"We should come up with fake names," Katara said as they approached the village.

"That's probably a good idea," Zuko admitted grudgingly. "So uh, I'll be...Lee?"

"Lee?"

"It's a common Earth Kingdom name," Zuko said defensively. "What about you?"

Katara pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Um...Sapphire?"

"Yes, because that's totally Earth Kingdom," Zuko said sarcastically.

She narrowed her eyes at the back of his head. "Oh, so do you have any better suggestions?"

"Uh…"

"That's what I thought." She huffed out a breath. "So, Lee and Sapphire it is. What's our cover story?"

"Cover story?" He sounded puzzled.

"Well, yeah," Katara said as if it were obvious. "In case anyone asks questions, of course. You know, our ages, what we're doing here—"

"Why would anyone need to know that?" Zuko interrupted her impatiently. "More importantly, why would you tell anyone?"

"People ask those sorts of questions!" Katara snapped defensively. She considered the back of his head for a moment. "Well, maybe not you. You're way too much of a jerk. I'm sure vendors can barely stand to talk to you."

"That's much preferred rather than spilling my life's story," he retorted hotly. "'Oh, random vendor, you've got some lovely produce! By the way, I'm Prince Zuko, Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Can I get some of those moon peaches?"

"Shut up."

He glanced back at her. "Sometimes, Sapphire, less is more."

She narrowed her eyes. "Well, Lee, what if someone does ask those questions? Am I supposed to ignore them like some mannerless cretin?"

He straightened in the saddle, but not before she caught sight of his scowl. "Fine. What do you usually tell people?"

"That I'm traveling with the Avatar."

He sighed. "We probably shouldn't mention that."

"Well, I'll have to ask around in Gaoling."

"But not some insignificant farming village," he replied. "So just...make up something else."

Katara considered that for a moment. "We could...say we're friends, traveling to visit some relatives of mine in Gaoling. If anyone asks, of course."

"I suppose that will do."

They finally reached the village. It was just a small settlement made of wood and sod buildings. Barefoot children ran through the dusty streets, kicking a ball around. There were a handful of merchant stalls in the town's square, and there were a dozen locals browsing their wares.

Katara and Zuko dismounted from Dusty just outside the main square. Zuko hitched her to a post before the two of them walked into the square.

"We should pick up a few pounds of rice," Katara said as they approached the first stall. "And at least a pound of lentils, if we can. Some fresh fruits and vegetables, as well. And feed for Dusty, of course."

"How much coin do you think I have?" Zuko inquired.

Katara looked back at him. "Well, you're a—" She lowered her voice. "—prince."

He also lowered his voice and inclined his head to whisper in her ear, "And do you think traitor princes have access to the royal accounts?"

An embarrassed heat rose in her cheeks. "Oh. I guess not." She cleared her throat and pasted a bright smile on her face. "Luckily for you, I am an expert at haggling."

Katara approached a vendor, maintaining her bright smile as her eyes fell over the produce in baskets at their stall. "Good evening. How much for that bushel of apples?"

The vendor, a grizzled old man, appraised her with clear disdain. "Out of your price range, miss."

Katara's jaw dropped open. "Excuse me?"

He looked at her attire pointedly. "I don't do charity, miss. Not with the war. If you don't have coin, I'm not selling."

"I assure you, we do have coin," Zuko said brusquely, suddenly appearing beside her. He produced a small coin purse. "Now, how much for that bushel of apples?"

The merchant's eyes cut between the two of them suspiciously, although Katara didn't quite understand why. Then he said, "Two copper pieces."

Zuko produced the gold and Katara selected a bundle of deliciously red apples. Then they moved on, heading for the next stall.

"Great haggler, huh?" Zuko murmured.

"Shut up," she hissed.

The next stall was run by a woman with a drawn face who looked weary as she set her gaze upon Katara and Zuko. Katara registered the way that her eyes widened fractionally when they flickered over her, and she suppressed a frown. Why was everyone looking at them so weirdly?

"Two bags of rice, please," Katara said with a chipper smile.

"Of course, miss," the merchant said as she selected two bags. "Four coppers."

"Thank you," Katara said as Zuko handed over the money. "Do you know which stall sells feed for ostrich horses?"

"Oh yes, Dinh, right over there." The woman pointed. Katara turned as if to go, but the woman caught her by the wrist. "Perhaps your companion can shop for the feed while I interest you in some lentils? It's just three coppers a pound."

Katara glanced back at Zuko, who only shrugged. She looked back at the merchant with a smile. "Sure."

Zuko gave her the coins before he departed for the feed stall. Katara looked back at the grain merchant, and was surprised when the woman leaned closer to her.

"Are you alright, dear?" the woman asked in a low voice.

Katara frowned. "What? Of course I am. Why do you ask?"

The merchant's eyes cut to Zuko for a brief moment. "I just...I don't mean to assume...but—are you safe, miss?"

Katara was thoroughly confused now. "Safe?"

The merchant was becoming flustered. "It's just—and don't take this the wrong way—but you look a little rough. Things are not well, what with the war, and it's not unheard of…"

Katara's eyes widened as she understood what the merchant was getting at. Her eyes dropped to her clothing, dirty and ragged, before she glanced at Zuko. He wasn't exactly clean, but he definitely looked better than she did. Katara turned back to the merchant.

"Oh, no, I assure you, I'm quite fine," Katara said. "I...fell down a hill. Into some bramble bushes the other day. It was foolish of me, really, but I'm sure you know what it's like when one travels. There's not exactly a bath at my convenience." She smiled. "Lee is a very good friend of mine, escorting me to see some relatives in Gaoling."

"Oh, I see." The merchant did not look entirely convinced, but she offered Katara a kind smile. "There's no inn here in Kuchon, but I would like to invite you and your friend to stay with me. I've got some extra room with my—" Her voice caught for a moment before she pressed on. "—with my sons off fighting in the war."

Katara felt her heart pull painfully in her chest. "Oh, no, we couldn't intrude. I appreciate the offer though."

The woman put her hand on Katara's wrist and offered her a smile. "I insist, miss."

Katara smiled thinly. "Of course. Thank you."