Chapter 16

Why?

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Katara woke up early as usual. She yawned and started to prepare breakfast for the boys. They were camped near the shore and she could hear the calming crashing of the waves. At this time, she thought of Zuko. She wondered how he was doing. It had been three months since she had last seen him, when he was, again, trying to catch the avatar. It had been almost a year since she had escaped the ship. She had to admit, she missed Iroh, the crew…and, yes, Zuko. After Sokka and Aang 'saved' her, she told them everything. They deserved to know. Sokka warned her against trusting Zuko. And, well, Aang said very little on the matter. She hoped that Zuko was alright, but right now, she had to protect Aang. Who knows? Maybe Zuko would-

"Ouch!"

Katara jumped away from the fire. She had burnt herself. Katara hit her other hand up against her head and yelled at herself out-loud.

"Katara! Concentrate on breakfast!"

She quickly gathered some water and healed herself. During the past year, she had improved greatly in her bending and had discovered that she could heal. Katara studied her hand.

"Fire hurts."

A laugh escaped from her throat as she thought of her own foolishness. Yes, fire hurts! She sighed and went back to breakfast.

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Zuko let out a powerful blow toward his uncle. Iroh easily deflected it. Iroh's brow furrowed as he looked at his nephew.

"Zuko, your mind is not on your training, but something else."

"Uncle! It's not your place to tell me when my mind is on my training or not!"

That was it.

"I am your teacher! I will tell you what I think! And I assure you, it is my place to tell you!"

Zuko took a step back. Uncle never yelled like that. Iroh continued softer.

"Your fire bending comes from the breath. Concentrate on your basics. Concentrate!"

Zuko got back into his stance. Iroh spoke.

"Begin."

Iroh didn't have to wait; Zuko had already lunged at him. Iroh again deflected his attack. Zuko took a deep breath, trying to concentrate and gain control. But, every time he tried to concentrate, Katara's face flashed into his mind. Why!? It was haunting but pleasurable at the same time. Zuko quickly shook his head; maybe his thoughts would just leave him. But they didn't. This was ridiculous! Why was he thinking about her?! WHY!?

"Zuko!"

Zuko was startled at his uncle's voice. Zuko took a loud sigh and looked at his uncle.

"Yes, uncle."

Iroh's heart softened. Of course he knew what Zuko was thinking about.

"Go take a break, Zuko."

"Thank you uncle."

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It was dark out. The three were on Appa's saddle. It was late. Aang was trying to keep from nodding of to sleep. Sokka was already snoring and Katara was just staring dreamily down at the ocean. Katara sighed. It had been a long, long day. Aang had proclaimed that they had run low on supplies and that they would have to find a town nearby. Aang suggested that they stop in at an earth kingdom town close by, called Ishima. And so, they left the campsite and beautiful shore. Katara was just so tired. But she sensed something close by; she wasn't so sure about this.

"Aang?"

Aang had nodded of and awoke with surprise. He tiredly smiled at his friend.

"Yes, Katara?"

"I don't think we should stop at Ishima."

Aang shook himself, trying to keep awake.

"But Katara, we'll arrive just in time for the festival of the red dragon. It'll be so much fun. You'll see. We'll all wear masks like everyone else. We'll have a bunch of fun…"

Aang yawned and drooped down on Appa. Katara shook her head. So that was why they were going to this town. Because of a festival. Katara climbed up with Aang and pulled him down next to Sokka. Then she got up and took Appa's reins as she led them on in the moonlight.

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Author's notes!!!!

Hey, sorry guys. I know it's been a week….wait…more that a week…

Sorry! But, well, with Thanksgiving and everything, I've been really busy. I'm working on the next chapter! So please REVIEW!

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