It was the day of the Jingle Jam, and at the same time the big race. Everyone's thoughts were everywhere. In Celeste's house, her and her parents and grandparents got ready for the big event. They all dressed up and had a big dinner. They even made a toast to Celeste and had a family prayer, hoping she would win. Her relatives kept expressing how proud they were of her. She just smiled and thanked them, but felt horrible on the inside. She was more than nervous, she was crushed. She had wanted Zuko to be there so badly, but no, he passed up the opportunity. She was convinced that nothing could make her feel better, and she didn't even feel like giving it her all.

Meanwhile, Zuko got dressed for the race. He put on a red white T-Shirt and his leather jacket with the fire nation symbol on the back and on the shoulders. He put on a pair of jeans and his black and red sneakers. It was what he normally wore when he went racing. He kept his hair in a ponytail and made his way out to the car. His uncle wasn't home, so it was perfect. He got in his car, adjusted the rearview mirror and drove off to the country rode where the racers and speculators would meet.

Celeste had finished the big dinner and went to get ready for the competition. But her parents had a surprise for her. It was wrapped up in a shiny silver bow with a gold ribbon. She opened it happily and was marveled to find a new dress. It was an off the shoulder dress, slim and white with no back and long sleeves. It was made by some fancy designer. "If you're going to be a famous singer, than you should start to dress like one." Her father said to her. She just smiled down at it and then turned up to look her dad in the eyes.

"Thanks Daddy." It would have meant no much more to her if Zuko had been able to see her in it.

Zuko arrived at the racing point and pulled his car up to the starting line. He made sure it was lined up evenly with Cozen's and Bucky's. People cheered as he got out of his car and leaned against the front of it. He just crossed his arms and looked around. Some snow began to dance down from the sky ever so lightly, and collect with the rest of the snow on the ground. Bucky walked over to him. "You know my cousin's competition is tonight. My parents wanted me to go but I said I had better things to do." Bucky said. Better things to do. That seemed to always be the case with Celeste.

"I know." Zuko replied as he looked away, feeling immense guilt for breaking his promise.

Celeste and her family got into the car and drove off to where the competition would be help. It was about an hour away, and she looked forward to the care ride. She wanted some time to clear her head. She wasn't ready to sing. It was just so different knowing that Zuko wouldn't be there. And in her heart, she knew Zuko didn't care about her like he had made it seem. They arrived at the center three hours before the competition and met the other contestants. There were at least twenty of them, and they all practiced in the same room. All the girls sounded great, and Celeste felt a little intimidated. Zula walked up behind and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You okay?" she asked.

"I wish Zuko was here." She said.

"Ah, let him go. Let the whole thing go."

"I can't." she whispered as she closed her eyes. "He promised."

"He's a boy. What did you expect, Celeste, really! I mean, you've had bad experiences with boys. I would think you would be used to it by now." Ouch! That one burned and Celeste grit her teeth. This was her future manager saying that to her. Zuko had a good point; did she really want this evil girl to be her manager?

Zuko was in his car now, and so were the other drivers. A girl stepped out with a bandana tied to a stick and stood in front of the cars as their engines revved. Zuko gripped the steering wheel, trying his hardest to get into the zone like he always did. But he couldn't this time. All he could think about was Celeste.

The girl waved the flag down in a quick movement and all three cars jetted from the line and sped ahead! Zuko was gunning it as hard as he could, and then he switched into a higher gear and could hear the sound of the engine revving more. He was in the race now, in second place! Cozen was in first. Zuko kept his foot on the pedal and one hand on the stick. He saw an ice patch and dodged it with a screeching noise! Then there came the first turn! He swerved the car hard, making it skid a bit but allowing it to get its grip and go on. He shifted gears again and kept going. He was catching up with Cozen now. Zuko was determined to win. But there were so many things on his mind. Everything Celeste had said to him was buzzing though his head.

But you promised…

Another turn came and he turned fiercely, making sure to stay close to Cozen! He succeeded and put both hands on the wheel, looking for a passing point to get ahead of Cozen! Cozen was an excellent driver and kept Zuko on his toes. But Zuko wasn't going to come in second place again.

I don't wanna sing if you're not there…

"Get out of my head!" he growled to himself as he tried his hardest to concentrate on the road. There was another ice patch, and he dodged it! He looked in the rearview mirror at Bucky who was last in the race. It looked like he wasn't going to pass him any time soon. Zuko looked back ahead and saw the last turn coming. It was dark on this part of the road, there were no street lights. Dangerous conditions to be racing in.

That is something Rue would do…

"Move Cozen!" he grew frustrated. He wanted nothing more than to come in first place. But his mind still stayed on Celeste. The pretty, bulimic, generous…no, concentrate on the road he kept telling himself! He wasn't anything like Rue, and he wanted to prove it. But he was doing the exact opposite.

And then there was another ice patch! Zuko was too busy pondering to see it, and he went over it! It sent the car skidding in every direction! He grabbed onto the wheel and tried to steady the car, but it was no use! While skidding he hit another ice patch and the car began to spin! He screamed for his life!

...The car struck a tree right on the driver's side, crushing the door. And the driver in it. Bucky stopped his car and jumped out! "ZUKO!" he called out and ran over to the wreck! "ZUKO!" but the car was nothing but a twisted piece of metal now. Bucky continued to yell at the car, hoping to get a response! "ZUKO! MAN, ARE YOU OKAY?" but there was no answer. Bucky whipped out his cell phone and dialed 911…