Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything associated with it. This is for personal amusement only—so I hope you're amused!

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Chapter 6

The world passed her by in a blur of low-income housing, dilapidated buildings, and parks used more often by drug dealers than by children. But Katara still felt hope—she always did after volunteering at the teen center in the Lower Tier. The train made its way through the city, pausing every so often to pick up or drop off passengers. It made for great people-watching, but Katara was always lost in thought on these trips, staring out the window and watching the great city of Ba Sing Se transform itself before her eyes. The change from Lower to Upper Tier was slight at first, and then suddenly, the great bustling center of the Earth Kingdom capital came within view, unveiling its largesse.

Eventually, the train came to the BSSU stop on campus. Katara ascended from the train's subterranean station and making her way towards her residence hall, her cell phone rang.

As she examined the caller ID window, she picked up the call, "Hey big brother. We still on for lunch?"

"Yeah—when can I come and pick you up? I'm starving!" Sokka emphasized.

"Why don't you just come on over now?" Katara replied knowing full well that her brother had the annoying habit of exaggeration when it came to anything involving food.

"Okay…You know, if ah, Suki's around, she's more than welcome to come," Sokka stated nonchalantly.

Smiling into the phone, Katara replied in a sing-song fashion, "Sokka likes Suki, Sokka likes Suki!" As Sokka made a yelp of surprise, she relaxed and continued, "Yeah, I'll see if she wants to join us." In mock sadness, she continued, "Although I'm a bit hurt that my big brother can't seem to enjoy lunch with just little ol' me…"

Fumbling for an excuse for the invitation and not noticing Katara's sarcasm—as thick as it was—Sokka responded, "Uh, I don't want her to sit alone on such a nice Saturday afternoon, that's all, Katara!"

"Don't worry, Sokka, I'm just teasing you," Katara stated dryly as she rolled her eyes. "So, how soon will you be here?"

"Fifteen minutes…oh and don't forget to ask Suki!"

"No prob, big bro. See you in 15!"

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The morning rush had come and gone. It was lunchtime and on Saturdays it provided Zuko an opportunity to catch up on paperwork and inventory. As he went through the disposable cups and other various supplies, he thought about his evening off. Should I even go? Maybe Uncle's right and I should attempt to 'make nice' with her…Ugh, this is stupid! Why should I care what some stupid girl thinks of me?!? In his moment of distraction, Zuko let out a groan as a bag of lids came flying down from the top shelf as he checked its contents. "Ughh!" was all the employees out front heard.

Soon enough, one of the workers popped their head in to check on Zuko, "Uh, hey Zuko, you alright in there?" was all Zuko heard.

"I'm fine!" he shouted out, more in frustration than at the person addressing him. Realizing how he may have sounded, he softened, "I'm fine—thanks. I'll be out in a few minutes to give whoever's at the front counter a break."

He cleaned up the mess and finished his paperwork quickly, noting what supplies needed to be ordered over the next week. With a sigh, he stood up, walked to the manager's office and placed the order form on the desk. Walking towards the counter, his eyes widened as he saw the customer walking towards the front door. Great, just great…

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"What do you mean there's some great place just off campus to eat? We always eat at Bato's restaurant…What's he going to think when we don't show up?" Sokka pleaded earnestly while thoughts of stewed sea prunes danced in his head.

"Sokka, it's not like he's going to know that we're NOT heading over there for once. Besides, there are other things to eat in Ba Sing Se besides food from back home. You should expand your horizons a little. And, it's cheap, so you'll be able to eat twice as much as you normally would," Katara said with a sly grin on her face, knowing that the offer of double portions would entice her brother into agreeing.

"Twice as much food, hmm? Fine, we'll try your 'new place,' but if it's not up to par, we're never going there again!" Sokka emphatically replied with a point of his finger.

Katara and Suki giggled as they made their way towards DragonsTea, knowing full well that Sokka would enjoy it. "Brothers," was all Katara could whisper to Suki before Sokka butted in.

"So, uh, Suki, how are your classes going?" Sokka queried, trying his best to win the girl's favor.

"Good— thanks for asking, Sokka. I'm thinking coming to Ba Sing Se was a really good idea," Suki responded, eyes downcast and a slight blush to her cheeks.

"Don't you mean Ba Sing Se UNIVERSITY?" Sokka emphasized in confusion.

"Uh, yeah, BSSU," Suki stated flatly. Hurrying to change the subject, she quickly asked, "So, uh, when's the first game of the season?"

"In a little more than a month," Sokka noted.

Katara cringed when she realized her brother's voice had hit a lower octave. Probably trying to impress her. Sokka why do you even try? Girls either like you or they don't!

As Sokka continued, "I think I'll be able to get tickets in the owner's box for you ladies. It would be all expenses paid—you know, free food and drink—while hanging out with the 'who's who' of Ba Sing Se."

Katara rubbed her temple and forehead with her hand as her brother tried all-too-hard to impress Suki. Luckily (for Sokka that is), Suki didn't catch Katara's expression.

"That sounds like fun, doesn't it Katara?" Suki said to Katara while keeping her eyes on Sokka.

Great, I get to go out on a lunch date with my brother! "Yeah, Suki, sounds like loads of fun!" Katara cheerfully, albeit falsely, replied. She sighed a breath of relief as they neared the tea shop. Finally! Maybe I can chat with Iroh while the lovebirds whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears…

As they entered the tea shop, Katara internally convulsed when she saw Zuko walk up to the counter. Lining up at the counter to order, Sokka turned his attention to the task at hand, or rather, the menu at hand. He examined it in detail, stroking his chin in contemplation. As he did so, Katara internally cursed her brother's food addiction.

"Hey Zuko…" Katara acknowledged. Zuko nodded back, eyes going back and forth between Sokka and Katara. He noticed Sokka's critical eyeing of the menu and hesitantly asked, "Can I help you with anything? Do you have any questions?"

"Well, what do you recommend?" Sokka asked, noting with some suspicion that his sister already seemed acquainted with the guy at the counter.

"Well, if you like spicy food, Fire Nation cuisine is our specialty," Zuko said. Noting the immediate grimace on Sokka's face, he continued, "Or there's our teriyaki bowls—they seem to be popular. Or there's always our bentos…they offer a little bit of everything."

At that, Sokka's eyes lit up. "I'll take a bento—biggest one you've got. And some wontons, spring rolls and an iced—wait, which boba do you recommend Suki?"

"The strawberry green tea boba is good," Suki responded, eyeing the menu thoughtfully.

"And one of those," Sokka said, gesturing in Suki's general direction.

Sighing, Zuko asked, "Anything else?"

The girls detailed their order to Zuko and then went outside to grab a seat. Sokka paid before joining them. Taking his seat, he asked Katara carefully, "So how do you know that guy?"

Katara shrugged her shoulders and admitted that they had a class together.

"Oh yeah, what class?" Sokka asked quietly, as if it was some kind of secret conversation. His eyes thinned as he investigated the situation. I don't like the way that guy looked at her was all Sokka could think, regardless of the fact that Zuko had barely looked at Katara at all during their brief encounter.

"Interpersonal comm," Katara replied coolly. Knowing she should change the subject before Sokka got all 'protective,' she asked, "So what are you up to tonight?"

"Nothing actually, my evening's free." As he glanced sideways at Suki, he asked in what Katara called his "ladies' man" voice, "What are you two up to?"

"Heading to a show tonight— Jet's band The Freedom Fighters are playing at The Underground," Katara replied, recognizing her brother's obvious attempt to hang out with Suki.

"Jet—what are you doing still hanging out with that guy? He's like all guys—except me, of course," Sokka paused while looking at Suki. "He just wants one thing, Katara…" Sokka warned while leaning in close to his sister to stress his concern.

Jet already tried that Sokka and I wasn't stupid enough to fall for it! "I can take care of myself," Katara replied. "Besides, I'll be completely surrounded if Jet makes a move. Toph and Aang are showing up, and Suki's going to check it out, too, aren't you Suki?"

Wary of entering the siblings' conversation, Suki replied with a cautious, "yeah."

"Well, it sounds like I should check it out, too. I can catch up with Aang and Toph and keep an eye on you-know-who," Sokka emphasized.

Thankfully, the food showed up, cutting through the tension left hanging in the air. As soon as the platters were brought to the table, Sokka's eyes went wide. "You weren't joking when you said I was getting twice as much, Katara!"

The moment his plates hit the table, Sokka's previous worries were immediately dismissed. Without hesitation, he began stuffing a wonton and then a springroll into his mouth. Through mouthfuls of food, he said, "Mmm, this is really good. That guy at the counter knew what he was talking about."

Disgusted at her brother's obvious lack of table manners, Katara dug into her food, ignoring her brother and his grunts of happiness.

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"So, what time you guys heading over there tonight?" Sokka asked as he stood in the doorway of Suki's and Katara's dorm room.

"Um, probably around 7 or so. They never start on time, so we'll have a chance to chat with Aang and Toph," Katara answered. I wonder if he'll show up tonight. I don't think I was too forward…

"Okay, I'll stop by just before then to escort you two," Sokka replied with a slight flourish of his wrist. "See you then, Suki," he said with a wink.

What a dork! Could he be any more embarrassing? "Yeah, see you then, Sokka!" Katara said with fake cheer as she closed the door on her brother.

"And try wearing something decent for once, Katara!" Sokka shouted through the door. Since silence followed his statement, Katara felt it was safe to talk to Suki about her brother's infatuation.

"Sorry if he's coming on a little strong, Suki. Just let me know if it bothers you and I'll talk to him," Katara apologized.

"I think it's kind of cute actually," said Suki with a smile.

If she finds that cute, she either needs professional help or they're absolutely perfect for each other. I really hope she's not crazy…Katara thought as she started to pick out what she would wear that night.

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As predicted, The Freedom Fighters had yet to start when Katara, Sokka and Suki showed up just after 7 p.m. As they walked in, Katara heard Sokka muttering something under his breath about her "absolute lack of decency when it came to clothes."

"Give it a rest, Sokka. I didn't have time to change and, besides, it gets crazy hot in here whenever there's a show. Just drop it," Katara replied tiredly as she looked around the large room, searching out their friends. Why does he always try to tell me what to do when it comes to the opposite sex? And I'm definitely not trying to get anybody's attention, anyways!

The Underground was below street level, making it darker than most other clubs. It also didn't help that the entire venue was painted black inside from floor to ceiling, making it even more gloomy and ominous. On the walls hung large psychedelic day-glo prints, their features enhanced by the black lights that shone upon them. People huddled in small groups all over the club, spotting its cavernous interior. Even though The Underground was rough around the edges, it was the only all-ages club in town that played halfway decent music and the underage students from nearby BSSU flocked to it every weekend.

Blue eyes still probing the room for her friends, Katara heard a familiar voice shout, "There they are!" Turning towards the voice, she saw Aang and Toph striding up to them quickly, stopping themselves short of a full sprint. Evidently, the two teenagers had mind enough to not look too excited to see their friends.

"Hey guys! I see you made it here okay," Katara said, hugging the bald boy and then turning to the pale skinned girl with a short black bob next to him. "And don't tell me that you snuck out again, Toph—I don't want to hear about how I'm contributing to the delinquency of a minor!"

"Fine then, Sugar Queen, I won't tell you," Toph said with a smirk. "Although, it is by far my best sneaking-out plan, yet!"

Katara groaned. One of these days, that girl is going to get caught…I don't even want to think about the next level of crazy her parents jump to.

"Hi there, I'm Aang," the young man said, introducing himself to Suki.

"Oh yeah, Aang and Toph, this is Suki—she's my roommate and just joined the water polo team," Katara explained.

"Nice to meet you. So, how do you guys know each other?" Suki asked carefully, glancing at the blue arrow tattoos snaking down Aang's arms.

"Well, Aang and I met last year while volunteering at the teen center in the lower tier. He's a super genius and is in his last year of high school. Toph over here is his partner in crime," Katara responded with a smile, putting her arm around the dark haired girl's shoulder.

"Don't you mean, Twinkle Toes is MY partner in crime?" Toph teased. She clarified, facing Suki, "My parents are a little overprotective to say the least, so I have to pretty much sneak out anytime I want to hang out with my friends after dark." There was a tinge of exasperation in her voice. Then, turning to Sokka, she playfully punched him in the shoulder, "S'up Snoozels? How's the off-season treating you?"

Before Sokka could respond, The Freedom Fighters stepped onto stage. The crowd began to cheer loudly.

"Hey everyone, thanks for showing up. We're The Freedom Fighters and we're gonna rock this place tonight!" Jet exclaimed loudly into the microphone, holding his guitar at the ready. "Let's go!"

With that, the drummer fired away at his snare drums and got the band going on a fast and hard song. Rushing to join the enthusiastic crowd, the gang made their way towards the stage, weaving in and out of the crush of bodies.

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I can't believe I'm doing this…but maybe Uncle's right, maybe it'll be fun? Then again, Uncle's idea of fun is a cup of ginseng tea and a game of pai sho…Zuko thought as he made his way towards The Underground. After handing over the five-dollar cover to the burly-looking bouncer at the door (whose shirt simply read "THE BOULDER" across both front and back), Zuko made his way into the bowels of the seedy joint. As Zuko's eyes adjusted to the dim hall, he made his way towards the stage. The band had just crashed to a finish, accompanied by their fans' thunderous applause, and began introducing themselves to the crowd.

"As I said before, I'm Jet and we're The Freedom Fighters. On bass, none other than Samantha Ellen Bee, AKA Smellerbee" upon hearing her name, Smellerbee paused momentarily and waved at the crowd. "And on drums, we've got John Longshot. Longshot, play something for the good boys and girls."

Nodding in agreement, Longshot then went into a quick drum roll.

"Now play something for the bad boys and girls," added Jet with a smirk.

Longshot nodded again and hammered out an extensive, energetic drum solo that had the crowd stomping along in excitement. When he finished, the crowd hooted and hollered in appreciation. Stepping up to the mic, Smellerbee spoke in her trademark raspy voice, "I think we still need to play a few more songs here, Jet…" Stepping back, she played a walking baseline, nodding at Jet and Longshot to join. The song started slowly at first, however, it didn't last long before tearing into heart-stopping melody.

These guys aren't too bad, Zuko thought as he made his way closer to the stage. Not noticing the crowd pushing back away from the performers' platform, Zuko zigzagged through the fans. Suddenly, he found himself at the edge of a mosh pit, swirling with bodies. While some may have stepped back, Zuko found himself at the perfect point for watching the band, as there weren't any people immediately in front of him. Completely unconcerned by the wild violence erupting around him, he folded his arms and watched The Freedom Fighters rock on. This looks like it's going to get interesting…

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I can't wait until they finish their intros, they always lead into "Tidal Wave" after this, Katara thought excitedly to herself as she rushed forward. As soon as the band finished their intros, Katara heard Smellerbee's trademark bassline thrum out across the crowd. The moment the drumbeat quickened, she felt cool air surround her as the crowd parted and reformed into a somewhat empty circular shape.

Jumping into the pit, she started thrashing around with Aang and Toph. Sokka kept a close watch nearby, keeping Suki company as his sister enjoyed what she calls music. If anyone touches her, it'll be the last thing they do.

It was a mass of hot, sticky bodies slam dancing every which way in the pit and Katara loved it—the lack of control, the movement and the music—it was a small way to forget all her worries and just move around to the beats laid out by the band.

As she made her way around the pit again, she caught her foot on something. It could've been plain clumsiness, another person's foot or someone's shoe that fell off as they ran around like madmen. But whatever it was, Katara was falling—and fast. She braced herself for the impact with the sticky concrete below her and closed her eyes. However, she never felt it -- and instead felt someone grab her arm and hoist her back to her feet. Surprised by her moment of cheating gravity, she looked up. Holy shit! Is that Jerk Boy—what's he doing here? And why'd he help me? Katara lost herself in thought momentarily, staring at Zuko in shock, until Sokka walked up and pulled her from the crowd.

Dragging her to safety, Sokka shouted over the pounding music, "What were you thinking going into that pit, Katara—you could've been trampled!" Apparently he hadn't noticed it was Zuko who'd saved her.

"Sokka, I've been in worse pits before and come out in one piece. Besides, I'm fine—someone picked me up," Katara ended evasively as she glared at her brother. I'm actually kind of lucky Zuko was there to help me…

"Well, once Aang and Toph get out of there, we're heading home. I knew this was a bad idea!" Sokka shouted again.

"Sokka, don't you think you're overreacting a little?" Suki butted in. "She's okay, Sokka. Right Katara?" Suki added reassuringly, turning to her roommate.

"Right," Katara replied smoothly.

With a smile, Suki continued, "So, let's keep on enjoying ourselves and watch the band, okay?"

"Fine, but no more moshing for you!" Sokka said as he pointed at his sister.

Rolling her eyes, Katara started to make her way towards the makeshift bar, "I'm grabbing a bottle of water—you guys need anything?"

"Do they have anything to eat?" Sokka queried.

"No, just drinks—can't you wait until we're out of here?"

"Yeah, fine, I'll just have a bottle of water, too, then," Sokka replied in disappointment as his sister walked away.

Looking back at her brother, now engrossed in conversation with Suki, Katara observed the crowd. I really should thank him properly…She saw Zuko, now to the left of the stage, standing and enjoying the music. I guess Suki was right; he does have one redeeming quality.

Making her way towards Zuko, Katara glanced towards the stage. She locked eyes momentarily with Jet, who winked at her. As the song ended, Jet spoke into the mic, "This is for a special friend—hope you're having a good time, baby."

What a joke, I can't believe I fell for that last year! For all I know, there are several "babies" in the crowd, she thought to herself resentfully.As she reached her mosh pit rescuer, she tapped his shoulder. Not knowing who to expect, Zuko turned around to face the brunette.

"Thanks for catching me earlier," Katara said over the thankfully quieter song. "I would've been squashed otherwise. And sorry about my brother back there. He's a little overprotective."

"I guess you're just as clumsy off campus as you are on campus," Zuko retorted without thinking.

What the hell?! I come over here to THANK him for helping me and he's still being a jerk? Go to hell, Zuko—I don't need this, Katara thought angrily.

Looking him dead in the eye, the muscle in her jaw tightened. "You know what? Never mind, you stupid jerk," Katara spat in disgust, turning to storm away. I can't believe this guy!

Shit! That was stupid—what the hell am I supposed to do now? Zuko thought to himself as he clenched his palms in frustration. As he mulled over the situation, the band ended their set.

"Thanks everybody—if you're interested in purchasing a CD, we're selling 'em up front!" Jet shouted into the mike as Smellerbee and Longshot started packing up their stuff. Jet quickly threw his guitar into its case and made his way offstage.

"Katara!" Jet shouted, running over to the blue-eyed young woman.

"Hey Jet—nice show, as always," Katara said, flashing her ex a polite smile. Okay, Katara, you can do this. You haven't seen him since last school year. No big deal, just make some small talk and get out of here without making a scene.

"Glad to see you could make it. You're looking good, tonight, Kuruk. So, how's it going?" Jet smiled as he wiped his face off on his sleeve, admiring Katara's low cut tank top and hip hugging jeans.

"Same old—school, practice and volunteering. You?" Katara replied quickly. I really hope Sokka doesn't notice me talking to him…I really don't need a confrontation right now.

Before Jet could answer, Zuko butted in, "Hey Katara…"

"You mind, buddy, we're trying to have a conversation here," Jet sneered at the newcomer.

"I just need to speak with you for a sec," Zuko continued patiently, eyeing the lead singer with suspicion.

"Fine. Excuse me, Jet," Katara answered, silently thankful for the interruption, but dreading the oncoming conversation. As Jet walked towards the stage to help packing up his band's equipment, he warily watched the two.

Thank Gods that's over with, now to deal with Jerk Boy…Katara quickly placed her hands on her hips and turned to her supposed 'savior.' "What? You trying to find a new way to insult me?" she snapped, crossing her arms in front of her. If he does, it's trouble…

Running his hand through his hair, Zuko started hesitantly, "I, uh, didn't mean to say that earlier." She's about ready to rip you a new one and that's all you could come up with?

Before he could continue, Sokka interrupted him from behind. "Katara, let's get going, I'm starving." Peering closer at the man across from him, Sokka wore a look of confusion, "You're the guy from lunch. What're you doing here and why're you talking to my sister?"

Realizing her brother was charging into 'overprotective'-mode territory, Katara took a cleansing breath and reluctantly introduced the two. This definitely ISN'T what it looks like, Sokka. Please don't make a scene, please don't make a scene, Katara internally pleaded. Turning to her sibling, she introduced them.

"Sokka, this is Zuko. He's my project partner for interpersonal comm this semester. Zuko, this is Sokka, my idiot brother."

"Hey, I'm no idiot!" retorted Sokka in self-defense. Examining Zuko critically, the elder Kuruk turned his attention back to his sister. "Yeah, well, let's get going. We want to grab a bite to eat at the diner down the street."

"What's with the 'we'?" Katara asked with a smile as she concluded with relief her brother was too hungry to give Zuko the third degree. Thank you Gods! "I know it's you who wants to go eat, Sokka—you've got the appetite of a saber-tooth moose! And I'll be with you guys in a sec, 'kay?"

"Fine," conceded Sokka after a moment, eyeing his sister's companion with obvious disdain and mistrust. He walked away to where Suki, Aang and Toph were waiting nearby.

Once Sokka was out of earshot, Zuko tried again. "Look, I just said that without thinking earlier. Anyways, we're still meeting up at the library tomorrow, right?" Zuko questioned as he glanced off to his right, refusing to make eye contact. I can't afford to screw this project up!

Not much of an apology, but who cares. We need to get this assignment done. And the sooner, the better. "Yeah, tomorrow afternoon, sound okay? Around 3?" Katara continued impatiently.

"Three it is…I guess I'll just meet you in front of the library, then," Zuko replied with his eyes downcast.

"See ya then," Katara agreed curtly as she walked away.

Zuko headed towards the restroom before leaving the club. As he washed his hands, his eyes rose to the mirror to meet those of the man standing immediately behind him.

"I don't know you, but I don't like you. My sister doesn't need any guys hanging on or around her," Sokka stated simply while glaring at Zuko via the mirror. "So just lay off. Understand?"

With that, Zuko nodded at Sokka. "Good," was all Sokka said as he exited the restroom.

What the hell was that about? I don't even like her and her brother obviously lacks anything resembling decent skills of observation …As he walked out of the restroom, he saw Katara exit the club with her friends. Her brother's words hung in his head as he watched her. She's kind of cute when she gets angry…Zuko mused to himself.

Shaking his head at the invasive thought, he made his way out the door and into the refreshing night air. As he walked home, Zuko reflected on the evening. Tonight wasn't so bad, he realized with some surprise. I had a good time. Maybe I should take Uncle's advice more often…go out a bit more. Meet… people.

And in the back of his mind, a last notion surfaced briefly and went nearly unnoticed by him, before descending again below the surface of his awareness. Maybe…maybe things will get easier with her…

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Author's note: Finally, my experience in the mosh pit becomes useful! This chapter featured some interaction between the gAang (there will be more soon), but was largely focused on Sokka. I can't help it—I just love the guy!

And a HUGE thanks to Moor—she helped bring this chapter together in a big way…Thank you Moor!