The last month had been frustratingly devoid of new information, but surprisingly productive for Katara. Often attending meetings with Zuko or working on trade agreements. She didn't deny that she was using work as a distraction. Every agreement she solidified or proposal approved eased her guilt of hiding behind the palace walls. Especially as Iroh went after the group responsible for the attacks and Aang's murder.

She dipped her brush back in the ink well and continued to write her letter to Bato. He had taken over many of her father's duties in the Southern Tribe as Hakoda was still in a coma lying in the palace infirmary. Amongst the mundane information, her father's friend was insistent on updates about any information surrounding the prisoner and the progress of the hunt.

Katara sighed as she wrote 'There is no new information to report at this time.' The silence from the assailants and prisoner was unsettling. No names or demands had been given to any nation.

The ink dried quickly in the afternoon sun and the dying summer breeze ruffled the parchment. Katara looked out at the lush, green palace gardens. For the last two weeks, she had made a habit of working out here, in an attempt to enjoy the end of summer and to escape the unsettling quiet of her private quarters.

As she rolled up the letter and tied it to her messenger hawk, Zuko and Kiyi entered the gardens. The 8-year-old bounced around and exuberantly waved at Katara. Katara smiled back.

It was the firebenders' custom to practice forms for an hour each day. It was welcome white noise as she worked. Their presence also eased the ever-present tension that now resided in her chest when she was alone.

Zuko gave Katara a nod of acknowledgment, then instructed the younger firebender into her first stance. The waterbender nodded back as she plucked her reparations proposal out of the paper pile. The parchment was a mess of notes and different colored inks. She picked up her vile of blue ink and got to work adding Bato's suggestions. Between each addition, Katara looked up at Kiyi and Zuko across the blue turtle duck pond. She was impressed with the progress the young girl had made over the last two weeks. Katara was equally impressed with her friend's ability as a teacher. Zuko had been an effective instructor for Aang a lifetime ago, but time had made him more patient - more innovative with his explanations.

They all continued to work and the sun intensely beat down as they approached the hottest part of the day. In the heat, sweat began to drip into Katara's eyes and down her back. She peeled off her top blue robe down to the lighter-weight fire nation wrap underneath. She was grateful Ursa had stocked her wardrobe full of new red and orange dyed clothes - since she didn't have proper time to prepare for the stay.

Katara glanced up as she discarded the robe beside her and caught Zuko watching. She offered him a small smile and he immediately looked away to offer Kiyi a note on her stance. She didn't think too much about it as she returned back to her scroll.

As Katara finished her notes, a family of turtle ducks swam by, offering a chorus of quacks and a cute distraction. Kiyi squealed in delight and ran over to the water's edge.

"Katara, look at that one!" Kiyi said pointing at the smallest duckling, "I'm going to name it Pengpeng!"

Katara looked up to see the cute animal Kiyi was referring to but was met with a rare, full smile gracing Zuko's face as he looked down at his excited half-sister. A breath hitched in Katara's throat.

"I don't know. I think it looks like a Pak." Zuko teased, then looked at Katara. Smile still bright. "What do you think?"

Heat rushed to her cheeks. Then Katara's mind flashed to the crush she had on him as a teenager. A pinch of shame followed - she was being inappropriate. It was too soon. She loved Zuko as a friend and nothing more.

"Yeah, Katara! What should we name it?" Kiyi asked, poking at the water.

The waterbender snapped out of her emotions, and smiled at the girl, "I agree with you. I think it looks like a Pengpeng."

Kiyi giggled and they watched the turtle ducks swim in lazy circles. Katara avoided catching her friend's eye. Instead, she picked up her scroll and continued to work. The heat in her cheeks began to dissipate. After a few more moments, Ursa called across the garden for Kiyi to come inside and begin her afternoon lessons. The girl huffed about arithmetic being boring but ran to her mother nonetheless. Zuko remained, still looking at the now empty water.

The wind sighed through the trees and Katara took a deep breath with them. "Zuko, do you have time this evening to discuss this reparations proposal?"

"Of course," the firebender replied. His eyes still fixed to the calm water. "Only if I can run a few ideas for the city infirmary by you."

"Absolutely." The waterbender responded. Her chest began to lighten as they fell into a comfortable banter.

She leaned back. The grass soft between her fingers. Katara stared up at the late afternoon sun between the branches of the overhanging tree. The leaves illuminated to almost a honey color. She touched the wooden prayer beads on her necklace and for the first time in awhile, she had no desire to be anywhere else but here.

—

After doing her routine evening rounds - checking on her still unresponsive father and saying hello to Appa in the stables - Katara headed to the Fire Lord's study. Multiple scrolls and proposals in hand.

She softly knocked on the sleek door and it immediately slid open.

"You really don't have to knock," Zuko said as he let her into the room. "You can just come in."

"I don't want to invade your privacy," Katara said, taking her usual seat on a plush red cushion. A half-finished game of Pai Sho rested on the desk, and the air hinted of recently burned candles and incense.

"Reparations proposal or infirmary ideas first?" Her friend asked as he moved behind the desk. His robes brushed against parchment laying on the floor as he situated himself. Causalities from their previous nights of conversation and trading ideas.

Katara moved the board and rolled out her ink-heavy scroll. "I think reparations. Bato needs answers soon."

Zuko nodded, looking at Katara's multicolored notes.

"He was most insistent on aid for expanding the port and materials for the new meeting house."

"I'll have to get it approved by the financial council, but it shouldn't be an issue." The Fire Lord replied as he wrote himself a note. "I understand the need for the port. However, can you explain why the meeting house? My advisors will ask."

"It's a thing the Northern Tribe is insistent on," Katara stated with a sigh. "Says it something that we must have to be a civilized member of the modern world."

"And you don't agree?"

"If it's what the people of the Southern Tribe want, then I must advocate for it."

Zuko quirked an eyebrow. "But what is your opinion as Katara? Not the Southern Water Tribe's diplomat."

"I think it's an example of the Northern Water Tribe trying to impose their way of life onto us," Katara said. An edge of venom laced her voice. She then immediately felt guilty for the animosity she held towards her sister tribe. Aang had always tried to promote harmony between the two water tribes, and this felt in direct violation of his vision.

"That's valid. The Northern Tribe leaders tend to be… intense." Zuko said looking at her. "What would you do instead?"

Katara considered the question for a moment, as she ran her hand along the textured parchment. "I think I would propose sticking with the elder's igloo and promoting other Southern Tribe customs."

This launched the two friends into a discussion on the differences in culture between the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. Katara found herself expressing views she had never articulated. Zuko nodded as she spoke, often stopping to take notes and ask questions. He seemed particularly interested in the Southern Tribe's elder's council and was in the middle of asking Katara a question when a knock can at the door.

Zuko gave Katara a knowing smile, and then said "Come in!"

A servant came in carrying a tray of what looked like a pile of small, white snowcakes. The woman placed beautifully made cakes on the desk with a bow.

"Thank you Umo," Zuko said. The servant left the room - gently closing the door behind her.

Katara stared down at the intricate pastries as her friend pulled out a purple box from under his desk. Then gently placed it in front of the water bender.

"What is this?" Katara asked confused. Snowcakes were an incredibly special food. Only served on high festivals in the Water Tribe.

"It's for your birthday."

And 'oh' escaped Katara's lips as she looked down at the gifts.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…" Zuko began rubbing his neck.

"No, I forgot" the waterbender interrupted. "I'm just surprised. I'm surprised you remember the date as well."

The firebender smiled, the same smile from the garden and an unwarranted giddiness ran through Katara's body.

"You mentioned it in one of your letters."

Katara nodded as she bit into a snowcake. It was sweet and pillowy. They didn't exactly taste like the pastries of the Water Tribe, but they were a good approximation. She couldn't imagine how long it took a Fire Nation chef to get this close. Especially since the recipe was a closely held secret.

"It's really good," she said finishing off the small cake. "You know what would make it really good though?"

"What?" Zuko asked taking one as well.

"Fire flakes."

"Fire flakes? Is this a weird pregnancy craving?"

Katara laughed, "Yeah, probably."

Zuko bit into his cake. "I'm sure the chef can accommodate that request. However, she would probably question if I was of sane mind."

Katara grinned and fingered the corner of the smooth, purple box. "Can I open it?"

"Of course," Zuko said with a smile.

She carefully opened the lid and gasped. Inside rested a deep purple robe made of silk and fine golden embroidery. The thread appeared to depict a landscape with a strong river. Katara had never received a gift so fine. Her family and Aang always preferring simple presents.

"I wanted it to be blue. But the tailor said blue silk would take too long to make, so I figured purple was a good second option."

"Zuko, it's so beautiful," Katara said, running her fingers over the soft fabric," but it's too much. I can't accept this."

"Unfortunately, it would be a great dishonor to the maker of the robe if I took it back. I can always shove it to the back of my wardrobe if that makes you feel better." Zuko said with a chuckle finishing off his snowcake.

"I couldn't possibly dishonor anyone. Especially in the Fire Nation." Katara said with a smile placing the lid back on. "But really, thank you. For all of this."

"Of course. It's a nice reprieve from work anyways."

—

Zuko and Katara exited the study after another hour of wrapping up the reparations proposal - and eating all the snowcakes. The spell of happiness followed the two out into the hall. Both truly ready to sleep. Unlike the many nights before, where the duo stayed in the study until the early morning. Buried in work. In hopes of drowning the dread and grief.

They continued down the hall towards their respective private quarters, Iroh intercepted them in the hall. The elderly man looked as if he just arrived in the city. He was still in green Earth Kingdom traveling clothes and held a parcel wrapped in rough cloth.

"Uncle?" Zuko asked. "I thought you weren't due for another 2 weeks."

"Unfortunately, circumstances have changed nephew." Iroh's voice was gravelly. His usually kind face looked weary.

Katara's stomach dropped. "Do you have new information?"

"I'm afraid so Master Katara." He then handed the parcel to the waterbender. There was something familiar about the weight. Blood rushed past her ears as she opened the package. Inside lay her brother's boomerang broken in half.

At the same moment, Ursa hurried down the hall towards them. Zuko placed a hand on Katara's shoulder as she sharply inhaled. "Is Sokka…?"

"He fought well. We gave him a proper warrior's burial."

Her body went numb, as Ursa made her way to the group.

"Katara, can you come with me?" the woman asked, out of breath, "Your father…"

Thanks for reading y'all! Next update will be next Saturday!