The lightning was as new
As if the cloud that instant slit
And let the fire through

-Emily Dickinson

Instead of finding rest he had found trouble. He wanted to race back to the South Pole and gather his friends for battle, but he knew this kind of trouble couldn't be solved by such conventional methods. Instead he went straight to the Fire Nation.

Being the Avatar had its privileges and that included receiving an audience with the Fire Lord whenever he wanted.

"Avatar, I was not expecting you so soon. Did you find what you were looking for?" Aang wanted to laugh. He seemed to be "looking" for something quite often these days. He had a feeling he would continue to do so, so he didn't laugh.

"Lord Iroh, have you chosen a wife for Prince Zuko yet?" Iroh's wide eyes betrayed his surprise.

"I have only begun discussing the idea with him, but we have made no decisions." Aang nodded to himself. Then he looked at the Fire Lord firmly.

"I want him to marry Katara." Iroh did not reply. Aang didn't want to tell him, but he realized it was necessary to make himself understood. The sacrifices kept coming. He looked away from the Fire Lord and began speaking in a tone that knew the reverence, awe, and fear of the Spirit World many times over.

"I had…I had a vision. It was about your…death. Zuko will not be able to rule competently afterwards." Remembered images of anarchy and despotism crowded behind Aang's eyes. He would have no more war, so he took a deep breath and continued. "When Zuko is Fire Lord he will be the Fire Nation—they will be connected, like I am to the Earth. If Zuko is…broken the country will follow. For the stability of the country and the world, I will not allow this to happen." Iroh's golden eyes were filled with compassion.

"Aang…are you sure?"

"Katara is the greatest healer the world has ever known and as the Avatar it's my duty to preserve the peace." After a moment he turned his eyes to the Fire Lord, not wanting to say what he knew he should. "I failed once because I wouldn't do what I could have. I won't let it happen again." Iroh nodded slowly.

"As you wish, Avatar. How soon should I arrange it? I will make the proper overtures to the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe." Aang shook his head emphatically.

"I will be traveling there myself. I want to discuss it with Chief Hakoda and his…daughter personally. I will let you know what to do next."

"What should I tell Zuko?"

"Is he ready?"

"Perhaps."

"Then I will leave it up to your judgement."