Chapter 19

The Festival

Two days later

"Aang! Slip this mask on!"

"Alright."

Katara grabbed the mask that she had bought 2 days ago. It was time for the festival! She had to admit, she was excited. She loved fun and wanted to have a good time. The three were sitting outside of their apartment. A couple people walked here and there, but they didn't mind. Katara approached Aang and tied the mask to him. A dark figure not far away, unknown to the trio, noticed the blush set on Aang's face. Katara wore a beautiful blue dress that really flattered her. It was dark blue, resembling the night sky and white stars spread across it. Her hair was down and she wore her mask. Sokka crossed his arms. The angry mask looked comical on him. And, Aang loved his bright, happy mask. The sun had almost set; the festival would begin when it was dark. Katara couldn't contain herself and she jumped up and down. Sokka rolled his eyes.

"Katara, you're sixteen. Stop jumping, you're giving me a headache."

Katara stared at him. Had it been that long since she had found Aang and Zuko had started chasing them?

Zuko

"Oh, sorry Mr. Mature! Just let me have fun alright?"

Sokka raised his hands as if in retreat. He had been grumpy the last couple of weeks. Not that it wasn't Sokka, but he was just more grumpy than usual. Was that possible? Katara thought that he must be thinking of Suki. Poor Sokka also lost Yue. Katara's heart softened and she adjusted Sokka's mask signaling a peace treaty. Sokka smiled and took his sister in his arms. Katara squeezed him as tight as she could. Katara laughed as they let go.

"C'mon, let's go to the festival."

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Zuko waited in the shadows. He wore a red mask with a red dragon carved on it. He watched closely. The trio sat outside, laughing and talking. He found himself wanting to laugh and talk. Come to think of it, Katara had been his only childhood friend. He couldn't trust Azula and there hadn't been many children in the palace. He had to admit it, Katara looked gorgeous. He watched her approach the avatar and tie on his mask. Zuko noticed Aang's crimson red blush before the mask fell on it. Zuko felt disgusted. It disappeared as Katara danced around the two. Her stupid brother seemed to be scolding her. She was sixteen. She was sixteen? Oh, that's right. He would be turning eighteen in a couple of days. Things had been going so fast, he forgot his birthday. Girls Katara's age were considered of marriageable age. Zuko shrugged the thought away. Zuko could have hit Sokka because Katara stopped dancing and stood quietly. But, it didn't last long, she exploded on him. Then, after thought, seemed to soften. She tightened his mask with sisterly affection. He hugged her and she laughed. If only, he could be holding her instead…

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It was so crowded and alive! There was singing, dancing, juggling, everything! Katara laughed out loud. There was so much exotic food and a humorous play was in session. Everyone was wearing masks! So much color! So vivid!

"Hey, Katara, Aang and I are going to watch the wrestling matches. Wanna come?"

"Aren't you going to dance or taste a different food or listen to stories?"

"No. Wanna come?"

"No. I'd rather stay here than watch sweaty guys fight each other, thanks."

Sokka shrugged and ran off. He disappeared into the blend of the crowd. Little did Katara know…

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Ugh! Where did that stupid water tribe boy go? Where is the avatar? They just disappeared! Who…Katara! They just left her? Crap! I'll never find the avatar in this mess! I'll just have to follow Katara…

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Katara walked further admiring the lights and music. There was a section were everyone was dancing. She thought it looked fun. Before she knew it, someone approached her.

"Excuse me, would you like to dance?"

The man looked a little nervous and a smile broke across Katara's face.

"Would I!"

She took his hand and pulled him to the floor. A lively song was playing and she danced her heart out. The man seemed happy at how alive she was. Her eyes were like sapphire stars! Her smile and laugh were captivating. When the song ended, they both stopped, pulling away from each other, breathless.

Katara smiled and asked, trying to control her fast breathing.

"What's your name?"

He tried to talk, but nothing came out. He stopped himself, and then started again.

"Sh-Shio"

Before Katara could respond, she heard a loud shout. Then, men in armor came out from no where. They were screaming.

"Fire nation!!! For the Fire nation!!!"

She could see red everywhere and then blood. Other people's blood. She could hear swords clashing and frightened screaming. The Fire Nation was claiming Ishima! There were so many soldiers! Why were they killing? Just to scare them into surrender!? Katara was so angry. And scared. A man was pulling a woman who was screaming at the top of her lungs. Katara went into action. She water whipped the soldier in the back of the head.
"Leave her alone dishonorable scum!"

The man let her go. She tumbled into a heap on the ground. Katara felt victory and smiled. But her smile was wiped from her as she looked up at the man. An evil grin was plastered on his face.

"You're prettier anyway."

Katara gasped and turned to run. He caught her by the arm and held her against him.

"Leave me alone!"

"C'mon, I don't bite."

It was there…all went…black

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Zuko followed behind, watching Katara. Every move. Then, this young man approached her. Zuko balled up his fists. What was that man doing? The man looked nervous and Katara smiled. She seemed excited and said loud enough that he could hear her even in the crowd.

"Would I!"

She grabbed him and led him to the dance floor! Zuko's teeth clenched. They were dancing! Together! How dare he! Asking her to dance with him!

He was so angry. His furiousness increased as he saw that Katara was enjoying it. She seemed so happy, so alive. She was beautiful, simply beautiful! She gave him a smile. THE SMILE! He should have that smile! Zuko let out an angry growl. He was ready to pounce on the man when the music stopped. They were breathing fast. She asked him something. Why was she talking to him!? Zuko determined she asked for his name. The stupid idiot just stood there, mouth agape. He finally answered something. But he said it almost in a whisper, Zuko couldn't hear it. Then, a loud shout echoed through the square.

"For the Fire Nation!"
Zuko looked around, knowing what was to happen.

"Oh, no."

Swords clashed, there was screaming. Blood was spilled. Where was Katara!? He tried to push through people, fighting off, yes, his own people. Anger bubbled through his body. He fought off one soldier and spotted Katara. She water whipped this man who was holding a scared girl. Shio was no where in sight. He dropped the girl and looked at Katara. Zuko sucked in his breath.

"You're prettier anyway."

Katara turned to run. But he caught her and held her close.

"Leave me alone!"

"I don't bite."

Zuko was already running toward her.

"Let her go!"

"Make me."

Katara looked limp…She had fainted. Zuko let out such an angry scream, that the man hesitated.

"LET HER GO!"

Zuko went into action, using only his fists. Before he knew it, the man was laying on the floor. Zuko ran to Katara and took her in his arms. He ran as fast as his legs would allow, holding her close.

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There we go!!! Zutara will definitely start comin now!

Workin on chapie 20

Hey reviewers…

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!

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Much love

--Sahlili20