Dear Sokka

It's been months since I first took up residence here at the Firelord's palace. Everyone here is extremely worried and exasperated; they've heard that Aang has mastered all the elements except Fire. Zuko's especially frantic, spending his time in the study all day. Surprisingly, he has treated me with dignity and respect, though I think he is suspicious of me. I am sure his generosity is just a facade.

Until we meet again

Your sister, Katara

'What've you got there Sokka?'

'Oh,' said Sokka, slightly startled. 'It's a letter from Katara telling us about how things are at the Palace. Apparently they're all freaked out because you've pretty much mastered all the elements except Fire.'

'Yeah, but I'm worried I won't stand a chance if I don't master fire soon,' said Aang worriedly. 'The whole world is counting on me, Sokka. And I don't think I'm good enough to do them proud. I'm just one kid...'

Sokka put an arm on Aang's shoulder. 'Don't worry, Aang. It'll be alright. We just need to find you a firebending master-'

'And where would do you think we'll find one, exactly?!' cried Aang. 'If we're lucky enough to find Fire Nation people who don't want to boil us alive, what are the chances that they'll be firebending masters too?'

Katara was sitting at her dressing table, wearing a nice red silk robe with black trimmings. Her hair was done up in the traditional Fire Nation style, and secured with a band displaying the Fire Nation insignia; in her hand she was holding a quill and frantically writing.

Suddenly, she felt a presence in her room, and turned around, startled, to find Zuko at the door.

'Firelord Zuko, sir!' she gasped and fell to her knees in the customary bow. 'I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were at the door-'

Zuko waved a hand. 'Don't worry, Miss Katara. You don't need to do that' - he bent over to help her up - 'I don't want you to see me like some sort of higher godly power. Please, miss. Call me Zuko, my intimate name.'

Katara let out a small gasp. She couldn't work out exactly where he was heading with this, but she was dreading it. She knew her job was to help Aang and her brother take Zuko down, but now that he is offering to be her friend, she wasn't sure if she would be able to deal with the guilt of being an accessory to his death when he is to be defeated. But she knew she had to accept.

Not wanting to compromise her mission, Katara replied. 'Thank you' - she forced the next word from her mouth - 'Zuko. May I ask though, sir, what brings you to my room tonight?'

'Why Miss Katara, I have had a long tiring day, just plotting more and more attacks and trying to boost up our defenses against the rebel groups. I came here to ask you to join me on a short walk around the East Ward's humble garden.'

So they left for the garden. Though Zuko apologized to Katara that it was a very ordinary garden, it was anything but. It was a huge garden, bigger than any that Katara had ever seen. The shrubs were perfectly straight and trimmed and rose petals decorated the slated footpath. There was even a small pond in the middle, full of turtle ducks. Katara and Zuko walked around for hours, picking flowers and telling stories about the silly things they and their siblings got up to when they were younger. Eventually, the two of them, tired from all their talking and walking, settled down under a tree by the turtle duck pond.

'You know, Zuko. I've always wondered. Who are those three ladies that are always visiting you and your generals in the study?' asked Katara.

'You mean Azula, Mai and Ty Lee?'

'Well, I don't know their names but, there's the one who seems to be the boss of the other two - she's always in military uniform. There's the really bubbly one... oh and Miss Gloomy Bottom.'

'Miss Gloomy Bottom?' laughed Zuko. 'I think you've summed up those three quite well. The one in the uniform is my sister, Princess Azula. I've lived under her shadow all through my childhood. She is a firebending prodigy, master of the highest form of bending since the age of thirteen. The bubbly one, Ty Lee, is one of her closest childhood friends. Remember I told you how I could never really spend time alone with my sister because her friends were always tagging along? Even now they haven't really let her go. Or at least, she hasn't really let them go.'

'So then, Miss Gloomy Bottom must be Mai?' asked Katara, looking up at Zuko. He blushed.

'Yeah, that's Mai. She's always been like that, but when you get to know her, she's really got a good heart,' he smiled to himself.

'Oh,' said Katara simply, leaning back against the tree. 'I see.'

'It's getting late,' said Zuko suddenly, standing up. 'We should get back to the palace. It's almost time for dinner. We're having a special banquet today, I believe. It's a celebration of my grandfather, Sozin's amazing life.' He offered a hand to Katara. She took it, and followed him back inside.

The walls were decorated with huge wall coverings displaying the nation's insignia proudly. There was a delicious smell in the air, from all the food on the long table. Katara was nervous entering the huge dining room. She felt out of place.

Suddenly, she caught Zuko waving at her from the farthest side of the room. 'Katara!' he called. 'Come here! You have a very special spot right next to me!' He was beaming.

As Katara walked toward Zuko to join him, she noticed Mai giving her a discontented look - well, a more discontented look than usual. She ignored Mai and hurried to sit with Zuko. When she was near, he stood up and pulled out a chair for her. Sitting down, she thanked him.

'No problem, Katara,' he smiled. 'You look so beautiful.'

Katara blushed. 'Really?'

'Yes, you do just look so lovely.'

One of Zuko's generals stood up to say a speech in tribute of Sozin's life and achievements. Before long, everyone was tucking into their meal.