A/N: Thanks for waiting; you guys are the best! I couldn't find the perfect quote/lyrics for this, so if you have any after reading, let me know. Enjoy!

Chapter 10 - The Bitter Cold

Hard, icy snow crunches under my boots as I walk to the White House, the one place in Province 9 that we can get away with trading. Law is that you buy what you can afford, with whatever meager supply of money you earn, but the White House doesn't seem to apply to these terms. Even though the Guards are from the Capital, they are still Firebenders; still have to live here, in the freezing South Pole. They have to eat our food and survive our weather. It's safe to say that they rely on trades as much as we do. They just don't make a scene out of it. At least not while Meng is Head Guard. If the Capital finds out and sends someone else to take her place, we can kiss the White House goodbye. I don't see why it's a big deal—it's not like we're trading things from other provinces, only whatever we can find and buy in Nine—but that's the Capital for you.

Not that I really need to do much trading now. I've got enough money that I almost don't know what to do with it—there's only so much I can do here. I'm just glad Province 9 got a part of my winnings. The White House is still thriving, but the quality in goods has improved since I've come home. Where things like slim bars of soap, twine, and ragged mittens were being traded, it's more common to see loaves of warm bread, fine pelts, and even decent medical ointments under trade. Things that were out of reach several months ago are now attainable, thanks to me. It makes me wonder about the other provinces, ones that have a dozen or so victors.

I guess I'll be finding out soon.

It's been almost four months since I came home. I only know this because of the weather, the way the temperature is dropping and the winds more biting as we head into the dead of winter. If not for the change in weather, I'd probably have lost track as the days blur together. As a victor I don't have to work as long as I don't stir up trouble, and I just finished my last year of schooling a month ago, which means I have a lot of down time now. School mostly consists of reading, writing, arithmetic, and limited lessons in bending. We're allowed to attend bending lessons until we're eighteen, but healing is as advanced as it gets. I think Pakku trains those who have been asked by the Capital to join the Elites, but he won't tell me, and it's all so secretive that I have no idea who is at that level. According to Hama, that's the only time any non-Firebender is allowed to learn bending so advanced it can do some damage, if the Fire Lord wants you, either at the Capital or for an Elite.

My dad and I got a new home, one closer to the palace and three times the size of our little hut I grew up in. We have beds now, actual beds made from stone with a soft mattress covered with fluffy pelts. We even have a kitchen with wooden cabinets, a large kettle that hangs over a fire pit—we can actually afford spark rocks now and what's more, we're allowed to use them as long as we don't do anything destructive with them. Our home is large, even luxurious for Province 9, but it's cold and empty. There is nothing about it that feels like home. It's nice, and obviously a great upgrade from what we had before, but I'm not sure time adjusting to it will ever make a difference. The problem is that Sokka is not here. And he never will be.

About a week ago I got a letter from Joo Dee telling me about the upcoming tour of the Fire provinces. I didn't even realize victors went on a tour of any kind until then. Maybe they told me sometime after I won, but the information obviously didn't sink in.

It's part of the honor in becoming a victor, Katara, Joo Dee wrote. You are given the rare privilege to see all the Fire provinces, something others can only dream of. After we visit the other three, there will be a huge victor's dinner at the Capital, where you will meet all the victors from every province.

Honor. Privileged. We'd have to agree to disagree on that.

She's supposed to be here tomorrow.

It's early, and the White House isn't crowded yet. I hear several startled shouts, a cackle of a laugh, and whirl around before I too become a target. Rox is at it again, poking random people with her sharp walking stick, warding them away from…well, I don't know, something no one but her can see, apparently. No one really knows her real name, and she has no family to ask. Everyone just calls her Rox because all she ever buys, or looks for, is rocks. We're not allowed to go near the Grey Mountains, but pieces of mountain rock still break off and manage to find their way down to us. Whenever I see one buried in the snow I make sure to scoop it up for her.

Rox is an older woman, probably in her late sixties. People say she's crazy, and when I hear her talking to people or things that aren't there, sometimes I wonder if they're right. But every once in a while she gets this look on her face, a look so serious and alert that you know something is going on in there. She lapses back into her world shortly after that though, before she can say whatever it is she so desperately wants to say.

The Guards don't give her too much trouble, surprisingly. I think they're more afraid of her then they'd ever admit. Her ragged appearance makes Hama look like a well-kept queen. A wider frame and face, her build suggests a plump woman, but years of malnutrition and not caring about health have made her withered, thin, and papery. Her grey hair is stringy and dirty, her eyes a milky grey. She has a lazy eye, and keeps both saggy lids colored with cheap purple powder. Her lips are always sloppily painted blood red. Rox is harmless enough, as long as you don't provoke her or make her too nervous. The other night I had to stop her from digging around in the trash for food. She seemed genuinely confused, thinking it was her pantry.

"Anything for me, my dears?" Rox asks, hobbling over once she sees me. She's draped in a patchy grey coat, one that can't be thick enough for this weather, with thin old shawls wrapped around her neck.

I sigh. "If I find you a really big rock, will you promise me to buy a thicker coat?"

Rox cackles and holds out a withered hand. Her fingers open and close several times expectantly. She tilts her head over her shoulder and says to no one, "She will, my dears. She will want what we have."

"What do you have?" I ask, knowing that pointing out to her that she's not talking to anyone is pointless. Someone bumps into me from behind.

"Get away," says Rox, poking a passing man with her stick, the one who must have bumped me. "Go!"

The man, who I've never seen around here and doesn't seem to know Rox, opens his mouth, looking angry, but I quickly step forward and place two gold coins in his hand. "Sorry for the trouble." His anger fades as his dirty fingers slide over the coins. He gives me a nod, shoots Rox a hesitant look, and scampers away.

I sigh and bat away her stick as she tries poking more people. "You're going to poke someone's eye out if you keep this up."

Rox looks back at me, blinking. Her milky eyes go wide, and there is that alert thing I'm talking about. The stick lowers in her hand, forgotten. "They're coming," she says, voice low and quiet.

This isn't the first time she's said this, but every time I can't help but ask. "Who is coming?"

Her gaze holds mine.

"Them," she breathes. The word drops between us and like always, despite the fact that I should know better, a wave of dread washes over me. "We can't let them in."

Her eyes search my face, going back and forth so quickly it's like she's sleeping with them open. But then she blinks and those milky eyes glaze back over. Now I know she's just sprouting nonsense like usual. "No, no, no my dears," she says, shaking her head furiously, looking at something over her shoulder. "Not now—only in sleep."

The tense moment is over and I want to slap myself. Rox freaks me out a little when she does this, but for some reason I just want to believe she isn't insane. "So what did you say you have for me? I might just happen to have a few rocks to give you in return," I say.

"Five is your friend," she says, patting me on the arm. Her tone suggests I should already know this vital piece of information. "Not one but one. Always one."

"Rox, you know I have no idea what you're talking about," I say patiently. And here I thought her riddles and nonsense was over. Sometimes she can hold a semi normal conversation for a while. Today must not be one of those days.

Suddenly she grabs my arm with more force than I expect from someone so frail. Her grip is so tight that it stills me. "See, Katara. Tell him to see."

I stare at her. She's never said my name before.

"Who?"

"Betray thrice, my dears. Tell him to see."

"Rox, what are you gabbling about now?" says Onri, an older man who runs the White House. He smiles kindly at the two of us as he finishes up with a customer. He's one of the few people that don't seem freaked out by Rox and her eccentric behavior. Maybe that's because she spends most of her time here, around him. "You're not scaring Katara away, are you? I rely on her for some of the best game around."

"It takes a lot to scare me away," I say lightly.

"Do you have any pretties for me, my dears?" Rox asks me, like she hasn't been talking in riddles the past five minutes. She's back in reality now, it seems, holding her hand out expectantly again.

"I only have a few this time." I fish out three fist-sized grey rocks from my satchel and hand them over to her. "I didn't have a lot of time to look around this morning."

"Big day tomorrow," says Onri. He leans in so one of the Guards that are swapping pelts for spices doesn't hear us. His breath tickles my hair. "Steal some of that fancy food while you're visiting those Fire provinces."

"I'll try," I say. "Hopefully they don't try to poison me."

Onri smiles and heads over to a couple disputing over cracked bottles. Jokingly, I turn back to Rox and say, "So what do I get for those rocks?"

She's watching Onri, her fingers twisting and knotting the overlong frayed sleeves of her coat. "A truth," she says.

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with a truth, but I decide to humor her. "And what is it?"

She looks at me, one milky eye focused on my face, the other lazily looking off to the side. "He will make it," she says, and before I can ask what she means, she turns and hobbles away.

I decide that my mind can't afford to go off the deep end by taking anything Rox says seriously—even though she always leaves me feeling uneasy, whether I want to admit it or not—so I make a few more trades before heading out, more for the province's benefit than mine. The White House is getting more crowded now as we approach midday, which means I need to get back. I want to spend the last few hours with my dad.

On the way home, I stop by Kami's bakery for some moon cakes. The shop is pleasantly a little crowded—well, more than usual—and has been since our economy has improved. Knowing I'm responsible for this gives me a daily reminder of why it was worth it to win. I ask for two small moon cakes and a loaf of bread, using the money I made from the White House and a little extra I brought along. Normally this would have taken me several weeks to save up and here I am, able to buy this much on a daily basis. Kami knows what today is, so she gives me one of the cakes for free. I promise to bring her jerky meat when I get back.

The Guards aren't friendly to me as I pass, but they don't scowl at me, either. It's a minor improvement. A couple of weeks ago Meng caught up with me outside the White House. She didn't say much, but she didn't need to.

"I'm sorry for your loss. Both of your losses."

I didn't realize what she meant until I got home. She was talking about Sokka, obviously, but also Zuko as well. He may not be dead, but he's pretty much dead to me, and we all know it. How I feel about him—some in the province have decided my actions were a ploy to win the Games. Others find my behavior disgraceful. I don't deny or admit to either because it doesn't matter; and if it did, it's none of their business.

My hand unconsciously touches the dagger hidden in my parka. That's what Zuko hid in the cloth when he handed it to me in the carriage. I have no idea how they got it out of the arena, or why he gave it to me, but I carry it with me everywhere. Along with some water in a pouch strapped around my waist, they make me feel safe.

I draw in a ragged breath, pulling my hood down to fight the bitter winds as I make the walk home. The tall icy buildings help, but the wind still manages to pierce my face. The coldness only makes me feel number than I already do. Princess Yue has become more like a friend to me since I came back. We always talked in school, but ever since I shared my secret with her, we became closer. If anyone deserved to know what that water did, it's definitely her, since she gave it to me. I left out a lot of the details, but I wanted her to know I put her water to good use.

After I told my dad most of what happened with Zuko and the resurrection, we haven't talked much about the prince. Probably because he knows how much it brings me pain when his name is even brought up. Dad let me tell my story and even asked some questions about our alliance—not the kiss, though, thankfully that hasn't been brought up.

"You love him," he finally said, not even a question. "I'm sorry."

There was nothing to say after that. He didn't even seem upset, which if I was being honest, I had been afraid of that. He was just…sad. For me, I think. "Your pain is my pain," he once said to me, when I was about ten and asked him why he was so sad after my first lashing from a Guard.

After that, I decide to lock away all personal feelings deep inside me, somewhere I don't have to look into for a long while. The world is a cold place, too cold to be bothered by things that make me ache. Months later, I almost forget the exact shade of gold to his eyes. But then I see the sun rise and I remember and wonder how I could ever forget.

My dad is waiting for me at home with a pot of stewing sea prunes. I bite my tongue as he stirs the pot and adds some extra seasoning, trying not to laugh at his bulky figure moving around the kitchen. I've cooked our meals since I was about seven or eight years old, but seeing my dad try to do something so out of his comfort zone dismisses my urge to check his recipe. Before the Games, he was never home when I finished dinner for me and Sokka. This is one change I like.

I place the moon cakes onto platters and slice up half the bread with a knife. We finish preparing dinner together silently. I can't help but feel the peace of hearing the sea prunes stew over a kindling fire. The smell itself is heavenly and familiar, bringing me to a place I like to be. After my approving test taste, my dad ladles some sea prunes into two bowls and sets them on the small wooden table.

"Did you make any good trades?" Dad asks, taking a seat. Usually this question is geared toward Sokka since he's the master negotiator, but I guess I've taken that role now.

The first sea prune I put into my mouth is hard to swallow, and not because of my dad's cooking. "Not really. Just a few things like soap, some seaweed noodles, and then I stopped at the bakery."

"I saw the moon cakes."

"Mom's favorite," I say wistfully, dipping a piece of bread into my bowl and sopping up the juice.

"Back then, we could only afford about two a year," he says with a soft chuckle. "Always had to get one for her birthday, of course. Once I had to sell my best boots so I could buy one."

I almost snort into my sea prunes. He's never told me this story before. "You sold your boots for a moon cake? I hope it was worth it."

"Seeing her smile made it worth it." He closes his eyes and I look away, feeling like I'm intruding on a private moment. There's always been a longing ache when I think of my mom, but there's emptiness, too, because I've never known a life other than my dad and Sokka. I don't even know how to miss my mom because I've never had one.

"Do…do you think she's proud of me, Dad?" I ask hesitantly. "Do you think Sokka is with her now?"

The first week I came home was terrible. I managed to hold it together when the Watchers recorded my arrival and I was greeted with the entire province outside the palace. As soon as I was home and alone with my dad I broke down and cried, and cried, and cried until there was nothing left. We didn't talk much about the Games or the things I did or didn't do. I think he wants to forget about them just as much as I do. He doesn't blame me for Sokka's death, and when I ask about things that only he could have seen, he's very vague. But there's a haunted look on his face, one that only comes from a person who has seen all the horrors in the world. He saw things I'll never see. Sometimes I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.

"I know she's proud of you, Katara," says Dad. "And I believe that she and Sokka will find each other in the spirit world, if they haven't already. They are probably smiling at us from above right now."

"They'll be jealous they don't get any moon cakes." I laugh, but it hurts a little. I wonder if I'll ever be able to tell a pain free joke about Sokka ever again.

"We better not waste them, then." He makes a move for the cakes, but I reach out and yank the dish out of his grasp.

"You haven't even finished dinner yet!" I exclaim. "Is this how you eat while I'm away? Skipping dinner and going straight for sweets?"

He crosses his arms and looks at me with barely concealed amusement. "I thought I was the parent here."

"Eat your sea prunes," I say, pointing at his bowl with my chop sticks. "They're full of protein, you know."

"Then don't tempt me with the moon cakes," he says playfully, but nonetheless, goes back to his bowl.

Pakku and Hama stop by a little after dinner. I see a lot more Hama than Pakku these days—even now, as a victor, he won't let me sit in on his lessons. He still only teaches men. Unbelievable. The Capital won't allow him or any of our teachers to show us anything that can be used offensively, but the techniques are still endless and I can adapt them into something more aggressive. Every time I make a comment about him training Elites, he just snaps at me and ignores me the rest of the day.

Since he doesn't have to work or need the money, I get the impression that he does it to pass time; Hama doesn't work at the healing huts, but she stops in every once awhile, bringing me along. Even though I brought Zuko back to life, my healing isn't great. So far I've managed to heal minor cuts and scrapes, but nothing big. It's improvement, Hama always points out, even though I feel discouraged.

Once my mentors take a seat, I cut into the second moon cake to share with them. I'm glad to finally have a chance to ask them everything I've wanted to since Joo Dee sent that letter.

"So how long are we at each province?" I ask.

"Usually a couple of days, depending on what they have planned," says Pakku. "You'll make a public speech, take a tour of the province, and then attend a celebratory dinner. The Fire provinces like to show off, so there will be something extra to show the uniqueness of their province."

I take a bite of cake. "Like what?"

"Well, Province Two has the Ember Island Theater. They usually perform a play for the victor."

I remember Zuko telling me about a theater. This must be the one. "What kind of play?"

Pakku hesitates, like he's carefully deciding what to say. "The Black Games."

Horrified, I look at Hama for confirmation. Her silence is my answer. But there's been dozens of Black Games, seventy-five to be exact. How will they…? Oh. It dawns on me suddenly.

"They'll perform this year's Games, won't they?" I hedge.

"Since it's your Games, yes. You are the victor."

Just another way the Capital won't let us forget.

"Well, it can't be worse than seeing the real thing," I finally say, determined not to let the Fire Lord get the best of me. I don't dare look at my dad, knowing he saw more than even I did. Everyone in this room saw more than me, actually.

"They're not always accurate," says Hama. "Just keep that in mind."

I shrug, picking apart my cake without interest.

Dad clears his throat and asks, "How long will Katara be gone?"

"We'll be traveling by ship, so a couple of weeks. Not long," says Pakku.

"Joo Dee didn't tell me much. Where do we go first?"

"Province Five. Then Three, Two, and finally back at the Capital."

I groan and push my plate away; Dad silently slides it over to himself. Like he hasn't had enough already. "The victor's dinner," I say with a sigh. "I almost forgot."

"I think you'll be surprised," says Hama, giving me a soft smile. "Even though we're from different provinces, many of the victors are like friends."

I snort with laughter. "I doubt I'm going to make friends with victors from other provinces."

"You seem to get along fine with Bowen," says Pakku dryly.

Oh, how to describe my relationship with Bo. It could take a while. None of them know I met with Iroh and Lu Ten, who recommended Bo. I've kept the aid of the royal family pretty secret.

"The victor from Six? The one who helped you save Prince Zuko?" Dad asks, frowning a little.

The Capital didn't show Zuko's resurrection to the rest of the world. The only reason my dad knows is because I told him. To his credit, he took it well, but he couldn't completely hide his shock and fear, especially when I told him about the royal court. Not my entire conversation with the Fire Lord, but the just of it. I figure telling my team and Dad bits and pieces of the truth might save them some day.

From what I understand, only Province One knows exactly what I did since they saw it, but that doesn't mean word won't seep out eventually. Not from the people, necessarily, but the Guards. Especially since One and Two are literally right next to each other and they pace along the same wall; I don't know about Three and Five.

My dad says everyone in the province was told to gather in the square and Meng read an announcement that there had been a mistake in the Games. That Prince Zuko had not been killed by my blow, barely surviving, and once they took his body back to the palace they figured out he was still alive. A team of exceptional healers were able to revive him. Since I was already established as the victor and the Games were over, Zuko and I did not have to duel. I asked how anyone could believe that when they saw Zuko and Azula's funeral, but my dad told me they never saw a funeral.

I was stunned. I was so sure there had been Watchers at their funeral. But, I realized, that didn't mean they were doing a live feed to the other provinces. They must have decided not to broadcast the funeral after my little stunt, that way they didn't have to explain in detail exactly how Zuko's body survived the white fire. I hadn't considered that the Watcher's weren't live. I assumed they were. Sokka would have told me to never assume, so I guess that's my fault.

Oh well. The only province who really needs to know the truth is Province One, and they do. Fire Lord Ozai might have reacted differently if the entire world knew what I did. Maybe I should be thankful the feed wasn't live. At least he had to publically announce they had made a mistake. That had to hurt his pride.

"Yes," I say, turning to my dad. "He's somewhat a friend, I guess."

"Good fighter," Dad admits. "Handsome fellow. I remember his year. Quite the reputation now, I hear."

I don't even bother trying to explain Bo, especially since he's a puzzle even to me. "Yeah, he's something else."

A little before dusk, Pakku and Hama leave to meet Joo Dee by the docks. I finish packing my satchel and a small sack of clothes that I'm sure I won't end up wearing. Joo Dee had added in her letter not to pack much because June has already prepared my outfits for the trip. Unnecessary, but I'm glad I'll get to see June. I've missed her.

Princess Yue stops in to say goodbye before me and my dad head to the docks. She looks out of place, even in our upgraded home, with her white hair piled on her head, dark blue beads threaded into her locks, and her fancy parka that drags across the ground. She hugs me as soon as she steps into our house.

"I hope you'll be safe," she says into my hair. "I'm so glad we've become friends. Even if I make a terrible hunting partner."

I laugh, remembering the first time she ventured with me to do a little distracting hunting so I didn't have to go alone. I made her cover her hair since it stands out and didn't let her near my spear. She made too much noise and scared off all the game, but it was nice to have company, even if it wasn't Sokka. Another time she got her foot caught in a trap—even with Kami's help, I'm pretty sure it's going to scar. Yue just isn't cut out for the life of a hunter or angler.

"Me too, and I will be safe. Just make sure you don't go on any hunts without me," I say, releasing her. "You'll probably end up killing yourself."

"You let her go hunting with you?" Dad asks, sounding both disappointed and surprised.

"She followed me," I say with a shrug. "Besides, she's only gone a few times." Maybe an exaggeration, but my dad probably doesn't need to know that. He doesn't look fooled though, and purses his lips at me. We've already decided that I don't need to hunt any more since we don't need the extra food, especially since it's illegal and poses a huge risk. What he doesn't get is that I need to hunt. I need the distractions.

"I think my hunting days are over anyway," says Yue, but she shoots me a wink when my dad turns away, shaking his head. She looks back at me, frowning. "I wish I had something to give you this time."

"More of that water would be nice."

She laughs. "Even I don't know where the spirit oasis is."

"Guess I have to rely on myself for this dangerous tour."

Dad shoots me a serious look as he pulls on his heavy parka. "Don't do anything stupid, Katara. You're going into unknown provinces and victors are not always greeted pleasantly."

He has no idea how much I know that.

"I'll be smart, and safe. I promise."

Yue leaves shortly after, making me promise to come see her when I get home. My dad watches her leave fondly. I've never really had friends besides Sokka, at least none that came to my house. I think it makes him happy to know I'm not completely anti-social and closed off like I was those first few weeks I came home.

"I thought you might want this," says Dad, holding out my mother's parka. His arms drop slightly, hesitantly. "I know you won't need it once you leave the province, but I thought it might give you comfort on your trip."

"I like taking a little bit of home with me," I say, smiling at him. I slip it over my clothes and tug it tight. With my sack and satchel wrapped around my body, I'm all ready to go, but when I look at my dad, with the sadness in his eyes as he stares into the dying fire, I don't want to leave. "It's only a little while," I say quietly. "I'll be back before you know it."

He pulls me into his arms. "I have this terrible feeling if I let you go, I'll never see you again."

"It's just a tour, Dad. No more Black Games for me."

A/N: As you can see, it's starting to take on a slight Catching Fire feel. I didn't want Katara to go to all the provinces, so I thought just the fire provinces would be a good idea; and it seems like something Ozai would do. :) I just want to say, because I don't feel like I can say it enough, thank you again for your support! You guys are so nice in your reviews and I just appreciate each and every one. They make me want to keep writing and always put a smile on my face. So thank you!

Review Responses:

Kaizen Kitty: "Do you follow writing courses or study literature? Did you read a lot of fiction? Or is such great writing the product of talent that you're either born with or not?" - Lol aw, you're sweet. I think any sort of "talent" or hobby always improves with practice. Writing has always come kind of naturally to me. I was always the one who had no problems with essays but hated tests. I've never taken writing classes, just the normal required English classes growing up. I started off reading fanfiction and then decided to take a stab at a story. I wrote for Harry Potter first, and then ATLA. Just writing and reading, both fanfiction and published novels, helped my writing, I think. My stuff now is better than when I first started...I cringe when I read some old stuff, lol.

QuietShadowz: "You said this is where some catching fire similarity's are gonna start kicking in..." - Yeah, it's loosely based off Catching Fire. I say loosely because it's inspired by it, but doesn't follow the story exactly the same. Hard to explain, lol. But you'll know what I mean in a few chapters. For example, there is a tour, but it's only in the fire provinces. Small but similar things like that. :)

the alphabet soup: "Do you plan on writing in anymore OCs like Bowen who are based off of characters in the books?" - There will be more characters introduced. Some are from ATLA, while others are OC's, yes. :)

JessieJay13: Just wanted to say that I really do love your writing and to ask how often you update!" - Thank you! I usually update once every week or two. :)

T: "I never picked up Hunger Games or anything else written in 1st POV (many people misuse this pov and I don't trust this anymore), but you handle it pretty good." - Thank you! I used to HATE first person with a passion. In published works I don't mind it quite as much, but in fanfiction I usually avoid reading 1P because it tends to get OOC. So I really appreciate it whenever anyone likes my version of first person because I find it very challenging to write myself.

MHZutaraFanGirl: "And with two hardheaded people like the Victor and Fire Prince, things won't also flow smoothly for their future." - For sure. And it's a good thing, I think, that they argue because I think it's good they both still stand their ground. If Zuko always caved to Katara, or she always caved to him..meh. It wouldn't be in character, and it wouldn't be very interesting for me to write.

"It should be very interesting, and it will be nice to see Hakoda fleshed out" - I really wish Hakoda could have had more time in this chapter, but I've got to move the plot along. He plays a bigger role in the future and becomes more fleshed out then what we've seen so far..I'll just say that. :)

SparklingGem: "By the way, have you heard the song 'Heart of Courage'?" - Yes! That's partly why this chapter is named so. Two Steps From Hell has some amazing stuff. :)

lori: "your interpretation of zuko and katara in the black games is literally my otp." - *hugs you* That just made my day. Thank you so much!

aimee2127: "I love you. So much." - I love you too friend!

Narnia: "have you considered writing some chapters, or a chapter, in Zuko's POV?" - It will all be in Katara's, because I think it's better when the reader knows everything the narrator does. I don't like when the reader knows things that the narrator doesn't, because then we get biased and extra annoyed at the narrator, lol. So Zuko's head will be a mystery to us and we'll continue seeing him through Katara's perspective. :)

NotAgainstDarkSide: "Btw, do you plan on writing an Iron Fey fanfiction? And, will you continue writing Changing Fate and Forces of Destiny?" - I don't plan on writing Iron Fey fanfiction, but you never know! Julie wrote some amazing characters. I can't complain about any of them. I do plan on finishing both Changing Fate adn Forces of Destiny eventually! They're just not my top priority at the moment like TBG trilogy is.

lauriedoriew: "It really made me feel, and I think that's what, as a writer, you aim for." - Yes! That really is what I've aimed for with this story.

Phantom of Runes: "You have quickly become one of my favorite authors on this site!" - Aw thank you very much! *hugs you*

vwaterlily: "I was so afraid that Katara might lie to Zuko somehow and there would be some giant misunderstanding that would blow up later." - Yeah, Katara spent most of the Games denying those feelings. Kind of like she does with Aang in canon: she focused on the war and pushed back her feelings. In this, she was focusing on the Games and pushing back those feelings. There's really no sense in denying them at this point and Katara has realized that. A lot of times authors use the denial as a reason for two characters not to be together yet, but there are so many other things going on in this can prevent Katara and Zuko being together, lol. I don't even need that plot device. :P

What's always interesting to me is how many stories have the characters realize their love at the end. And then the story is over. I wanted to show that a story does go on after characters realize how they feel. Another reason I'm so excited for Legend of Korra book two, since Mako and Korra have admitted they love each other. :)

Ten Faced: "Wait, I forgot. How old are they?" - Zuko and Katara? He's 18 and she's 16. :)

EbunnyLove: "I hate how she got all Katniss like about relationships in this chapter because that was my least favorite part of Katniss as a character." - My least favorite aspect too. But the difference in Katara and Katniss is that Katara was worried that Zuko could have been acting in the arena, something she never considered before. (Katniss on the other hand knew she was acting and putting on a show for Snow.) But when Zuko points out it wasn't a game to him either, she says "I know" because deep down she knows Zuko would rather die than put on an act to gain popularity. That would be dishonorable and not honest, and we all know how much honor and honesty means to him. ;)

So while it appears that Katara is being like Katniss, she's actually doing the opposite. ;) In canon, Katara is very, very stubborn and usually listens to her heart over her brain and logic. I wanted to make sure I kept those traits for the most part.

VanCloude: "Can we get married? Can you bring all your story ideas and we'll write for our honeymoon?" - Haha I don't know what my boyfriend would say about that!

Aaliyah92: "I haven't read catching fire yet only the hunger games. Will this be an issue?" - Not at all! This trilogy is inspired from both ATLA and The Hunger Games. If anything, it'd more important that you've seen ATLA. :P The elements from Catching Fire are more...adapted to the ATLA world. So it doesn't matter that you haven't read CF. This is different enough. :)