He fidgeted slightly under her shocked gaze. He really hadn't meant to say that. His satisfaction at their banter was gone, leaving another tense and awkward silence.

"I don't know."

He hadn't really expected her to answer, but he understood her reply. He was still unsure why he had wanted to kiss her in the first place.

She was, without a doubt, rather lovely, but this was too personal. He hadn't planned on any romance or even attraction in their marriage, but then he hadn't factored in Katara.

His expectations for the alliance had flown into the distance when he'd met her eyes. He hated losing control of himself.

They didn't speak for the rest of the ride, and when they arrived he escorted her to her room without a word.

Katara awoke, for once, to peaceful sunlight breaking through the gap in the curtains. It was earlier than she had awoken so far while staying in the Fire Nation, but she felt too energized to stay in bed any longer.

Today was the day of the ball and, according to the schedule she had been told, preparing for it would take quite some time.

Their dresses had been sent finished late yesterday.

She hadn't seen Zuko since he walked her back to her room the day before yesterday. Her routine had been relatively the same since then. She had woken, eaten breakfast, explored with Toph and Aang until lunch, eaten again, and then continued familiarizing herself with her new home until dinner.

She had discovered a vast number of rooms, varying in size and purpose. There had been many rooms that seemed to be merely there to show the grandeur of the Royal Family.

While she couldn't deny that Zuko and Iroh seemingly enjoyed their comforts, she found all the pomp a tad unnecessary.

She rolled herself out of bed and crossed to the window, pulling a robe around herself as she went.

Whereas the sunrise at home glowed a deep purple this one was glaringly orange with red lined clouds moving across the sky.

A knock at her door surprised her greatly. She couldn't imagine who would call upon her at this hour.

She strode to the door, opening it once she assured herself she was decent. The Fire lord beamed at her with two maids hovering behind his shoulders. He strode into her room looking practically giddy. "I'm glad you're awake, Miss Katara. That saves some time."

She stared at him blankly.

He chuckled at her confusion. "Tonight you will be expected to greet all the court members by name. It helps to know something about them as well."

"What do you mean?"

"At every formal gathering, it is custom for the nobles to each greet the royal family in turn. They will address you, bow, perhaps may a comment or two, before you respond in the same manner, and then they move on. As my rank is higher than yours, I shall be greeted first, then Prince Zuko, and finally you. If you forget, you can always call upon my nephew for assistance." He smiled reassuringly.

"Why wasn't I taught this before? Surely I can't remember everything I must by tonight?" Without a doubt, she would make a fool of herself by the end of the night.

Her thoughts must have been plain on her face, for Iroh patted her hand comfortingly before responding to her question.

"Surprisingly it helps to wait. It will be fresher in your mind that way, my dear."

She nodded. Her dread at the ceremony grew at the thought of encountering Mai once more.

She took her breakfast with the Fire lord in her room learning the various names, status, occupations, and hobbies of the various nobles.

When he finally proclaimed her ready, her clock showed the time to be nearly noon.

He took his leave, leaving the maids behind to help her prepare.

"I thought the ball began at sunset," she murmured.

"It does, my lady," came the answer from one of the maids

"It takes that long to prepare for a ball?"

The maids gave her a very odd look and she felt increasingly foolish. She said nothing as they pushed her towards the washroom to bathe.

At an hour to sunset, Katara stood before the full length mirror examining herself from every angle.

The maids had left her be only moments ago, leaving her to marvel at the differences she saw in herself.

Her eyes sparkled under the soft, translucent pearly powder that covered her lids. Her lashes had been lined with dark pencil and her cheeks flushed on their own. Her lips had been painted an alluring crimson, boasting their plump fullness.

Her hair had been woven into a loosely braided bun, with wispy curls escaping to frame her face and rest softly upon her neck.

Her dress was unrivaled by any garment she'd ever seen. The full skirt, lightly brushed the floor, hiding her heeled shoes. The bodice was was low cut, with another fabric lined across the neckline to preserve her modesty. The whole dress was a soft teal color, with silver accents that gave the garment a metallic sheen. The underlying frock was a soft cream color that peeked through at the top of her bodice and at the end of the ruffled sleeves. The sleeves themselves cut off slightly below her elbow, allowing the lacy cuffs of the frock to show in a small drape that hung down from either arm. A wide crimson band stretched below her breasts, bringing out the silver green shades in the dress and offsetting the blue nicely. Deep red ribbons had been woven into the braids of her bun to match it.

Her mother's necklace hung proudly upon her throat, drawing attention to the slender column of her throat.

She felt lovely and grown staring at herself in the mirror, and her dread had been washed away in the tide of her first real ball.

Any parties she had attended before couldn't compare to the magnitude of this event. She had seen guests arriving from her window all afternoon, and a dull roar could be heard wafting up from the lower levels of the Palace.

She knew that the Fire lord was coming to fetch her soon and waited anxiously, clenching and unclenching her hands as she perched on the edge of her bed with the gown smoothed out on either side of her to prevent wrinkles.

She was expected to mingle amongst the guest, but knew that she was also required at Zuko's side for a good deal of the time.

The expected knock came at the door, and she took a deep breath before opening it, giving Iroh her arm and stepping into the darker hallways of the Palace.

"You look lovely, my niece."

She looked at Iroh in surprise at the address, and he smiled at her sincerely, pride showing in his eyes as he watched her.

"Thank you, Uncle," she replied, warmed by his tone and feeling generous towards the old man.

They made their way down to the ballroom, the once distant noises increasing rapidly.

"They will announce you and you will enter alone, keep eye contact with Zuko and go straight to him." He said once they approached a set of tall dark doors.

She nodded and they stopped before the doors. Katara took a deep breath.

"This is where I leave for now. I will enter first come when they call your name."

She nodded again and Iroh squeezed her hand gently before stepping forward and gesturing to the servants who awaited at the doors. They opened and Katara had a glimpse of a vaulted ceiling, decorated with beautiful scenes of Fire Nation history.

"Fire lord Iroh, Dragon of the West!"

Iroh disappeared descending down onto a grand flight and stairs that ended at the ballroom floor.

The doors closed and Katara took her remaining time in solitude to calm her breathing and racing heart.

The servants beckoned her forward and she walked lightly, trying to compose herself.

The doors opened.

"Lady Katara, Mater Water bender and Healer!"

Zuko turned when the announcers called Katara's name. As the guest honor she came in last. He watched as her figure glided forward, and his breath caught.

Even from his place near the edge of the ballroom he could see her splendor. Her gown accented her lovely shape, and the makeup drew everyone's eyes to hers. Her hair looked soft and invited and he had the sudden, strange urge to know its texture. She strode forward with a calm smile that he knew hid her inner fears.

She descended the stairs confidently, showing grace and composure. He was proud to see her spine straight, even under the weight of so many stares. She reached the floor and headed to him, and he took her arm, tucking it into the crook of his own. He wondered that she did not tense, especially in light of their silent parting at their last encounter, but she only flashed him a grateful smile.

He led her to stand next to his uncle, the greeting line that would begin the event.

The first noble to arrive was Mai's father and mother, they bowed deeply to Iroh, and murmured the necessities before moving onto Zuko and Katara, they bowed to them both, but their eyes were cold.

"It is a pleasure to meet the Prince's bride." Mai's father was a good man, but the slight on his daughter had invoked a cold fury.

His wife nodded her agreement before Katara responded in kind, inclining her head graciously.

They moved away and more took their place. The line continued for quite a while, and Zuko saw Katara's restlessness out of the corner of his eye.

"Be still," he hissed.

She shot him a venomous look before turning to greet the next person.

It was Mai.

Dressed in a simple deep red gown, edged in black lace, she drew the stares of many young males.

"Prince Zuko," her words were respectful and her bow deep, but she boldly looked him in the eyes. Desire and suggestion stared at him through her gaze.

"Lady Mai. May I present to you my fiance, Lady Katara?" It was meant as a warning and she took it as one, lowering her eyes, but the smug smile remained upon her face.

Mai's eyes suddenly rivaled the ice of Katara's homeland.

"My Lady."

She inclined her head barely, just enough to show respect and mockery in one fluid motion.

Katara merely nodded.

Mai, furious at the obvious slight, stalked away.

Thankfully she was the last one and Zuko drew Katara onto the floor for the opening dance.

"You were perfect."

She looked up, surprised by his compliment and smiled. "Thank you."

She was honestly glad for the compliment, but more grateful for the distraction from the pressure dancing with him had seemed to cause her chest.

He nodded. "That's exactly how it works here. Polite Mockery. Its an art these people have learned to perfect."

"The entire thing seems a game."

He nodded his agreement. "A challenging one at that." He turned her away from him, extending his arm to the rhythm of the music before, drawing her back into the fold of his arms. "The rules are constantly changing, and we have the most to lose."

"It's a bit pathetic, don't you think?"

"Perhaps. A lot more would be accomplished if people were straight forward, but it is what it is."

"Are those acrobats?"

He turned to where her eyes were focused and nodded turning back to her.

"Trust Uncle to pull something like that. They're a rather popular performing troupe that travels the world."

"What are they called?"

"The Dragon Dancers."

He adored the smile that spread across her face. "That's rather…unique."

"Artists are supposed to be eccentric."

They both turned to look at the new voice.

It was a young woman, splendid in cheerful pink tones. She smiled brilliantly at them.

"Hello Prince Zuko!"

"Hello Ty Lee. Aren't you performing?"

She shook her head. "Later, for now your Uncle graciously allowed me to join the dancing!"

She t

urned to Katara, studied her, eyes wide.

"You're very beautiful."

The waterbender seemed rather taken aback, but was apparently pleased by the open compliment.

"Oh! Thank you." Katara smiled at Ty Lee.

Ty Lee nodded. "I really only bothered you to say hello. Watch me later!"

She turned away before walking on her hands and causing many people to move away in alarm.

Katara turned back to him. "Who is she?"

"Ty Lee. Her family is noble, but her first love was always gymnastics. She's one my sister's old playmates that I can actually get along with."

"Oh."

"I'd watch out for your brother though."

"Why?"

"She's very…proficient in acquiring suitors."

Katara laughed.