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I Didn't Want this Either! Chapter 5: It's Party Time (1)

Katara POV

As she gets home to get ready.

I at first was thinking, 'oh I don't quite understand why I have to start getting ready hours before the event, it doesn't take long to bathe and then put on another dress' but then I walked in my home. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by Gran Gran and Suki, who introduced me to the maid, a young woman named Rina, sent by Iroh to help me get pampered and ready for the big day. After they successfully shoved me into the bathroom, the process began. And that's where I am now, standing in a room, trying to convince another grown woman that I can bathe myself.

"I really can do this on my own, I'm even a water bender so it's no trouble, really" I say, kind of backing myself into a corner.

Rina simply shakes her head, and puts her hand up and says "I'm sorry my Lady, but I have orders from General Iroh and Fire Lord Zuko, that I prepare you for your big day. I was also told by the lady of the house that you did not have a coming of age ceremony, so I must make this perfect."

She bows to me, is this how it will be once I'm Fire Lady? I don't think I like being waited on to such an extent. "If this is unavoidable, then can you at least not treat me so formally?" I ask, hoping she will, but knowing she probably won't. As I understand what her job is, I'm not ready to be placed at such a high standard.

Rina simply smiles "I'm very sorry my Lady, but I cannot do that, I know it isn't official yet, but you are to be the Fire Lady, and I will treat you as such." I just nod my head in response. I guess I must get used to this.

The bath had already been filled when we entered, we're just waiting on it to heat. Rina pats a seat at the vanity for me to sit, and we begin to make some small talk as she brushes through my hair, nothing too crazy, just something to pass the time. I learned that her mother was once head maid at the palace, so she was raised there and went on to become a maid herself.

"You must really respect your mother" I say with a smile, looking at the counter where my mother's necklace is. Rina says yes proudly with a distant smile on her face. I know that smile better than most, I've lost a mother too. I won't pry though, that is not for me to ask, only for those willing to talk about it. "She was a wonderful woman, and she worked hard to make the palace better in the darker times." Rina says as she finishes going through my hair. Seems like my suspicions are correct.

"She sounds like it" I say, looking at her through the mirror in the vanity. She has very dainty features, almost doll-like. She's petite with pale skin, dark brown eyes and black hair that is tied in a low bun.

"Now, my Lady" Rina begins, "this may be awkward for you at first, but it is time to bathe you." My face immediately goes red, she had left the bathroom at my request to change into a robe, but I guess I forgot that, since she is to be getting me ready, Rina will also help me get clean. I shouldn't have forgotten this.

I realize that it may not be befitting to argue, though I can't help but want to. "This is a bit too much for me, would it be okay if you were to help if I need it, I just don't feel comfortable with someone else cleaning my whole body." As I finish my sentence, Rina just nods in understanding, and turns around as I get out of my robe and submerge myself into the warm bath.

"If it helps, my Lady, we could talk about things to make this less awkward for you? Though, I will say in advance, if I may, that in the future as our Fire Lady, there will likely be more people waiting on you to get you ready." I shudder at the thought, it's awkward to be waited on and bathed by another person. But, talking would maybe help.

I think about topics to talk about to lessen the anxiety I feel, but not much comes to mind, but then I remember she was chosen to help tonight, and I wonder why. "So, how were you chosen to take care of me for the day? You said Iroh and Zuko, I mean, the Fire Lord, chose you?" Rina eyes me as I call the Fire Lord by name so casually, but not with any anger, it seems more appreciative and inquisitive.

"Well, Fire Lord Zuko is particular about the staff in the palace. After he came to the throne, many were let go." She pauses for a moment with a sigh, "I was sure I would have been fired too, but I was one of the few staff that had been kept on, and eventually made his personal maid." Her voice is proud, but not arrogant in tone.

"I see" I say to her, feeling her hands on my head as she washes my hair.

Then she continues "I think I was kept on because of the respect he may have held for my mother." I raise my eyebrows at her, moving my head so I could look at her face above mine.

"What do you mean?" I ask, genuinely curious, and then put my head back to the way it was so she may continue.

"You see, my Lady, she took care of him whenever former Fire Lady Ursa couldn't, though only as much as what a maid can do. So, I had known him when he was a young prince, before the banishment." She pauses a bit, seeming lost in thought. "I was not a maid at that time, I was too young, but I shadowed my mother and helped her often, so I got to see him often." I nod as I listen to her story, I wonder what Zuko was like as a kid.

"Uhm" I start "would you mind telling me about Zuko, from when he was younger? What was the now Fire Lord like, before he was banished?" I feel my ears go red, I know there is no reason for it, but I feel embarrassed asking to know things about him. Like what if I shouldn't know? Is it weird to pry about this?

A soft giggle comes from Rina "oh, my Lady, he was very sweet, and gentle. While his sister was calculating and harsh, he was very in tune with his emotions, caring for even the smallest turtleduck." She speaks with admiration and appreciation in her tone, I can see she cares for him.

"If I'm being honest, I would have never known or guessed it." I say with a laugh, though he is emotional, gentle isn't always the word that comes to mind when I think of him. Though, he has been sweet to me, I think, before brushing it off as common courtesy.

The rest of the process of getting ready goes by smoothly, as she helps when I need it in some things, but takes charge in others. Like exfoliating and moisturizing. She told me I can't look at myself until we're done with everything, but I feel like it's not fair. I will say, even though it is odd to me, it is relaxing to be pampered a bit. It kind of reminds me of when Toph and I went to the spa back in Ba Sing Se. There aren't any spas here, though since we found a few geysers a while back, a hot spring bath house is being worked on.

She works on my hair and makeup for quite a while, I've never put this much care into my appearance. "Rina, do we have to do so much, I feel like I'm not me." I say, feeling like such a small tribe girl.

She smiles at me, but the tone of her voice is intense "you will see in due time, my Lady. It is not what you may think it is. You are still the beautiful you that walked in here, now let me finish." As she finishes she smiles and claps her hands together excitedly. "Now, would you like to take a look at yourself now, or after we have gotten your outfit on?"

I think for a moment before sighing "after the clothes I think." She nods as she grabs the clothes from the rack by the door, and begins to help me into it. It has several layers, as with most Southern Water Tribe outfits.

As she finishes, she tells me to close my eyes and turn around towards the full length mirror, beside the vanity. I do as I'm told reluctantly. "Alright, open your eyes in three… two… one!" Rina says with excitement.

I open my eyes and look at myself. I may have worn a dressy outfit to greet Zuko today, but this is far more extravagant. A very contrasting look to what the normal Water Tribe outfits are. The outer jacket and dress are white with light blue embellishments. The normally white fur trim is black instead. The fur must have been imported. But it's elegant, and graceful. Again, I am reminded of how Princess Yue dressed before.

My hair is down with a high bun at the top with braids coming down. Also attached to my bun are my normal 'hair loopies' as Sokka would call it. My hair has been curled in a way, and is shiny and soft. The makeup isn't too much either, my skin just looks dewy and smoother. It's just a perfected version of myself, I guess. Though it's not me.

"What do you think?" Rina asks with a proud grin.

I turn to her with a smile, "you did great, thank you for working so hard today." She nods proudly, and leaves the room.

As I'm left with my thoughts, I look back at myself in the mirror. She did a wonderful job. I look elegant, graceful. Demure like a lady. I think Toph's influence over the years has kinda rubbed off on me. I feel out of place in this dress and the makeup. I'm more rough and tumble these days, though my hair is the closest to my normal, even if it is more extravagant. But, I think I feel excited. To feel pretty. But, before I can get further in thought, the door swings wide open, as Rina returns with a few others. Suki, Gran Gran, Ty Lee and a begrudging Toph.

I turn to face them, worried they'll say I look weird or something, but Gran Gran immediately smiles so wide and clasps her hands together. "Oh, Tara! My dear, you look beautiful!" Gran Gran says it with such passion, and I see it. Ty Lee and Suki both have the same smile on their face as Gran Gran as well.

"You look great Sweetness." Toph pauses with a laugh as Suki taps her shoulder "I can't see you, but I'm sure you look great, for Sparky that is." The small earthbender laughs more as Suki sighs again. I just laugh, trying to ignore the last bit of what she said.

Ty Lee quickly runs up to me and grabs my hands in hers with a smile "you look absolutely gorgeous! Your aura is pretty pink too!" She giggles brightly as she twirls away.

Suki walks up to me and holds my hands in hers, and she turns to the rest of the room " Is it okay if Toph and I have a word with her?" Rina, Ty Lee and Gran Gran nod and leave. I look at Suki questioningly. She just lets out a sigh.

"We're worried about you. Ever since the news of this whole marriage thing with Zuko came up, you have barely spoken unless spoken to. You bury yourself in your work, from teaching waterbending and helping out with your dad. Looking at you, I can tell you haven't slept well the last few weeks either." She says all of this, her eyes serious but worried, not looking away from me.

"Yeah, Sweetness, you're not your usual self." Toph chimes in from her spot leaning on the wall beside us.

I pinch the bridge of my nose "Suki, Toph, it's fine, I just have been busy, you know? Training my replacement teacher as well as still taking care of my other duties, and I've slept worse in the past."

Suki looks at me, crossing her arms, and Toph huffs and says "you slept worse during a literal war, I would know. With all your pacing. But that was war!"

I know they are right, but still. I have to go through with this. "You both know what was at stake, I had to, no I have to do this." I hold tightly to one of Suki's hands, and she shrugs. I continue "I couldn't let the world tear you and Sokka apart" I try to smile as I say it, but I feel like I may cry at the thought of it. She is just as much of a family to me as he is.

"Katara!" Suki and Toph exclaim, and Suki says "you still need to care about what you want with your life, are you really okay with marrying Zuko?" They both look upset, and I feel terrible for it.

Of course I knew that it could be possible to be put into a political marriage, but I thought that would be more with a guy from one of the Water Tribes, Not Fire Lord Zuko. It's just not as simple as the fact that I don't want to marry him. It isn't up to me anymore, my marriage is simply a tool to keep the peace. It's the one thing I didn't want though. I don't love him. I thought that one day when I would get married it would be for love. It is the entire reason that I broke up with Aang, I wasn't in love. And now even the privilege of love has been taken from me.

But then I think about today's events, the first time we have seen each other in years. And though at first it was awkward, it was really nice. I'm not in love with him, but he said he'd take care of me, and that's at least a step. Aunt Wu did say I would marry a 'powerful bender'. Maybe I could fall in love with him, but that is me being hopeful at best. He would never love me.

So, I answer with mixed feelings. "I'm fine with it, really." I say with a soft smile. Suki just looks at me with doubt in her eyes and shakes her head with a loud groan.

"Listen Sweetness" Toph begins with a frown "I know you're anxious, and you know I know that." I look down at the ground, stone. Most buildings have it, even here in the cold.

I look back up at her, feeling myself let go of my facade of being calm. "Of course I'm anxious, I'm stressed out of my mind. I'm marrying, not for love, but for keeping the fucking peace after a war that I helped end. I should be happy that I'm doing my part." I'm almost yelling now, and both Suki and Toph look taken aback, but supportive of my feelings.

"There's too much weight on your shoulders," Suki begins "you're putting too much weight on your shoulders." They both nod, and embrace me warmly. I'd cry but Rina would kill me if she had to redo my makeup.

We pull away from the hug, and I smile at them. "It's my birthday, lets not think about this looming threat of marriage, yeah?" I say as I nudge them out the door, so we could head to the event hall.

All plans for not thinking about the looming doom of marriage go out the igloo when I see the man who concerns me in the living room, with a matching outfit to mine. A white outer parka and pants with black fur lining, but instead of the blue detailing its red. His hair in the traditional topknot with his crown affixed to the top.

I hate thinking about it so much today, but he's too damn handsome for his own good.

Zuko POV:

At that moment.

As soon as Katara entered the room, all sounds stopped, the whole room fizzled out. It was just her, and me. The sound of my quickening heartbeat raced in my ears. If I thought she looked beautiful earlier today, now the waterbender was breathtaking. I try to shake myself from my thoughts, I shouldn't think of her that way, but I can't.

"Ka-Katara, good to see you" I say, hoping I was the only one who noticed my stutter. I was not, as I hear the small blind earthbender snicker quietly, and my uncle chuckle as he nudges Katara's father lightly. Shit.

Katara nods "likewise, Zuko." Again, I can't take my eyes off of her, the white dress hugs her at her slim waist and flows outwards. A lovely contrast to her skin, that looks radiant. I normally don't pay any mind to what someone, let alone a woman, looks like. It hardly matters what others look like when you yourself are hideous, scarred.

Chief Hakoda walks up to his daughter with a smile on his face "happy birthday Tara! You look wonderful." He cups her cheek lightly before turning to face me, her now at his side, "now dear, I know I was going to escort you, but Iroh and I thought it would be fitting for the young Fire Lord to do so today, we hope you don't mind."

He speaks calmly, and his daughter just smiles and nods. That's my cue, I guess. Katara's father steps away and I walk up to her, reaching my hand out to her, to lead her to the party. She clasps my arm so gently, it makes my heart leap again.

"Shall we, birthday girl?" I ask with a grin "we shall." She replies, smiling as well.

We walk essentially in a parade for celebration. Katara never had her coming of age ceremony, so this is in honor of that, especially since she is to be married soon. Of course, I was informed of this by her family, as to what will happen.

Of course the main event is the banquet and her first dance as an adult, but the walk around the city is also a big part. Her grandmother said it was an older tradition based on showing off a new eligible bride, but now it's seen more as sending off the child, and welcoming the adult. The debutante and her escort are to be the last to enter the banquet hall as well.

We arrive at the gates to the banquet hall, the elegant snowy exterior, everything delicately carved. The garden in front is an icy mimicry of a flower garden, it almost looks perfectly real.

Right before we head in, and are to be announced, I look at Katara, and though she looks a bit nervous, she also looks prepared. "You excited, or nervous?" I ask her, leaning into her ear. She turns to me with a smile and an inquisitive "both? Who wouldn't be a bit nervous though, not many people enjoy being stared at." I nod in agreement, and we walk forward.

Katara POV

Same time.

We reach the entrance to the banquet hall, which is the top of a marble staircase with a deep blue rug that travels down the length of it. The room itself is below, with the same marble flooring, and long tables on either side of the room. In the far corner is a band for the night's festivities. At the head of the room is where the Water Tribe leaders and some other important guests sit, this is where we too shall sit. Behind this though is a stage with two water fountains. The space is beautiful, and elegant.

There's a man up at the top of the staircase to announce the guests, and we are the last to arrive. "Now introducing into society, as her debutante, Master Waterbender, daughter of Chief Hakoda, Lady Katara, escorted by the mighty Fire Lord Zuko!"

Zuko nods his head to me and we make our way down the stairs, everyone's eyes glued to me. The whole room even stands and cheers on my arrival, but Zuko squeezes my arm to reassure me not to think about it. A small but kind gesture.

He escorts me down the stairs and up to where we shall be sitting, my dad in the center, Sokka at his left and I'll be to his right. Beside Sokka is Suki, followed by Master Pakku and Gran Gran. Zuko sits on my other side, Iroh beside him and then Toph and then Aang. No real structure to it, it's mostly just a show of who is close to me, as I asked for this arrangement.

After we both settle and the room quiets down, my dad stands up and claps his hands together, "thank you all for coming to celebrate my daughter's birthday. I know she is far more in title than just being described as a chief's daughter." He smiles widely looking at me, I smile back, kind of hating the attention from the room. "She is a war hero, helping train the Avatar, freeing earthbenders from overseas compounds, and aiding the now Fire Lord to take the throne, helping to lead us into an era of peace."

The room breaks out into applause, Sokka even yelling "yeah that's my sister!" As the crowd dies down a bit he speaks again "she was too busy to debut and celebrate her coming of age before, but now we shall celebrate her for all she is, and all she has done!" He lifts his cup up and the room follows suit. My dad sits down and the party begins.

Master Pakku stands up "Katara, my dear grandchild, no, Master Katara. Before your dance, your students have a surprise for you today, they have put much effort into a birthday performance just for you." As he finishes talking, he motions to one of the tables, and ten of my students come forward.

They're from my second class, not total beginners, but they aren't quite intermediate yet, all about twelve years old or so. They all get into position as the music starts. They pull the water from the fountains behind me, and begin a graceful routine. Each of them flowing with each other, with twirls and twists. And then the music shifts into a more fast paced beat, and the young waterbenders follow suit.

Their performance goes from a soft dance with the water to a mock battle performance. Each pairing off into twos and sort of dance-fighting each other. The water twirls against opponents, never making contact as it sways between them. The students then all bend the water together, creating a larger stream of water, swirling it above them and then letting it cascade back into the fountains.

I begin to clap as does the rest of the room, that was absolutely precious. I turn to look at Zuko who smiles at me, looking entertained by the young benders, who each bow. One of them walks closer to the table I'm at and the rest surround him following suit. "Master Katara!" the young boy exclaims, his name is Koda, "we know you won't be our teacher much longer, but we all are grateful to you! One day we would all like to be able to spar with you as equals!" as he finishes the other children cheer in agreement.

"I look forward to that day then!" I say brightly, I know they'll all be talented young benders one day, they already know more at their age then I did back then. I do genuinely look forward to that day, I just hate to leave them. I want to teach them more, and watch them grow, but I can't

Time progresses and people have been coming and saying their congratulations and greetings to me and my father, and even bowing with respect to Zuko, who looks bored out of his mind. I then stare down at my cup, what should I do? Should I entertain him?

He's the one to break the silence though, maybe he wasn't bored, just thinking? "To be honest I don't know a whole lot about Water Tribe traditions, I asked your dad earlier about what today would even be like," he pauses looking at me with a smile "but I see that the debutantes in the Fire Nation and here aren't too different." He smiles again and Iroh leans over a bit towards us "don't let him fool you, ever since he was young he paid no attention to parties or their customs, he hated gatherings. Still does, you know how he left early from his coronation banquet to do work" Iroh chuckles softly as Zuko sighs.

"I still had to learn about it all during etiquette classes" he retorts. "Though he is right, being a young prince in any social setting was a bit exhausting, though I didn't have to deal with much, being on a ship for so long." He laugh at the last bit of what he says, but I know what Zuko is referring to. His banishment, and years of his life as a prince taken from him, though I don't know why.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when Sokka scoots himself closer to me "hey sister" he says nudging me all playfully. He looks at Zuko "hi, brother?" Zuko immediately sighs with a look that says 'really?' But, as Sokka is one to do, he shrugs it off, continuing his antics, mouthing brother at him a few times until Zuko looks like he'll burst.

Sokka just shrugs and takes some of the food off of my plate, as Suki comes by and grabs him by the ear "I go to say hi to Ty Lee and the other Kyoshi Warriors for one moment, and you're already taking other people's food" Sokka lets out a yelp as she pulls harder on his ear before releasing him. "I was done anyways" I say, pushing my plate to Sokka who licks his lips gleefully, and then makes quick work of what's left on my plate.

Suki eyes me and nods over to where Toph is by a pillar, and I excuse myself to leave, following her to the small earthbender.

A/N: Been a bit, sorry! Next chapter is the rest of the banquet, and a dance with the two lovebirds to be! (The pacing will get better after the engagement just bear with me lol, things are coming! Sorry!)