The debut was solely for the Avatar and Katara often found herself with time on her hands. Thuy was invited to teas and lunches with various parts of her so-called extended family. And because of it, Katara was amused by the constant rebuffing of the Fire Lord as Thuy took her appointments with Zuko or Azula, if not them both together. Small agreements were made, as Thuy agreed that she would study with Tenzin and his family. She also mentioned how pleased she would be if she were able to learn from someone so talented as Azula, which made the Fire Lord look smug. Zuko only rolled his eyes when he glanced at Katara at dinner; it was all politics.

It was obvious then that the teenager had been kept in hiding. Her tribe had not been so foolish or backwater to risk exposure and had relied on the mysterious properties of the swamp to protect her. Someone had also been teaching her what to expect when she did emerge. Certainly they identified her early and also saw some sort of wisdom in exposing her to the rest of the world before she turned sixteen.

Thuy from the Swamp was looking to be a very shrewd Avatar.

The Airbenders gave it no mind. Aang's grandchildren were more preoccupied with the ice palace itself. Ice made for an almost frictionless surface and Ikki's fiance was a physics professor from a college near the Eastern Air Temple. It was during their experimental play that Thuy looked like a teen, her eyes wide as she watched the Airbenders effortlessly slide up walls before falling onto a bed of spun air.

The Water Tribe members all had one lunch together, right before the debut. Katara sat down next to Thuy and across from the Avatar's parents.

"Have you been enjoying yourself Thuy?" Katara asked, settling her napkin over her lap.

"I have, though it's all a bit exhausting." Thuy answered with a strained smile.

"I can't imagine. I'm not really looking forward to having to deal with it myself." Katara said.

"I'm sure it'll be interesting with your boyfriend."

"My what?"

"Aren't you dating Prince Zuko? You keep wandering off together." Thuy said and Katara cleared her throat.

"No, we're not dating. Like you said, it'd be too," Katara looked down the length of the table at the others. "Interesting."

"I know that everyone was looking for me, during the war." Thuy said. She paused as the serving staff came around with the first course, smiling at the older man who set down her plate.

"I know that it cost a lot of Waterbenders their lives. My tribe protected me because they hoped for a day when the world would be united." Thuy continued and Katara looked down at the bright salad leaves and bits of pickled kelp.

"I think that's a lot to put on a child." Katara remarked.

"You fought in the war when you were my age right?" Thuy asked.

Katara pierced a bit of her salad, taking a moment to eat before answering.

"That's right." She finally said.

"Now that we are in a time of peace, what do you cherish the most?" Thuy questioned.

"My freedom."

"But your freedom to do what?"

Katara looked at Thuy, examining her face for some unknown sign. Her eyes were a seagreen and bright against her dark complexion.

"Unfortunately, my thoughts on romance might do more harm than good." Katara admitted.

"You know, I don't think romance could ever do anything too horrible." Thuy said and shook her hair.

"And you are the Avatar." Katara added.

Thuy laughed and jabbed at the leaves on her plate. "Right! So you should listen to me."

After the debut, as Thuy was off being interviewed, Katara hung back in the empty reception hall. She ran her fingers over the table with the row of microphones, walking silently on the plush carpet. The rows of empty folding chairs felt like she should be waiting for something, but the partially empty bottles of water and discarded press tags on the floor meant the show was over.

It had been a lot easier than she thought to deal with. Arnook did most of the talking and made some comments about the unification of the three tribes. Thuy demurred; there was no official authority figure of the Swamp Tribe and she knew she was too young to fill such a role.

The press had a lot of questions for the young Avatar and Katara felt like they didn't know why she herself was up there. So when the press conference was over, they all followed the royalty and Katara was able to hang back.

A door to the hall opened and Katara looked up, expecting to see either Sokka or Suki. Instead, Zuko ducked his head in and looked around.

"Hey. How'd it go?" He asked as he stepped into the hall, closing the door behind him. Katara turned to lean against the table, shrugging her shoulders.

"Fine. It was funny to watch them try to ask Thuy why she spoke so well and not sound racist." She said.

Zuko walked toward her and dipped down to pick up a discarded press badge. Holding out a mimed microphone, he held the badge to his chest.

"Question for Master Katara, how do you manage to always be so cute?" He asked and held the microphone out to her. The blatant statement stunned her and Katara's face warmed so much she could feel her ears tingle. Covering her face with her hands, she smiled as she heard Zuko chuckle.

"Oh I see, you're such a heavy hitter that you can't handle the little things." Zuko murmured and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.

Katara made a whining noise and swatted at him, turning away and still trying to cover her face with her other hand. Zuko caught her free hand and kissed it, making her laugh. He then pulled on her, turning her back toward him and putting his other hand on her waist. Katara took in a small breath, placing her free hand on his shoulder. In that moment, he could have almost stepped them into a waltz.

"You're dodging the question." He said.

"Zuko."

"Hmm?"

"I really like you."

Zuko's smile faded, but he didn't look upset. It was a mixture of pure confusion, as if he had just been informed that his hair was actually purple.

"You do?" He asked.

"That usually goes along with the kissing."

"Okay well," He stammered and Katara laughed. "I knew you found me attractive." He then furrowed his brow before adding, "Somehow."

Zuko relaxed his grip on her hand and she put both of her arms over his shoulders while he held her about the waist.

"Well there is that. But I also like you, as a person. Romantically." Katara stated firmly.

"So what does that mean?" Zuko asked.

"That means that if you like me romantically back, I want to get to know you." She replied.

"Ah."

"The Avatar told me to do so."

Zuko smiled and spun her into a dip. Katara squealed as she tightened her hold and he smiled down at her.

"Well, if listening to the Avatar was god enough for Sozin, who am I to disagree?" He asked. He kissed her and Katara felt her body relax. Zuko held her fast, not in fear of dropping her but simply because he wanted to hold her. And Katara finally let herself be held.

This was the sort of moment she cherished.

This was what she had fought for.