Zuko anxiously stood over the table, checking everything was in the right place. Strawberries, fresh bread, yoghurt, tea… it was all there.

He felt hot and flustered and jolted to the window, swinging it open. He lingered with his arms outstretched. His fingers rested on the wooden frame of the window. The morning sun was low and gentle on the horizon. The Fire Nation outside the palace was bustling already, the murmur of people humming in the distance.

With a breath of fresh air, Zuko felt aspiration fill his lungs.

It would be a good day.

Katara was awoken by a banging, she rolled in her bed and yawning, rubbed her face. She reached out an arm and felt a crinkling under her palm. Groggy, she opened her eyes to see papers scattered over the bed.

'Ugh…' She groaned, rolling onto her front.

She had been up till the early hours becoming familiar with the northern territory of the Fire Nation. It had been years since the war and she wanted to prove she hadn't lost her skill.

'Master Katara.' A voice spoke through the door. 'Breakfast has been served in the Prince's room, for you to join.'

She felt a smile creep onto her face and she bit her lip to contain it.

'Okay. Thank you. I'll come right away'.

She jumped out of bed in excitement and slipped on a simple blue dress and sandals. As she went to leave she caught sight of herself in the mirror, her hair was in complete disarray. She couldn't go like that. She stirred herself back to the side of her bed and grabbing a hairpiece, combed and set her hair into place. Looking at herself again she became aware of the light in her eyes and the dimples on her cheeks. It was like being a teenager all over again.

She flew out the door and reaching Zuko's door, took a deep breath.

Calm down. She told herself.

She knocked three times.

'Come in.'

Upon entering she was entranced. Rays of sun streamed from the window onto a low table in the centre of the room. Zuko was sitting on one of the two sofas either side of the table. Catching sight of her, he jumped up and nervously dusted off his trousers.

They smiled warmly at one another.

'Morning'.

'Morning'.

Zuko gestured to the sofa opposite him.

'Please.'

'Thanks'. Katara said, sweeping her dress underneath her, before sitting down. It felt awkwardly formal.

'I know that you'll be leaving early tomorrow and I wanted to make the most of our time together before you leave.'

'That's so nice Zuko. I didn't take you for such a romantic'. Katara teased.

Zuko's face flushed a maroon colour.

'I'm sorry!' She desperately clasped his hands and sweetly looked to him. 'I like this side of you...Now show me what's here!' She pointed at a bowl of the table. Zuko perked up.

'That's jam made from crackleberries. They're amazing. Here-'. He cut a slice from a seeded brown loaf and spread a spoon of the sweet jam onto it. He passed it to her.

She hesitantly took a small bite but her eyes suddenly lit up.

'Oh my god. This is incredible.'

'I know.' He felt his heart swell at the sight of her enjoying his nation's curiosities. 'Here - try some tea too - I picked it up from the Jobu mountains last summer - and I promise I've been working on my brewing skills!'.

'Okay - okay!' She giggled. 'I take you at your word'. Taking a sip she watched as Zuko filled his own plate with bread and jams.

'I wish you weren't leaving so soon'. Zuko said as he buttered his bread. She felt her heart sink.

'I know.' She gently placed her cup back on the table. 'And you know I wish you could leave with us.'

'I was wanting to talk to you about the marriage proposal with Prince Taen'.

'Zuko… do we have to talk about that now?'

'Just hear me out.'

Giving in, she went to take another sip of her tea.

'They won't stop. The only way they would back off is if you were being courted by someone else… Marry me.'

Her eyes flew open in shock.

'Zu-' Katara inhaled the tea in her mouth and bursted into a coughing fit. 'Z-Zuko! Have you gone mad?'.

He put his hands up in front of himself in surrender.

'Calm down! You don't have to actually marry me! But it would give you time.'

'Zuko. We only just started…' She gestured between the two of them. '...this. I don't think it's a good idea. Not to mention that the Northern Water-tribe will go ballistic.'

'Right now I've got them in a bind over the fishing of their Southern waters. We've been negotiating for a long time - they're not in a good position'.

'So that's it? You're going to use me as a trading piece?'. Furious, she slammed her cup on the table and stood up. 'You're no better than my father!'.

As she turned to leave, Zuko gently reached for her hands and brought himself up slowly to meet her.

'You're not a trading piece. Where we are now… it's new territory. I know. I just thought this way… you would at least have some time to fight the Northern Water-tribe yourself.'

She sighed and brought a hand to his cheek.

'It's crazy Zuko.'

'If it gives more time for us, to be us, then I won't even hesitate.' His face turned serious and his eyes dark. Katara felt herself being drawn into them.

'Look. Let's not be hasty. Let's discuss this after I get back from the mission on the Northern islands.'

Zuko sighed and gave a gentle nod. 'Agreed.'

'When did you become so impulsive?' She playfully smacked him in the chest and they both felt the mood of the room lift.

'I think I always have been… but not for the best reasons at times.' He smirked. 'Come on - let's finish up breakfast. After all, you have a meeting this afternoon, right?'

'Yes, the joys of being a Master waterbender… so many responsibilities.' She teased.

'Oh really…?' He pulled her closer and cupping her chin, brought their lips together into a passionate kiss.

As Katara entered the War Study she felt anxious. The room was dark and musky with the burning of candlelight. She looked forward to see the windows barred with wooden panels. In the centre of the small room stood a round table, only enough for five seats. At the table sat Lord Yang and three men Katara did not recognise. They were absorbed in a map on the table.

'I'm not late am I?' Katara stood in the doorway, unamused and feeling left out.

Seeing her, the men immediately stood up and bowed.

'Of course not, Master Katara…' He gestured to the others. 'I don't think you're acquainted - this is General Lee.'

The General took a deep bow with his hand over his chest.

'It's a pleasure Master Katara. After hearing so much about you, it really is an honour.'

'As it is mine.'

'These men will accompany you on your mission.' Lord Yang stated, gesturing to the two others.

They were tall- much taller than herself. They looked almost like henchmen, of similar physique and hairstyle. Katara didn't know whether she could take them seriously.

'Call me Jin.' The one closest said, bowing. Katara returned the greeting and slowly took him in. With a broad face and striking cheekbones, he wasn't handsome nor unattractive. He must've been in his early thirties. Katara imagined that without the muscular stature, he wouldn't draw so much attention.

'And me Olan.' Katara looked to the other man behind him. His black hair was swept in the same way as the other, a long braid down his back. He had a similar well-built body but his face was younger and more gentle on the eyes. He gave her a bright grin. 'I've known about you since the siege of the North.'

Katara gushed red and rubbed the back of her neck. 'Wow… that was a long time ago… I had barely just trained then…'

'Still- news of you travelled through the Fire Nation's seventh rank fast.' He continued.

'Ahem.' Lord Yang gestured to the table and they all took their seats. He pointed to the Northern islands. 'The port of Entako makes a good starting point, the rebels last seen close, but further north.'

'I agree, we don't want to spook anyone of our presence, but what is the strategy for getting to the source of this rebellion?' Katara asked.

'No rebellion occurs completely underground. There have been accounts of gatherings spontaneously popping up over the town of Sumin. Such gatherings have sponsored an anti-royal sentiment.' General Lee affirmed, placing a pin on three areas in the town of Sumin, just north-east of Entako. 'Here, here and here.'

'If this is true- we would have to find proof that violent action is intended or has been committed by the leaders of such gatherings. We cannot simply arrest angry voices.' Lord Yang sighed, rubbing his chin in thought.

'If at least one of us is able to infiltrate and find the root of the gatherings, we can sniff out the leaders.'

'I agree with Jin.' Olan leaned back with his arms behind his head. 'Put out the cheese and the mice come running.'

'And what cheese do you suppose will work?' Jin turned to him, intrigued.

'Money.'

'You want to put money in the hands of the rebels?' Katara gave him a questionable look.

'I want them to think I will. The way things are… the war has crippled every nation. I doubt there's much sympathy for Fire Nation royalty right now. The rebels know that royal credit each month is only just keeping the peace. Money could feed this rebellion.'

'And how exactly are you going to convince them not only that you have money, but that you ought to be trusted? You would be new to such gatherings, an unfamiliar face.' Lord Yang pushed.

'It's not impossible.' As she spoke, Katara felt the dark memories of the war coming back to her. 'Desperate people do desperate things. They already killed a Fire Nation soldier. They're reckless.'

'You won't know until you get there what the situation is.' General Lee affirmed.

'Hm. He is right.' Lord Yang let out a deep breath. 'Make port in Entako. You will be given a fast but inconspicuous ship. We must ensure no attention is drawn. From Entako you will be on your own. Making way to Sumin, where these gatherings have flourished.' He turned to Olan and Jin. 'I know that the two of you have had experience in this type of investigation before-' he looked to Katara, '-and I know your skill as a bender.'

'Close communication should be kept to us here though, I will arrange some messenger birds for you to take. They will come directly to me, to ensure their secrecy.' General Lee assured them.

'Yes. That would be best.' Lord Yang mumbled as he rummaged through the maps on the table. 'I will have these arranged and put onto the ship for you- I suggest you sail before dawn.'

'I agree, it is best we are not seen leaving the Capitol's port.'

Lord Yang placed his hands on the table and pushed himself away from the table. 'I think this has been sufficient. I look forward to hearing of your success.'

'We are not going to discuss risk factors of such a mission and potential obstacles?' Katara asked, concerned with the cort length of such a meeting. Lord Yang looked to her and smiled, he pointed to Olan and Jin.

'Trust me. Those two know exactly what to expect. On your way to Entako you'll have plenty of time to discuss such things.' He bowed and everyone followed suit.

As Katara watched him leave she felt uneasy. Was this really the preparation for such an important mission? Or was she simply overestimating the challenge at hand?

'Don't worry.' Katara heard a deep voice behind her. She turned to see Jin with his arms crossed and smirk on his lips. 'Olan and I will keep you safe.'

Katara felt her blood boil and it took everything in her to hold her tongue.

'I think she can handle herself.' Olan smacked Jin on the back and continued to Katara. 'Did you want to go for tea? I'd be happy to go through some risk analysis with you. Oh- unless you have somewhere to be?' He beamed at her and she felt obliged.

'Uhm- sure! I have no plans until later.' Her thoughts started to drift to Zuko. Tonight would be the last night they could be together until she went away for spirits knows how long.

'Great! There's an amazing tea house just outside the palace. It's a little rough around the edges but they serve the best Poa tea you'll ever have!'

'Sounds nice- I'll have to go grab some money from my roo-'.

'Ey don't worry about it! It's my treat - you can pay me in battle stories!'

Katara let out a laugh as he ushered her out the room. 'Okay okay- I'm coming!'

Walking down the cobbled back streets of the Capitol, Katara felt strangely at home. As they reached a convergence of three streets, a child rushed past, brushing her shoulder.

'Sorry!'

Katara watched with a smile as the little girl continued ahead. It had been a long time since she was able to immerse herself with civilians. Her recent diplomatic work in the Northern Water-tribe meant everyone knew who she was. She'd missed being a nobody.

'Here!' Olan nudged her into a small tea house, perched on the corner of the street. It was old, with splintering window frames and misshapen bricks holding it together.

As they entered, Katara was taken aback by the amount of people inside.

'It's a popular place!' Olan said, noticing her expression. 'This way!'

Olan led her to two free stools at the bar of the tea house.

'You!' An old lady staggered to him from behind the bar, a pot of tea in her hands. 'Don't you have work to do?' She scolded.

'I'm on a break, Auntie.'

'You're always on a break.' The lady looked to Katara for her next accusation. 'And what about you?'

'She's on a break too. I told her she had to come and try your tea… the best in the Capitol.'

'Don't take me for a fool, you lazy oaf.' Katara couldn't control herself and let out a chuckle. 'But he's right you know-' Auntie flipped two tea cups on the table out of nowhere and placed them in front of them. 'I do make the best tea.' She poured the tea from a great height, with perfect accuracy.

'Thank you.' Katara said, watching in awe as steam streamed off into the air.

'You're welcome.' Auntie mumbled as she hobbled away to other customers.

'She's a character.'

'You get used to it.' Olan took a sip of tea and turned to her. 'So, how is the Fire Nation treating you? I heard you've been in the Northern Water-tribe for a long time. Get too cold up there for you?'

'Yeah… I suppose you could say it got a little too frosty for me.'

'I've never been to either of the Water-tribes, but I heard they're completely different. The climate, the food and the culture.'

'You should go sometime. Although-' She looked at his tall psychique and confident demeanour. '-they may think you're another Fire Nation soldier coming to conquer'.

'Oh spirits no. The cold would get to me straight away. As a non-bender I think all that ice could be a challenge.'

'I'm surprised, I don't know why, but I thought you'd be a firebender'.

'Just because I can't bend doesn't mean I'm any less of a soldier.' He winked. 'If anything we're better trained in combat.'

'Oh really?' Katara challenged.

'Ah yes, you'd be no match for me.' He boasted sarcastically.

'We'll see, I'm sure we can spar together and find out who the better fighter is.'

'I never back away from a challenge… So tell me- because I don't know if it's hearsay or true-' He leaned closer, excitement in his eyes. 'Was the whole lightning bolt and Azula battle real?'

'What part?' She said before sipping her tea.

'So it is! Okay- first of all did Zuko take a lightning bolt to the chest?'

'Yes.' She watched as his eyes lit up even more. 'But... it was meant for me. If he hadn't, I wouldn't be here.'

There was silence as Olan processed the new information and she could see the cogs in his head working to conclusions.

'Interesting.' He paused. 'And how did you get Azula?'

'The drains underneath her.'

'Ah…'

'No air, no fire.'

Olan sat with his face in his hands, entranced.

'Why such an interest?'

'Well you know, us soldiers live off these kinds of things. Battle stories. It's in our nature I guess. I'm sure you understand. Being a fighter yourself.'

'I do… and I don't.' She looked into her tea, her palms encircling the cup. 'I always wanted to learn how to waterbend and fight but, I also learnt how to heal. I end up reminiscing more on the healing I've done, than the fighting I guess.'

'Ah! I've always wanted to see a waterbender heal! We have our own forms of healing with firebending but I've heard that it's completely different to the power of water.'

'Well I hope you don't ever have to see it.' She laughed. 'But to switch the discussion, can you tell me some more about this region we're going to? I want to be prepared.'

Olan's expression changed to one of a more serious tone.

'Well it's the northern islands. They've always been a choice for conquest so the people are… a little defensive you could say. As a population they're pretty mixed, all that conquest has meant that culturally and ethnically the northern islands are more diverse than the rest of the Fire Nation. For that reason, you won't stand out too much.' He looked down to her blue tunic. 'That is, as long as you wear red. Entako is the main port of entry for all trade of the northern region. It's also home to the odd piracy, but that's calmed down in the past few years.'

'The main source of security in the region?'

'Well it used to be full of Fire Nation troops to keep the peace but since they weren't deemed necessary, their numbers have diminished. Obviously each island has its own appointed leader, by the Royal Council. But I think we'll find them pretty powerless and lacking faith from the locals. There's also the Fire Sages. The northern islands are their strong hold, and are always available for sanctuary and protection.'

'So we've got islands with weak leaders, a diminishing presence of Fire Nation troops and a growing rebellion? What could go wrong?'