It was summer and the fire nation was suffering another drought. Heat was rising from the sweeping plains in the distance. It brought Katara back to the barren burning fields of the war. Her hands clenched the railing of the boat's edge as harsh memories swept through her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Things are different now. Katara thought to herself.

It had been 5 years since the end of the war. Peace treaties had been formalised, settlements made. But the wounds of the war would take a long time to heal. It plagued her - the risk of such wounds reopening at any moment.

A hand rested on her shoulder making her jump. She turned to see Toph behind her.

'Taking in the fresh air?' Toph asked. Katara looked down at Toph, letting out a sigh and returning to face the coast.

'Yeah...being on this boat for weeks is torturous. How is it possible to be surrounded by my element yet feel so far from it?' Katara then heard Toph cackle behind her.

'Really? As an earth-bender I think if anyone should be complaining it's me… I'd give anything to feel the earth under my feet.'

'That's true.' Katara smiled. 'Well we're docking today so soon you can sink yourself into the soil'. Katara leant over and patted Toph's shoulder before turning toward the stairs down to the barracks. 'Come on, we better make sure we're ready. Zuko will have transport ready for us and you know what he's like… a complete ass when it comes to time-keeping.'

'Yeah yeah yeah… I'm moving, I'm moving.' Toph stormed past Katara and thundered down the stairs with heavy footsteps.

At the mention of Zuko, Katara's heart filled with joy. They had kept in close communication over the past few years, supporting one another in the frustrations of post-war chaos.

Katara's brother Sokka had spent most of his time rebuilding bridges between the Earth-Kingdom and Southern Water-tribe. Katara on the other hand was focused on rebuilding the Southern-water tribe's relations with that of the Northern Water-tribe. This relation had always been fragmented but the new trade routes had created further friction and the Southern Water-tribe was seeking reparations from the past.

As a result of her posting Katara had felt isolated, even surrounded by her own culture, she still struggled with loneliness as her friends were scattered over the world. Toph had been travelling the earth kingdom, reviving old bonds.

Aang had felt a draw to restore the history and ancestral ties of the Airbenders after the destruction they had suffered under Fire-nation rule. Katara had been so used to Aang's companionship but as the pair grew older, the romantic potential they had shared faded. Katara had seeked some permanence to her tribe and Aang the same. They remained friends but naturally distanced as they settled apart.

But now Katara was here. Back in the Fire-nation. This time on more happy business. This was a social visit. And it was so desperately needed.

It was late in the day and Toph was restless. She was shifting in her seat in the carriage and rotating rocks in the air above her palms. Katara was trying her best to rest but it was soon cut short as a large bump in the road threw the two of them in the air. Toph's rocks scattered across the carriage.

'Toph I swear to god if your rocks hit me one more time…'

'Calm down sugar queen, ' Toph waved Katara down, 'I don't know why you're so on edge.'

'I'm not!'

'Yes you are! Ever since we hit Fire-nation soil you've been freaking out.'

Katara went quiet and she turned her attention to the window. Toph felt her unease.

'So tell me.' Toph pushed.

'Tell you what?'

'What's got you all weird.'

'I'm just nervous Toph. The last time I was here.. and the last time I saw Zuko… it feels like a lifetime ago.' Katara watched the fields pass her by, children playing by the road's edge.

'Well don't be all doom and gloom - it's Iroh's birthday.' Toph punched Katara in the shoulder. 'Get those gitters away and perk up.'

Katara's lips drew into a soft smile and she responded, 'You're right.' She smacked Toph on the thigh enthusiastically, 'Iroh deserves the best welcome - from what I've heard he misses us dearly. I'm glad Zuko is arranging this secret party. As unlike him it is.'

'True. Sparky never used to be so sentimental!'

The girls recounted the days of their travelling during their wartime excursions. The carriage drew up towards the palace gates. Katara beamed to see Zuko's face across the courtyard. His smile was open, genuine and warm. Much like the letters he sent.

He was taller. More mature. Handsome.

'Zuko!' Katara shouted with excitement. The moment the carriage stopped she leapt out of it. She ran towards him, but as she finally reached him she stopped inches away.

It had been so long she didn't know what to do.

But it wasn't long before Toph stormed over and whilst laughing gave him a punch in jest. 'Well well well if it isn't Sparky.'

Zuko gave her a smile as he rubbed his suddenly sore arm. 'It's good to see you too Toph.' He turned his gaze to Katara, 'And of course you too.'

'It's been too long.' Katara lingered but something came over her and before she knew it, she had dragged him into a deep hug. 'I'm so glad to see you.' The truth slipped out of her. She pulled away and looking into his eyes, her own teared up.

'A softy as always Katara.' Toph chuckled.

Embarrassed, Katara removed herself from the embrace, her cheeks flushed. Zuko felt cold when they separated. He studied her. The years had been kind to her. More than kind. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. She had always been strong but there was a knowledge to her face that was new. He couldn't quite place what it was. He was snapped out of his thoughts by Toph.

'So where's the old guy anyway?'

'Probably brewing tea somewhere.. that man is never too far from jasmine flowers.' Katara remarked.

'Uncle's out the whole day - I sent him on an errand to give us time.' Zuko responded. 'But come on -,' He gestured to the palace staff carrying the girl's bags, 'I'll show you to your rooms.'

They wandered the corridors of the palace. Katara felt uneasy. She couldn't understand how Zuko could live here. So many memories of the past.

I suppose he doesn't have a choice. She thought to herself. Ever since the end of the war it had become customary to have at least one member of the Fire-nation royal family in the country at all times. That was part of the reason Katara never saw Zuko - he couldn't really leave the nation.

'Toph this is your room…' Zuko gestured to a door on his left. 'And Katara this is yours.' The following door on the right.

'Perfect. I'm taking a nap - that journey has been awful.' And with that Toph had slammed the door and collapsed on her bed. Toph had never been one for small talk.

Zuko and Katara stood in the hallway.

'Thanks so much for having us.' Katara touched his upper arm and gave him a grateful smile. 'When the others get here it'll be like the old days.'

Zuko felt his heart fill with warmth and he returned the smile.

'I'm so glad you could come… letters aren't quite the same are they?' There was a hint of sadness in his words.

'No.. but your letters - they mean a lot to me.' Her tone was endearing and gentle. It took Zuko by surprise. He felt a slight blush come to his cheeks.

'Well.. you know.. I try to write as often as I can…' Feeling awkward and unsure how to proceed he opened the door to Katara's room and gestured for her to enter. 'Anyway.. I have to be going.. preparations and all that…'

'Of course I'm so sorry! Go ahead - I'll unpack, get settled and see you later?'

'Great.' He flashed her one last smile before continuing down the hallway.

Katara entered her room. It was beautifully decorated. The fabrics and rugs a combinations of reds and golds. But such extravagance was unsurprising of a room in the Fire-nation palace. A small sofa sat in the room as well as a large double bed. Removing her shoes she laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

Her mind drifted to Zuko. It was amazing how in five years his personality had changed. She didn't doubt that his feisty nature remained but he seemed more restrained than before.

Perhaps it's all the diplomatic relations he has these days. Katara thought to herself. It wasn't long before tiredness consumed her and she slipped into a light sleep.

She was awoken by hushed voices outside her door.

'Don't just barge in without knocking.'

'Suki it's my sister.'

A few mumbles continued until a large knock came on the door. Katara now wide awake leapt out of bed and scrambled to reach the door, her face gleaming with joy. She swung the door open to meet welcome faces.

'Sokka! Suki!' Before they could speak she'd reached and pulled them into a hug, both on either side of her.

The three tightly hugged each other. Their heads pressed together. Slowly they released one another. Sokka looked down at his sister, he thought he had grown up, but her age was more evident. Katara stood tall, regal and confident. The war had made her an adult. Years in the Southern and Northern Water-tribes had made her a woman.

'My little sister...' He teared up. '...you've grown up.' He wailed, trying to bring her into another embrace. Katara laughed and pushed him off her.

'Sokka! Calm down! You saw me only two winters ago!' She laughed.

'Two winters is too long Katara. You should've seen how excited he was on the way here. The winters on the Earth-Kingdom don't quite match up to that of the Southern Water-tribe.' Suki remarked from his side.

'Didn't the seal jerky arrive?'

'Oh it did. And he gorged half of it the first day it came.'

'I didn't!' Sokka fought back.

Suki gave him a firm glance. Sokka's confidence wained.

'Okay Okay I did….' Both Katara and Suki turned to each other and chuckled.

'He never can be trusted when it comes to food.' Katara remarked. 'Always needs to be rationed.'

'Well they'll be no rationing of me tonight - Zuko promised!'

'You've been talking of Zuko about food?'

'Of course! When he invited me and Suki the first thing I asked was what's gonna be on the menu… like those fire crackers with that sweet potato stuff on top...'

'Well soon all the food will be yours.' Suki took his hand into her own and began to usher him down the hall to the party.

'Wait - what about Toph?' Katara asked.

'She's already down there, Zuko wanted her help that required earth-bending.'

'Oh…' Katara grew curious. 'I suppose we'll see her down there then.'

The hall was magnificent, a long table stood in the middle surrounded by candlelight. It was a dark wood made from the walnut tree. In the centre were four stones; amber, emerald, sapphire and pure white selenite. The room was full of young trees, leaning down to create a light canopy over the table, webbed through wooden structures. The walls were a maroon red with brown trimming as the skirting board. All three was taken aback. This was the same hall they'd all stood in after the war, during the initial negotiations between the kingdoms. Before it had been cold, hostile and a place of argument. It had been transformed into a space that seemed to represent all the kingdoms, integrated within one another.

'Seems pretty quiet for a party…' Sokka asked concerned. Zuko entered the room behind them.

'Tomorrow the festivities will begin but tonight.. It's just dinner with Uncle. I know he'd love a more intimate affair.' Zuko gestured to the chairs. 'Please guys, take a seat, Uncle's on his way.'

'Toph?' Katara asked.

'Oh! She's comi-' Zuko was cut short.

'I'm here. Missing me already guys?' Toph stomped into the hall, holding a large metal box.

'Always.' Katara responded.

'You're finished? Is it okay? Can I see it?' Zuko walked towards Toph hands grasping for the box.

'Calm down Sparky - It's amazing- I mean I can't see them...but it felt fucking great when I made them.' This made Zuko even more on edge.

'Just a peek.' Zuko asked.

'No.' This infuriated Zuko. His anger rose and the rest of the group retreated backwards. They knew his temper. So did Toph. Unfortunately for him, over the years she had come to love bringing it out in him.

'Toph I swear I'm gonna-' Zuko started.

'What a surprise… I didn't expect -'

'Uncle!' Zuko exclaimed.

Iroh stood in the entrance of the room, his eyes brimming with tears.

'How did you all... why…'

'Well you know those Fire-nation crackers were calling to Sokka.' Suki stepped forward and greeted Iroh with her hand, he took it in his own and patted her forearm.

'He got through the ones I brought last time I visited?'

'Got through them the day after you left.' Suki teased, peeking at Sokka.

'Talking of food…' Sokka peered at Zuko with hopeful eyes.

Suki elbowed Sokka in his side, 'Don't be rude'. It made Iroh chuckle.

'Happy Birthday Uncle.' Zuko gestured to the room. 'Take a seat everyone.'

The dinner was a flurry of dish after dish, Fire-nation specialities abundant, but there was a humbleness in the room. The six of them sat around the table, mulling over old times. Iroh felt his soul swell with happiness at the sight of them all. Travelling to the Earth-kingdom often he had seen Suki, Toph and Sokka on many trips. But Katara- that was a welcome surprise. He had heard of her struggles in the Northern and Southern Water-tribes.

She looks well. He thought.

The gifts for Iroh had all been exchanged apart from one. Zuko hesitated when it came to his turn. He had worked so hard to ensure the gift was perfect but now felt nervous having not seen the most recent changes.

'Uncle.. I had this made for you.. With Toph's help.'

He gently placed a silver box on the table.

'Zuko…' He opened it to see a beautiful tea set. There were four cups. Each stylised and engraved with one of the four nations. The tea pot was a blend of all four styles. It brought a tear to Iroh's eyes.

'I did the spoons.' Toph announced proudly. 'Sparky needed an earth-benders touch'.

Iroh looked down to see a set of four beautifully shaped spoons, such masterwork could not be done by a simple blacksmith. It was a special form of art.

'You spoil me… you all spoil me.' He raised a glass of red wine to the air. 'I want to thank you all. It is a shame Aang could not join us. But I know he has other commitments. He wished so much to be here.' Iroh paused. 'To the future of peace.'

All glasses were raised.

'To peace.'

Katara looked over to Zuko. His face was troubled. She waited until the dinner was over. As they all began the leave the room Katara grabbed Zuko by the wrist. He sharply turned.

'Zuko.' She looked at him concerned. 'Can we talk in your chambers?' He was struck back.

'Sure…' Her face worried him.

Together they reached his room and slipped inside. Katara was surprised by the simple nature of his room. It wasn't lavish. But then again neither was Zuko. He raised his hand and offered her a seat on his sofa. She took a place and patted the seat next to her. He joined her.

'I wanted to talk to you.' Katara voice naturally softened, when she saw his face. The concern, the worry.

'About what?'

'I could tell by your face. At dinner.' She reached for his hand. 'Something is bothering you.' He felt his heart skip a beat. This tenderness, this care, it was what he had felt in her letters. But in person... it came in its purest, strongest form.

'Katara it's nothing-'

'No! It's not. I know you. This isn't like you. Your broodings are never this bad.' She squeezed his hand. 'Never this deep.'

Zuko breathed a heavy sigh and took her hand in both of his.

'It's not your worry.' He pushed, looking to the ground.

'It's me Zuko. It is my worry.'

They both paused, looking at one another. He knew she was not going to let this go.

'It's one of the North-Eastern islands. There is a rebellion against peace brewing there. One of my men has gone missing.' He paused. 'I doubt he'll be rejoining us.'

'Then send some more officials there! Investigate!' Katara argued.

'If I do - they'll know that I know. I can't risk them scattering before I catch them again.'

Katara leant back and her thoughts consumed her.

He's right.

'Then I'll go.' Zuko looked as if he'd been smacked across the face.

'Katara you can't-'

'You need someone you trust.' Her eyes were full of determination and spirit. 'My work in the Water tribes has been extensive but I'm no longer needed.' Her eyes begged for permission. 'Let me help you.'

'I won't let you go alone.' Zuko said, his stomach twisting with anxiety.

'Then I won't. But go I will'.

Zuko ripped away from her and stood up. Beginning to pace about the room.

'I should never have told you!'

He felt out of control. He couldn't risk her. His mind flashed back to the war. The moment Katara was almost struck a deadly blow by his sister. The fear that consumed him then consumed him now.

'Zuko you're being ridiculous.' Katara fumed.

'This is the Fire-nations problem. I'm the future Fire Lord - I should be able to handle this on my own!'

'Don't you dare!' Katara stormed over to him.

'What?'

'Don't you dare carry this on your own! I'm more than capable of doing this. You're so stubborn!'

'That's rich coming from you!' He shouted.

'I'm going Zuko and that's final.' He felt his hands beginning to burn with anger.

'Then I'm coming with you!'

'Fine!'

'Fine!'

Katara left his room in a fit of rage, the whole palace could hear her angered footsteps down the hallway. Zuko kicked a footstool in his room and it went flying.