The next day past a lot faster than the last. Katara had a lot of questions. Hakoda explained as best as he could. The main reason for this journey was to try and make peace with the fire lord and the southern water tribe. When they were passing a straight, she saw some ginseng on the shore. She grabbed some, squashed them, used her water bending and used another plant. She was passing her time away asking questions and making ginseng lotion. She slipped the lotion in her bag.

"Papa, what if the fire lord does not agree with peace?"

Hakoda was silent for a while then answered.

"I pray we won't have to find out."

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Later in the day, they were close to a port and it was filled with large vessels. The fire nation. It was warmer and Katara took off her heavy coat. Before she knew it, Hakoda had the canoe secured somewhere safe, they grabbed their things and merged into the large throngs of people. Katara held on to her father's hand for dear life. If she were to lose his hand, say goodbye to Papa. They entered markets and the crowds were even larger. It was like she was being swallowed. About a half an hour later which felt like an eternity, they were both approaching guards. After Hakoda had a couple of words with them, they lead them into a palace. The crafting of the palace was beautiful! Fire benders were truly a passionate people. When they approached a door, the guards explained that this would be the two water bender's room.

"Do not go on to royalty grounds, it is absolutely not allowed."

Hakoda thanked them and closed the door behind them. The two tired people threw themselves on their beds and were fast asleep.

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Hakoda woke Katara up in the morning.

"Katara, I am going in to a meeting with the officials, maybe I will talk to the fire lord. Just please stay here. Will you do that?"
Katara rubbed her eyes and nodded. Next thing she knew, He was gone. For the next hour, Katara tried to occupy herself. But it is so much fun when there is someone to play with. Katara sighed deeply. No Sokka was here right now. Maybe she could find someone else. Her dad's warning echoed through her mind. She really should not. Temptation overtook her. She took her bag and was out the door. She remembered all the twists and turns. She decided to go a different way. She entered beautiful gardens. She walked around. This was a beautiful and magnificent part of the palace. Her thoughts shattered as she heard someone inside. She ran in, maybe whoever it was would be her playmate. She stopped at the door frame and hid. It was a boy about nine and he was trying to fire bend. He fell from the force numerous times but always got up and tried again. After the sixth time this happened, he fell again. He seemed so frustrated, he started crying silently. This made Katara leave her hiding place and sit next to him. He looked up and brushed away his tears, angry that anyone had seen him crying.

"What are you doing here?"

"It does not matter, are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You should calm down and feel your element within you. Let it blossom, don't force it out, it only makes you frustrated."

"You don't look fire nation, who are you?"

"My name is Katara and I am from the southern water tribe."

"Oh."

The boy studied Katara. She had dark skin from working outside and was clad in blue. She was thin but pretty and her eyes were like sapphires.

"What is your name?"

"Zuko."

Katara nodded innocently. She didn't know that he was the prince; and he really did not think her lower than him. Right now, there was innocence and a person was a person.

"Nice name. Hey, would you play with me?"

"Sure!"

He had been bored and he would do anything to get his mind off of his training. Katara went to get her bag at the other side of the room. As Katara stood up from reaching from her bag, she saw a girl about her age throw something. It hit a sword hanging above Zuko. Katara stood wide eyed as she watched the scene unfold. The girl turned and ran and Zuko had no idea as he stared at Katara confused. Why was she looking at him like that? The sword began to slip from its sheath. Katara let out a yelp as she dropped her bag and ran for Zuko. The sword had fallen and was coming down. Just in time, Katara jumped at Zuko, pushing him out of the way. Katara had almost escaped the blade, but was cut on the foot. Zuko stared wide eyed at the girl who had saved his life, lying down beside him in pain.

"Are you alright?!"

"Ya, I'm fine."

Katara grunted at the pain, but did not cry out. Zuko ran for some bandages and ointment. He bandaged up her ankle with skill. Katara smiled weakly, it hurt, but it was not severe.

"Thanks."

"No, thank you."

"Who was that girl?"

"What girl?"

"Oh, you did not see her, she threw something that caused the sword to come out of it's sheathe."

Zuko's brow furrowed in hate and disgust

"That was Azula."

"Who is she?"

"My sister"

Katara's eyes widened. Sure, she got in fights with Sokka, but not so severe that they wanted to kill each other! Pain went through her ankle and she cringed. It would heal, it just hurt. Zuko looked at her apologetically.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry! It's not your fault! It was that Azula. I'd like to give her a piece of my mind!"

"No! Don't ever do that!"

"Why?"

"My father favors her; he would defend her and do something to you."

Katara just scoffed. Who was his father anyway?

"No really Katara! You don't know what my father can do."

Katara changed the subject.

"Let's just play a game."

"Alright"

"Let's play catch. We can both sit."

They did it over and over counting how many times they could throw it to one another with out it touching anything for 3 seconds. They had reached 7 times before they burst out laughing. It was fun and they held tournaments. It was getting late.

"Oh no! My dad will be looking for me! I'll get in so much trouble!"

Zuko was disappointed that they could not continue with their game, but accepted it. Many things in life had not gone his way.

"Where is your room?"

Katara pointed in the direction and Zuko helped her up. She leaned on him as they walked through the halls. When they reached the room, Hakoda was not present. Katara sighed with relief, but how would she explain her foot? She thanked Zuko after he made sure she was comfortable. Then he left. About fifteen minutes later, Hakoda entered and was surprised at Katara's ankle.

"Katara, what happened?"

"I fell, and a nice boy bandaged it for me."

Katara felt bad, but she really was not lying.

"Does it hurt a lot?"

Katara changed the subject.

"Never mind about it, how did things go with the fire lord? Will he stop the war?"

"Ugh, the court officials say that I won't see the fire lord for maybe a month or more, and then we may discuss that topic. I am sorry Katara; you will be left here alone everyday because I have to visit the officials. But it is your fault for stowing away."

Hakoda smiled at her. For some reason, Katara rejoiced that they would be staying. She liked this place so far.

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Ha! That was a long one! Great questions Red Blue Jay! I hope this chapter answered all.

------Zutara is coming! Plz review!

--Sahlili20