Hey, loyal readers. It's been a while. Well, my story is almost over (sniffles). I'll probably write more stories about Avatar. But until then, you'll just have to wait.

Kryah: Sorry about the misspelling again. Please forgive me!

Gobond: Don't yell at me yet. I have a plan.

Flame Feline: I won't kill Zuko. I was thinking about it in the beginning, but I have a different idea. What stories do you write? I might want to read them. I'm glad that a famous author is reviewing my stories.

Lost-and-Lonely-Phoenix: That's ok. I laugh during romantic parts too. I don't know why. It makes me giggly.

Kat: You make me laugh, in a good way. Can't wait for your story. By the way, I love your name. I wish I was called Kit or Kat. It would make things a lot more interesting. Why did I have to be plagued with a name of a month?

Aang/Katara FOREVEr: Don't worry. I have a plan. I see what you are saying about eliminating a character or having Katara choose. I'll figure it out.

Lala-ness: Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for the advice, too. You are right. If people like the story, they'll review. If they don't like it, then that's ok. This is my story. I don't mean to sound rude, but I will do what I want. Thanks again, Lala-ness.

Understandings

Katara sat in the palace garden of Fire Nation Capital Kataru. She was watching the camellias fall off the trees. She was amazed that anything could grow in the Fire Nation, not because of the climate but because of the people. But ever since she had gotten to know the people of Kataru, she realized that they were almost like the citizens of her village.

It had been almost a year since she had walked into the great city. She had a great influence on the people of Kataru. Before they were hostile and willing to kill anyone to win the war. But she had brought peace to the city and to the nation. Of course, the Fire Nation still tried to take over the Earth Kingdom, but fighting had been brought down to a minimum.

Katara also stood up for the people. If they were starving, she would convince Lord Ozai to give them food. If they were poor, she got them tax deductions. If they needed water, she would bend water and give it to them. Everyone loved Katara. They wanted her to become queen as soon as possible. She told them that she wasn't ready yet but she would do what was best for them. She was the people's princess.

Katara had not only cared for the people, she also became them. She had adopted their customs and traditions. She had even changed her outfit from her rabbit skin parka to the traditional fire bender clothing. She wore black shoes and black tights that were covered with a long skirt that was split on each side so she could move and fight easily. Her kimono top was red with black trimming. Her sleeves were cut off just above the elbows like her old water bending clothes. She had black sleeves that cover her entire arm except for the holes that she could slip her fingers through. She still chose to keep her hair style. But other than that, she liked her new look. She was glad that she could be a part of the Fire Nation.

She soon found herself deep in thought about her life. She used to live an ordinary life where everyone ignored her water bending skills. Her brother had always criticized her because she couldn't control her powers. But that was how she released Aang from the iceberg. Her heart dropped at the thought. She did miss him dearly. She thought that it would be him that she would marry someday. But she had fallen in love with Zuko. She was still unsure about the whole thing. Was it possible to have enough room in your heart for two?

She was brought out of the trance when she felt someone put a blanket over her shoulders. She looked behind her and saw Zuko smiling. "You shouldn't stay out here too long. It's supposed to get cold."

"I don't mind the cold so much," she replied. "Remember, I used to live in the South Pole." She kissed him lightly on the lips and giggled. Then she averted her attention to the falling camellias. Zuko sensed something was wrong.

"You aren't acting like yourself, my love. What is wrong?" Katara sighed as he took a seat next to her. She would have to tell him sometime. It would only get worse if she waited.

"Zuko, you know I love you, right?" He nodded with a smiled but frowned at her forlorn face. "The thing is I hated you before you captured me. I thought you were nothing but a barbarian. Back then, I thought that I loved Aang."

"You mean the Avatar," he said in disapproval.

"Yes, I loved the Avatar, and I still do. I miss Aang and my brother Sokka. I wish I could see them again and I know that they are still looking for me. I will never stop loving them. But that doesn't mean that I will stop loving you, Zuko. I will always love you until the day I die. I just want you to know that there is enough room in my heart for more than one person." Zuko sighed and decided to tell her his thoughts.

"I know you love him, Katara. You always have. But I love you, too, just as you love me. However, it is my duty to capture the Avatar. I hope that when that time comes you will understand what I have to do. If you wish to stop me, I will understand. He is your friend, but you must understand that I will stop at nothing to capture him." Katara turned and nodded.

"I know. I don't want to go against your wishes. I only want you to return to me." He quickly embraced her and kissed her for what seemed like forever. Katara wanted to stay in his arms forever. She wanted to forget everything that was going on in the world and be with him, stuck in this moment. But she had to let go of him. They would be able to spend time together when this war was over.

Then something terrible happened. There was an explosion in the city. A guard ran up to Prince Zuko and Princess Katara to report the situation. "What has happened?" Zuko asked.

"It's the Avatar! He has land in Kataru!"


Sorry about the nasty cliffhanger. But I have to save it for the next chapter. There should be two or more chapters left. It might be a while. I'm writing other stories at the moment. Keep reading.