The morning of Katara's wedding was chaotic to say the least. She was woken by the giggling of her friends and the other water tribe women who had all packed themselves into her room. Without so much as a thought of breakfast or even a cup of tea she was pulled into the bathroom where the tub had been filled with warm water and red peony petals. Despite the chaos Katara couldn't help giggling at the choice of flowers. Peonies, especially red ones, have double meaning. They are both a symbol of femininity, good fortune and honour. An appropriate symbol considering her husband to be. Once in the bath every inch of Katara's skin and hair was scrubbed, polished and moisturised. Katara thought back to all the times she had been forced to do this in the South Pole, as practice, and thanked Tui and La at least this time it was water that would stay warm. As Tanara painstakingly tweezed Katara's bushy eyebrows into the fashionable arches preferred in the Fire Nation the other women applied some sort of gel to her nails to colour them a delicate silver. The worst part of it all however was when Katara could smell someone, probably Toph, eating something delicious somewhere behind her but she couldn't turn around to see what it was. "Please Gran Gran, get me some of whatever that is," Gran Gran swatted away her reaching hand.

"No food,"

"Just one bite, I'm starving," Katara pleaded. Gran Gran's face creased in a gentle smile.

"Trust me dearest you'll be glad of the empty stomach later in the day," Gran Gran placated her with a pat on the head. Katara wasn't so sure she agreed as her stomach growled in protest.

The preparations turned emotional when it was time to do her hair. Each of the tribe women took a turn to hold the dolphin-whale comb and brush Katara's hair and chant the traditional blessings of a long life of happiness for her. Katara had avoided thinking of this moment and assumed it would be skipped over for her as it should traditionally have been her mother doing it for her. The absence of her mother was still a hole in Katara's heart, and it stung that she was not here on such an important day, but the love shown by her people, and her two closest friends, was precious in it's own way and brought a smile to Katara's face. She didn't cry until it was Gran Gran's turn. As Kana's hands softly dragged the comb through her long hair she began to sing in a soft voice "still now and hear my singing, sleep through the night my darling. We have a tiny daughter, thanks be to the gods who sent her. Though as yet she…" Katara cut her off with a bone crushing hug. It was the lullaby her mum had sung to her every night. She wept into Gran Gran's arms and Kanna held her tight and swayed her gently. "Your mother would be so proud of you dearest," she whispered over and over as Katara cried. She felt the touch of the other women and looked up to see them all form a circle around her and her grandmother. As they hugged, Kanna began to sing again, louder this time and quickly picked up by the others. This time she sang of the South Pole, it's cold and snow and ice, the stars they could see each night and the bright sunshine each morning. The harshness of the life there but the love the tribe has for each other. Katara's heart ached knowing it would be a long time before she would see her home again. Drying her eyes she took up the song as well and finally let herself mourn for her home and the life she was giving up. As the lyrics ended there was silence and more than a few women wiped their eyes. "Katara," Gran Gran said, squeezing her hands with a serious look on her face. "You are a water tribe woman no matter your marriage. If you ever need us for anything, send the swiftest messenger you can find and the tribe will come for you. You are not abandoned here alone my little penguin-otter," the other tribe women loudly agreed. Suki squeezed her way through to stand next to Katara as well.

"And the Kyoshi warriors Katara," she promised

"Not to mention the world's greatest earth bender," Toph yelled from her spot by the window. Katara was so overwhelmed but she couldn't cry again. She pulled Suki in tight, muttering her thanks and then went throughout the room and embraced everyone there. She would miss them all so much but she felt less scared of their departure now.

"Okay enough of this," Gran Gran decided with a sniff of her own. "We still have lots to do to get you ready for your wedding," the group laughed heartily. "What are you all laughing at," Kanna teased. "You all need baths as well. It's starting to smell like dried fish left out for too long in here!" there was more laughter but the room slowly emptied as the others went back to their own rooms to ready themselves. Only Gran Gran Toph and Suki stayed behind. Moving back into the main room Suki brought over a carefully wrapped package of lots of little pots and tiny brushes.

"Oh, Suki. You aren't going to be doing your Kyoshi makeup on me are you?" Katara protested at the sight of the bright colours.

"Don't be silly Katara," Suki replied, arranging her tools. "Just because that's what I wear as my uniform doesn't mean I can't do anything else. I am still a girl after all,"

"Don't worry sugar queen, I'll keep an eye on her," Toph reassured

"Thanks…" Katara began before the joke hit her. "Wait. Toph!"

"Never gets old!" the younger girl barked out between laughs. "I'll be back when I've scraped off this layer of dirt I worked so hard to cake on."

"Okay Katara just close your eyes…"

Zuko squirmed uncomfortably as he stood in the palace courtyard. The traditional procession to the bride's house was about to begin and Zuko's stomach was doing flips. He should be used to being in the spotlight by now he thought and yet the idea of having so many eyes on him was nerve wracking to say the least. "Why Zuzu, don't you look charming," a sarcastic voice sneered from behind him. Zuko groaned and clenched his fists. Azula was the last thing he needed. Forcing the frown off his face he turned to face her. She was striking in a red qipao, her hair done up in an elaborate style but she had the same hard look in her eyes and dangerous smirk that Zuko had come to expect from his little sister.

"Azula, I'm surprised you decided to join us," he said, attempting to sound civil.

"Oh I didn't." She retorted, not bothering to hide her disdain. "I wouldn't bother walking all the way there and back when I'm already in the palace,"

"It's tradition," Zuko replied through gritted teeth.

"It's stupid. I'm sure father wouldn't have bothered with such nonsense,"

"Well, then I will be a better husband than he was," he knew it was just the thing to get under her skin and it worked. Azula's eyes flashed and her hands twitched, but Zuko did not want to fight with her on his wedding day. "If you'll excuse me, the procession is about to start," he gave the signal to the drummers who began an upbeat rhythm as Zuko led the way out of the courtyard.

They could hear the procession before they could see it. Dozens of voices singing and laughing together winding through the streets towards the house. Katara wished she could race out to her balcony to try and catch a glimpse, she had heard rumours from Su-min of gigantic dancing dragon puppets, but Gran Gran was still fussing with her hair. "Quite moving around you impatient girl,"

"Gran Gran I'm sure it's fine,"

"You only get married once, and this is a royal wedding after all. It has to be perfect,"

"It is perfect Gran Gran, because you did it for me,"

"Hush child don't talk nonsense," but Kanna's upper lip twitched. She steeled herself and reached for a small mirror for Katara to see. "I think you're ready," Kanna held up the mirror and Katara looked in awe at herself. Her skin had been painted expertly by Suki. A delicate flush of pink danced across her cheeks, dark lines emphasising her eyes and her lips were a deep red. Her hair was beautiful. Gran Gran had braided it and wound it up into a low bun. Delicate golden pins in the shape of fire lilies were dotted across her head. Somehow the style seemed to blend the styles of the South Pole and the Fire Nation. Katara was taken aback by the woman she saw.

A gentle knock at the door announced the return of Toph and Suki to help her dress. Katara had not seen the dress she would wear until now. She was surprised to see that it was white rather than Fire Nation red. Along the hem was embroidered yet more Fire Lilies in a beautiful gold. It was stunning. She was given a wide sash in a deep red to cinch in her waist. As it was being pulled tight around her Gran Gran whispered for her to check the underside. She found a delicately embroidered water tribe symbol, just for her. She blinked rapidly knowing she could not cry after the effort Suki had gone to on her makeup. She placed a kiss on her grandmother's cheek.

"Thank you Gran Gran,"

"You are most welcome dearest. Now I should go and change myself, from the commotion I'm hearing your fiance is almost here," Suki hugged her tight,

"Katara you are so beautiful!" Toph piled on too, wrapping her short arms around as much of the other two as she could reach.

"Honestly Katara," she said her voice uncharacteristically lacking sarcasm, "this is one of the few times in my life I genuinely wish I could see, so I could watch you get married"

"Oh, you guys," Katara cried, pulling them both in even closer. They finally broke apart in a fit of giggles.

"I can't believe it's finally happening," Suki sighed. "After everything that's happened.

"It won't be long now until it's your turn," Katara teased. Suki flushed deeply

"I, what? Did Sokka say something to you?"

"Not yet but I see the way he looks at you. Although you haven't spent a winter in the South Pole yet…"

"Yeah Suki I don't know how your warriors would go with exchanging their fans for fur coats," Toph joked. Suki was saved from further embarrassment with another knock on the door. "Man Katara your gran got changed quickly," Toph said, flicking her hand to bend the metal latch open. It was not Gran Gran on the other side. Aang shuffled awkwardly as the three girls looked at him.

"Toph, why don't you come and help me with…"

"With what?" Toph answered her good mood gone, a serious frown directed at the Avatar

"You know with…" Suki attempted to find an excuse but Toph wasn't moving. "Just come help," Suki said, dragging her out of the room. Katara was frozen to the spot.

"Hi Katara," Aang said, not moving from the doorway.

"What are you doing here Aang?" It's not what she meant to ask but it would do.

"I just wanted to see you before, you know,"

"The wedding is still going ahead,"

"I know, that's not why I'm here." Aang replied, finally inching his way into the room. "I just came to see you and say I'm sorry,"

"Aang, I..."

"I'm sorry for making you feel bad, and for pushing you and… Look I just wanted to wish you good luck okay. I won't be there. I'm going away. I'm sorry," Katara couldn't speak. Her throat was stuck closed no noise escaping

"Where will you go?" she whispered. He just shrugged.

"I don't know yet,"

"Come back. When you're ready. Come back and see me. I still care about you,"

"I should go,"

"But you only just," she stepped closer, reaching out to him but Aang pulled back.

"Take this," he said shoving something into her hands. "If you ever need me I'll come. Goodbye Katara,"

"Wait Aang," but he was gone flitting back down the stairs and out of her life just as suddenly as he'd appeared all those years ago. Katara turned the object over in her hands. It was the bison whistle. The one Aang had bought when their adventure first began. She didn't have time to dwell on it right now so she carefully wrapped the whistle up in a spare handkerchief and placed it inside her jewellery book next to her mother's necklace. Taking a deep breath she smoothed her skirts and walked down the stairs towards her wedding.

Zuko did his best to not let Azula get to him on such an important day. Shaking off his brooding mood he tried to enjoy the spectacle around him. The traditions of a wedding procession were ancient and not limited to the nobility so Zuko had seen quite a few winding their way through the capital; but they all paled in comparison to this one. His uncle had spared no expense when organising the procession, for his only nephew Uncle Iroh had insisted on extravagance. There were hundreds of musicians and dancers and acrobats present, all performing simultaneously, there was even a large puppet dragon controlled by no less than a dozen strong looking performers. Zuko wished Iroh were here to offer his gentle words and terrible jokes to calm his nerves but Uncle had protested of weak knees again and said he would watch as much as he could from his balcony. The only bad part about the parade was the large crowd packed into the streets to watch. Wedding processions usually drew crowds and of course being a royal wedding, let alone the crown prince, it was bound to draw lots of attention but that didn't stop Zuko from keeping his head down and wishing for it to be over as soon as possible. He wished that at least Yuto had left his hair down to hide his scar.

Despite Katara's house being not far from the palace the procession took a while as it wound through several back streets deeper into the city - the performance leader Li-Qiang explained it had been a specific request of the Fire Lord so as more of the common people could participate and get a chance to see the bride and groom, he swooned as if this was romantic, Zuko just huffed and kept walking. When they finally made it to Katara's house the Water Tribe men were waiting in a formidable formation outside. Zuko gulped nervously but kept walking towards them. Stopping just in front of Chief Hakkoda, Zuko bowed, "I am here to collect Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe," he recited as he'd been instructed.

"My daughter is precious to me, should I give her to you so easily?" Hakkoda responded and Zuko's stomach dropped. Uncle Iroh had explained to him that it is a water tribe tradition for the bride's family and friends to bar the way to the bride until the groom had passed their tests but he still feared that everything would fall apart. Rising from his bow Zuko saw a smile playing at the edge of Hakoda's mouth letting him know this was, in fact, just a game and not a real offence he had caused. Taking a steadying breath Zuko replied

"Katara is a priceless treasure but I hope these gifts will ease your parting," gesturing as a servant brought forward several red envelopes of money and precious gems to cheers from the Water Tribe and the watching crowd who had pushed close to see and hear these new traditions.

"We have all seen Master Katara grow from a girl into a strong woman," a warrior named Bato said next from Hakkoda's left shoulder. "Are you strong enough to match her?"

"I am," Zuko asserted.

"Then prove it," Bato challenged. "Hold on to all of our weapons and show us some of your pretty fire bending," before Zuko could even agree he was being piled with war clubs, harpoons, spears, bows and arrows and even Sokka's space sword. His knees buckled under the immense weight at first and he thought that there was no way he could possibly fire bend. And then he heard Uncle Iroh's voice from years ago

"Prince Zuko, it is not always about the physical strength you possess. Often it is the mental strength to outthink your opponent that will grant you victory," okay so he just needed to out think the challenge. Obviously holding all these weapons meant arm movements were limited so that left him his feet. This was a game to prove his strength so it had to be showy. Reaching a decision Zuko nodded to himself and shifted the load in his arms. Softening his knees he pushed off into a high jump powered higher by an extra blast of fire from his heels. Tucking his left foot beneath him he used his right foot to power through a one-eighty spin. Landing easily on his feet he fell into a crouch and turned back around with a low sweep on his left foot, the embers from his flames sizzling on the paved road as he went. Standing up he saw the water tribe warriors with shocked faces all their mouths open. It was a good feeling to have impressed them. The crowd, who had to move back from his wide flames, was once again cheering. For the first time today Zuko smiled. Gladly he returned the weapons to their rightful owners and each warrior offered him quiet words of praise at his skills. .

"They are magnificent weapons," he admitted as he stretched his aching arms.

"You are a formidable fighter Prince Zuko, some day in the future you might be so lucky as to learn to use them too," Hakkoda replied with a knowing smile on his face. Zuko flushed at the praise.

"Alright alright back to the tests," Sokka called pushing his way to the front. "My sister can be a bit of a wet snail-fish some days,"

"Sokka," Hakkoda warned

"Okay she get be a bit grumpy a lot,"

"Sokka!" all of the warriors scolded in unison. Zuko stifled a laugh

"Okay okay," Sokka replied seemingly unphased. "Tell us your best joke so that we know you'll be able to cheer Katara up," That was not something Zuko had prepared for. He was not exactly the most cheerful person and didn't often try to make people laugh. Uncle was the only one he knew who really liked jokes. But Zuko had always hated them and all he could remember was the ending to Iroh's favourite one about tea. He tried his best to remember but he was taking too long. The crowd and procession behind him were getting restless and even Sokka was beginning to look bored. Okay it would have to do.

"Okay, well I have one, I can't remember how it starts but the punchline is - Leaf me alone, I'm bushed," only Sokka laughed but that seemed to be good enough.

"Finally Prince Zuko," Hokkoda spoke up once more. "The final challenge is to prove how much Katara means to you," Zuko sighed with relief. This one he had an answer ready.

"My uncle warned me that this may be a challenge I would face today so I have been thinking long and hard. While Katara and I are an arranged match I care deeply for her and I want her happiness and I know her happiness will come from knowing her family and her tribe is well looked after. So in that vein I have prepared crates of Fire Nation wood, to rebuild your ships, crates of Fire Nation silk, to create sails and nets and Fire Nation coal to warm your homes so that Katara may rest here knowing her loved ones are well looked after," crate after crate was brought forward as Hakkoda's mouth dropped more and more. Even the crowd was silent in awe at the lavish gift.

"Prince Zuko, that is a most generous gift. More than we can accept," Hakkoda tried to protest. But Zuko refused

"It is a wedding gift and honour Chief Hakkoda," Zuko explained bowing once more. Unexpectedly the chief of the water tribe embraced him in a bone crushing hug. Slapping him on the back Hakkoda laughed announcing loudly

"You have more than earnt your right to marry my daughter today Prince Zuko," the men laughed and cheered as they parted and the water tribe women came forward all dressed beautifully in their traditional clothing. Toph and Suki escorted Gran Gran last and she patted him gently on the cheek,

"You did you good," she whispered with a playful smirk. Finally from the dark depth of the house Katara emerged. She was heavenly. It was the only word Zuko could think of. Despite the many beautiful dresses he'd seen her wear recently this beat all of them. It looked as though she floated on clouds of white and gold. All Zuko could do was gape. The crowd once loud and bawdy fell silent as she emerged each person craning to get a better look. Zuko finally understood Li-Qiang's sigh earlier. He needed the procession to go through the whole city. Every person deserved to see Katara look so beautiful. She smiled at him and his heart swelled. She dropped into a low bow, imitating the way she had when she first arrived.

"Prince Zuko," this time Zuko was thankful for the formality, he wouldn't have known what else to do himself. Bowing low in return he offered his hand to help Katara stand, rather than pull as he had the first time.

"You look, ah. You are…" Spirits why couldn't he just tell her she's beautiful.

"I look okay?" She asked peeking down and herself

"More than okay, you look, ahem. You look beautiful, Katara."

"Thank you Zuko," Neither moved for a while and it was only with a gentle cough from Li-Qiang that they broke eye contact.

"I am sorry Your Highnesses but we should be going if we are to make it back to the place on time,"

"Yes, uh. Of course," Zuko gave the signal and the steady beat once more filled the streets. There were loud cheers from the audience. "Are you ready?" he asked Katara

"I am," she linked her arm with him. Placing her hand on his elbow and they lead the way to their wedding.

Despite the fun she had walking through the city Katara was glad to finally arrive at the palace. She had sweltered in her many layers under the bright sun and she wanted nothing more than to take them off and go for a dip in the ocean nearby but there was still a lot of formality to get through. Starting with the official tea ceremony which Katara had been dreading ever since she decided to go ahead with the wedding. At first it had seemed simple enough, make and serve some tea for her and Zuko's family members, she could do it with her eyes closed. It turns out it was much more complicated than that. A scroll had arrived at the house with extensive details on how to prepare and serve the drink. Katara was used to the simple style of tea made in the South Pole and the campfire version she'd made for her friends had been even less formal. This tea would have to be perfectly brewed and she would have to follow all manner of strict Fire Nation rules for good manners. To make it worse Iroh had chosen a jasmine tea, notorious for its difficulty and penchant for burning easily. As she and Zuko waited she carefully mouthed the many steps in the process to herself. She understood now Gran gran's insistence on her having an empty stomach. "You'll be fine," Zuko tried to reassure her as she began to pace. He placed a hand on her arm. Even through the many layers Katara wore she could feel the warmth from his touch. Something about it was soothing and she managed a smile.

"Well isn't this charming," Azula's cold voice called down the corridor as she strutted her way over to them. "I hope you've been studying Kat, you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself on your wedding day would you?"

"It was you who sent the scrolls about the tea ceremony!" Katara accused the pieces clicking into place.

"Azula," Zuko growled, stepping between Katara and his sister. Azula just smirked at him.

"What's the matter Zuzu? Don't you trust that Katara can make some tea, that's really not a good way to start a marriage you too," she tutted derisively. "Well, I'd best be going now, good luck, it seems you'll need it," she called over her shoulder as she sauntered away. Zuko physically steamed.

"I should have known Azula would try something, I'm sorry Katara," he was ranting. Katara took a deep breath. They didn't have time to freak out over Azula's motive. While it wasn't a surprise that Azula had tried something, ultimately it wasn't much of a problem. She needed to calm Zuko down. Reaching for his arm she had to physically hold on to him to stop his agitated pacing. At her touch Zuko froze

"Zuko please calm down. We should have known Azula would try something but nobody got hurt and really, it doesn't actually matter that much. My family won't care how the tea is made and I'm sure Iroh won't mind if I make a few mistakes. So don't worry, okay" Zuko's eyes locked with hers and didn't waver. As they stood alone looking at one another Zuko's fists slowly uncurled and his eyes softened. Had they always been the exact shade of honey? As the heavy wooden doors finally opened they sprang apart as if two small children caught being 's face reddened until his cheeks matched his didn't stop him stepping close to her once more as they entered the large formal hall.

In the centre of the room Katara's eyes fell first on an elaborate table which had been set up with the fanciest tea set Katara had ever seen. But this paled in interest when she became aware of the many people watching her every move. While Katara had been expecting a small group she was instead greeted with the large hall filled with tons of people. Most of whom she didn't recognise at all. Iroh, Sokka, Gran Gran and her dad sat together on a raised dais. They looked equally as confused as she was, Sokka even mouthed an apology to her shrugging at the people around them. "I thought this was just meant to be our families, who are all these people" she whispered at Zuko trying to maintain a calm demeanor and not let her rising anxiety show on her face. Zuko by comparison was an open book staring with an openly suspicious look on his face.

"I swear Katara I have no clue what's going on. Even for a royal wedding the tea ceremony is supposed to be a small event," Azula beamed from her spot on the dais above everyone as she took in the confusion and discomfort in the room. "I hope you two don't mind that I invited some of our dear extended family. They were all so keen to see little Zuzu get married,"

"What a lovely sentiment Azula," Iroh's voice carried from his place. He sounded anything but pleasant. "But this is not traditional, so..."

"This is not exactly a traditional wedding though is it uncle," Azula butted in not even glancing at the Fire Lord. "And after so much turmoil shouldn't we be holding on to out important Fire Nation traditions," there was a grumbling of assent from the gathered nobility. Katara's heart pounded loud in her ears, she didn't know what to do. It would have been one thing to simply make tea for her family and Iroh but this was now a display of her competence to perform Fire Nation rituals and she was woefully unprepared. Her choices were either fumble through and insult everyone and dishonour herself, or admit she couldn't do it and give Azula the satisfaction of seeing her bow out of such an important Fire Nation tradition.

"Azula!" Zuko hissed angrily at his sister. "Why are you trying to ruin the wedding," Azula put on a fake look of at where her heart should be.

"Zuzu I'm hurt. All I'm trying to do is make your day special, and without mother here I..."

"Don't use her name in your twisted schemes," Zuko's voice was low and dangerous. Hakkoda glanced at Katara, his expression asking if a fight between the siblings was about to break out. All Katara could do was shrug.

"You should really get on with it with it, we're running quite behind schedule," an elderly woman called out from her seat near the dais. Zuko reluctantly tore his gaze from his sister to look at Katara.

"Let's go Katara, this ceremony is a farce. I won't subject you to it," he took her hand to lead her back towards the main door. A large part of Katara wanted to follow him out, but she knew she just couldn't do it.

"No it's okay Zuko, I'll do it,"

"What?" Azula exclaimed, surprised mutterings came from the other guests as well.

"I said I'll do it," Katara repeated louder now so the whole room could hear.

"She's just trying to set you up to look bad Katara, you don't have to do this," Zuko whispered.

"I know," she whispered back. squeezing his hand in reassurance. She appreciated his concern but she wasn't as delicate as Azula thought and she wouldn't be cowed that easily. Certainly not on her wedding day. Rolling her shoulders Katara prepared herself, this was just one more fight and she was a master bender. She could do this. Looking around she realised that the tea set had only been prepared for the original amount. The realisation brought a smile to her face. It meant Azula had scrambled to throw this plan together. "Okay Zuko, boil the water that's here and ask the servants to bring some more as well as lots of extra cups, we will need them,"

"Are you sure," he was still hesitant and made no move to follow her orders. Katara believed wholeheartedly that Zuko would fight his sister over this if she asked him too, but this was the kind of fight where bending wasn't the best course of action.

"I'm sure," she replied. So Zuko took the pot of water, albeit reluctantly, took a breath in and channeled his inner fire and soon the water bubbled hot and ready.

"I'll be right back," he assured before he left. Katara collected her thoughts and got to work. She bit her cheek to stop her hands shaking and she was thankful Gran Gran had only let her eat half a bowl of plain rice this morning. She wished Gran Gran could be beside her now, she could use all the help she could get. Zuko had yet to come back from getting more supplies of, well everything so she was alone. As she sat painstakingly placing the fragile cups in their correct positions and measuring out the exact right amount of jasmine flower petals she heard the whispers of the crowd judging her every move and Katara fumed. What a ridiculous custom, to make such an intricate drink with so many people watching. If this was the South Pole they'd all be helping together and it would be a fun communal event. That gave her an idea. Surely she wasn't the only one here feeling stifled by these rules? She bet if she just asked, at least some of the people would be happy to help. Not to mention that, technically, they were family. She looked around her trying to assess who would be the best person to ask. She spotted an older woman, close to Gran Gran's age, who sat with a smile on her face. If Katara was to do this she would be the best person to ask first. Hesitantly she made her way over blocking out the shocked stares and gasps of disapproval she heard. Bowing low she asked,

"Aunty, I know we have only just met but could you assist me in making tea for our family,"

"I cannot, that is not the Fire Nation tradition child. If you cannot do it alone then you should give up now," her smile never faltered as she rejected Katara's offer.

"Yes Kat," Azula called from her place high up on the dias. "If you can't do it then just admit it," Katara bristled at the insult. It happened to be then Zuko returned. He pulled her away from the grumpy old hag

"Katara, what are you doing?" He whispered at her.

"I was just asking what seemed like a nice old lady if she would help us to make the tea,"

"Why would you do that?"

"I don't know, this is just a lot to do and I thought she looked nice. But she was not,"

"No kidding Katara. That is my great-aunt Hiroto, my grandfather Sozin's sister. She's not the person to ask to break the rules,"

"Well how was I supposed to know that? Besides, it's not like this is a traditional tea ceremony with so many people here and ..." but Katara stopped mid-sentence. She'd just had an idea. While she might be breaking with Fire Nation traditions by asking for help but she would be following Water Tribe traditions if she did. "Zuko follow my lead,"

"I… okay," turning back to Great-aunt Hiroto Katara plastered the sweetest smile she could to her face. She bowed once more as she said,

"I am sorry if I offended you Aunty," specifically choosing to use the informal address despite knowing her name now. "I meant no offence," she meant a little offence if she were being honest. "I am honored to participate in a Fire Nation custom. I meant only to invite you to join with me in a Water Tribe custom of communal celebration," Hiroto only hfmd.

"You are marrying the future Fire Lord you should follow our customs," she replied her fake smile finally dropping. Katara could see the family resemblance to her great-niece.

"But I am also marrying a master water bender from the South Pole," Zuko countered. "And I intended to welcome other cultures into the Fire Nation and what better way to start than with myself as an example,"

"This is preposterous, you must do things right," Hiraoto exclaimed, several other elderly family members standing up to voice their agreement. "I'll help," a soft voice said cutting through them all. Katara turned to see a middle aged woman making her way from the back corner of the room. "I would be happy to participate in such a lovely ceremony, if the bride and groom will have me," Katara looked at Zuko, waiting for an introduction as he shrugged at her. Katara grinned at the woman and bowed in gratitude

"We would love to have you," she said as she walked back to the table and the tea set. "

I'm afraid I am not a bender so I cannot help with the water issue but I can show you how to correctly measure the brew so it is delicate but not bitter,"

"I am grateful for your help" Katara said quietly so only the other woman could hear as she the copied the woman's movements to measure the tea leaves.

"Yuma," the lady provided. "My name is Yuma,"

"Thank you Yuma,"

"You're most welcome Katara. You are brave to stand against the royal family in this way,"

"If I'm honest I'm terrified," Katara confided. Yuma smiled at her and placed a comforting hand on hers.

"You have more support than you know, for a long time the royal family has controlled everything, the whole country, the court, even their own family, with an iron fist. There are many happy to see change occurring, keep going and you will have people behind you" but before Katara could ask anything further she was distracted by the noises Zuko was making. She looked over to see him surrounded by several children each clamoring to be the one to heat up the next pot of water. His eyes were wide with panic silently screaming, help me. Katara stifled her giggles and stood to help him,

"Thank the spirits Katara I don't know what I'm doing. One of them wanted to help and now they all want to. Do something," Zuko pleaded. Katara relaxed, corralling kids was something she had a lot of practice doing. Soon enough she had the children working together to rapidly heat the required water, their parents watching on nearby. Turning back to Yuma Katara saw she had been joined by several other people all working quickly as well. In no time their little group had filled all the many tea pots with the perfect amount of Jasmine tea and fresh boiled water and left them to brew. She Zuko stood to the side feeling a little lost.

"Prince Zuko, you should not be slacking off with so much tea to make," Katara couldn't help but tease.

"You've created quite the task force, there's nothing for me to do,"

"You worked in a tea shop before,"

"I only served the tea. The rest was really up to my uncle,"

"Well it looks like I've got the tea making under control so it seems you should find your old apron and start serving," she was only joking but Zuko bowed his head towards her

"You've really gotten used to being a princess already, as you command then" he grinned as he walked away and Katara was thankful for the makeup she wore hoping her rouge would cover the real blush plastered across her cheeks. Within no time everyone held a fresh cup of perfect Jasmine tea; Iroh stood to address the crowd.

"It is a great honour to hold such delicious tea prepared so well for us all. It seems already that my nephew and his bride make an excellent team" he smiled warmly at Katara and Zuko. Katara glanced at Zuko and his expression watching his uncle was full of love. Katara looked away feeling almost as if she was intruding. But then something in Iroh's demeanour changed from being kind old Uncle Iroh to the Fire Lord. Katara felt even herself sitting up to listen closely. "This ceremony is a precious tradition, as are all our customs to helping us maintain the Fire Nation way of life and I am humbled that Master Water bender Katara participated so willingly in a tradition of her new home. I am also proud of my nephew Prince Zuko who was so willing to show Water Tribe traits and be flexible enough to allow such a time honoured tradition to be changed and adapted for such unique circumstances. This certainly represents what this marriage will mean for the Fire Nation going forward. I hope all of us here who got to witness such a touching combination of cultures will take this lesson to heart. For all our sakes." He looked around the assembled nobles one by one. Katara resisted the urge to turn and see their reactions. "Please raise your cups and drink to the union of Prince Zuko and Princess Katara," Iroh finished drinking deeply. Katara raised her own cup to her lips but Zuko stopped her.

"Wait Katara, as the bride and groom we should do it like this," Zuko murmured, crossing their arms together forcing them much closer to one another. "It um. It is meant to represent how our lives will be linked together from now on," he stammered unable to look her in the face. Waves of warmth radiated from Zuko's body, Katara wondered if he was always like this or if he was just nervous. They downed their cups in one go but Katara found herself unwilling to move away from the warmth despite Zuko unlinking their arms.

"Now it is time for Zuko and Katara to go and greet the crowd as husband and wife, I hear there are many people eager to see them," Iroh announced, back to his usual jovial self. Katara wondered at his ability to change his personas so easily. Zuko took her attention back as he placed her hand on his arm and led her to the front of the palace Katara just couldn't understand why such a small gesture from him had her heart all jittery. After all they were just friends. The roar of the crowd as they stepped into the sunlight drove all other thoughts from her mind. Standing at the top of the palace steps Katara looked out at a sea of people crowded into the courtyard all cheering and waving wildly at them. Katara was embarrassed at all the attention but shyly raised her hand to wave back.. Somehow the noise grew louder and a faint chant that sounded like it could be her name was coming from somewhere. She couldn't help but laugh with embarrassment and brought her hands up to cover her face. Zuko tugged lightly on her sleeve.

"Don't cover your face, these people have been waiting all day to get a chance to see you,"

"Then get up here with me, they've been waiting to see both of us," Zuko slunk back in the shadows.

"No one is here to see me,"

"Trust me Zuko," Katara said, offering her hand.

Taking Katara's outstretched hand Zuko hesitantly let her pull him forward to the edge of the terrace. To his surprise the crowd did indeed cheer for him. A few people who looked suspiciously like Tan and her hospital staff pushed their way to the front to shout loudest of all. Zuko allowed himself a small smile. Katara beamed and waved eagerly to the crowd, Zuko wondered if she was aware she still held his hand tightly in her own. He hoped she was. As the last of the sunset was crawling below the skyline an announcement was made that the banquet hall was ready and for the guest to make their way back inside. The crowd booed as they stepped back and a rising chant began. At first it was too soft to distinguish exactly what was being said Zuko paused to listen closer.

"Kiss her, kiss her, kiss her," the crowd chanted in unison; growing increasingly loud until it seemed everyone packed into the space was a part of it. They were all waiting for him to kiss Katara. Zuko blushed as deep as his scar and tried to drop Katara's hand. He was sure she was mortified and wanted to escape as quickly as possible. But she refused to let go of him even stepping closer to him. Her voice was low as she whispered

"I don't think the crowd will let us go until they get what they want,"

"They want us to kiss Katara,"

"I know,"

"And you? you are? I mean, do you?"

"We can just pretend if you don't want to Zuko, they won't be able to tell from far away,"

"I uh," Zuko didn't know what to do. It seemed as if Katara was asking him to kiss her but that didn't seem right. They were barely even friends, she wouldn't want. No he must have misunderstood. Katara didn't wait for his brain to catch up, instead leaning up to place her lips just a hair's breadth away from his own. Her hands were on his shoulders to support herself and Zuko's hands found themselves unconsciously supporting her waist. The crowd erupted with whoops and cheers. Katara paused a moment before dropping back down smiling shyly up at him.

"See, no harm done. Let's head in,"

"Wait," Zuko protested, holding on to her tight where he hadn't let her go. He didn't know when, if ever, he would get another chance to properly kiss Katara - and she did look beautiful - so before he could think too much further and talk himself out of it he pulled her back towards him and dipped down to press their lips together. He'd expected Katara to protest but she kissed him back, her lips gentle against his. Her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled them together even tighter. Zuko didn't want to let go but a discreet tap on his shoulder from one of the servants brought him to his senses. Pulling away from Katara was the hardest task he'd ever done - even compared to hunting the avatar. Katara's face was flushed and her lipstick smudged but her smile was wide.

"Your highness," a female servant interrupted bowing at Katara, "come this way, we will get your makeup fixed for you," Katara didn't move. "Your highness,"

"You should go," he said, "They won't stop until you do,"

"Okay," she agreed, making no effort to move.

"Your highness, if you would just come…" Katara finally turned and went with the relieved maid. But she turned back to look at Zuko calling out

"I'll see you at the feast," Zuko nodded back trying to control the disappointment he felt at watching her go. He had kissed her, he thought. He'd kissed her and she'd kissed him back. He could feel himself smiling like an idiot.

"Prince Zuko, all the guests are seated if you'd like to begin the feast," Yuto said, doing a poor job of masking his own grin. Zuko didn't care. He walked into the banquet the happiest he'd been in years. Maybe ever.