A/N I was in a writing mood, so here is what I have. I realize that for this to happen, chapter three would have to happen. So I guess it did happen. I also realize that chapter three confused a lot of you. So, whatever you want to think about that. use your imagination.

Katara was walking along to the house, consumed in thought and exhaust. Often when she had nothing else to think, her mind wandered to Zuko. She hadn't exactly seen him since that night. She was trying to avoid him, but it wasn't completely working. A few times the two had been in the kitchen or living room simultaneously. Every instance Katara had been the one to leave before any silence that was too long or uncomfortable had an opportunity to set in.

So far, she thought she was steering clear of the firebender well enough.

However, tonight was a special night, her birthday. Katara could not allow loneliness or disquiet taint this particular day. Instead, she willed her mind to thoughts of her party. It wasn't to be particularly opulent. Although, as far as she knew, there were games and decent company, which was all Katara could ever expect. She hadn't been to a good shindig since Aang's birthday nearly four months ago. She was actually excited. A feeling that had lay dormant ever since she had fallen hard for the shunned prince.

Then, it suddenly hit Katara: Zuko could very well be attending the party. Katara's blood froze at the discomfort that was bound to occur later in that night. She could form a clear picture in her mind of what fate had evidently bestowed upon her. Her and Zuko sitting silently in a tackily decorated living room; games scattered about the room randomly, as if they were just daring the teens to play something; Aang and Sokka participating in a sluggish game of chess. The scene horrified Katara.

Luckily, she had no time to dwell on it, because she was already home. She took a deep breath and tried to practice her surprised look. But while she was still mid-surprise she noticed Aang peering out the window, as sneakily as he could manage.

"Everyone, hide! She's coming, I just saw her!" Katara heard Aang clearly from behind the sliding door.

"What? She isn't coming home for hours!" Sokka announced, as if he were an expert on his sister's whereabouts.

"She's right outside, she'll be in at any minute!" Aang pleaded. "Hurry, before you ruin the surprise!" A lot of times Katara forgot how much Aang really cared about her.

"Shhh, if she really is outside, then she'll hear all of this!" Suki said quietly, forcing Katara to strain her hearing to the up-most of its ability.

"Go ahead and check, I know she's there!" Aang's shrill voice squeaked, not much quieter than before.

"Why should I lower myself to prove one of your prospects?" Maybe Zuko wasn't there, maybe Katara was free.

"Oh, you're just scared you're wrong!" Sokka declared.

Zuko would have chimed in by now. He wasn't there, he couldn't be there.

New hope sprang within Katara. She was now enthusiastic for her party. She merrily walked into the house, ready for any fight between Sokka and Aang.

Aang and Sokka froze, and to Katara's horror, Zuko was exactly across the room, laughing sardonically at the scene that was being played before him.

"See!" Aang exclaimed, half out of anguish, that Katara had missed her surprise, and partly to brag.

"You may have won the battle, but the war is not over my friend!" Sokka roared in frustration.

"Surprise," Zuko murmured, and trudged upstairs. Despite the fact that Katara had wished him away all night, now it seemed he wouldn't deign himself to be at Katara's party. And, suddenly Katara realized Zuko felt he was too good for her. Was he? Was she just a silly girl to him? Was she like some crazy baby sister to him? Maybe he thought that night was like a brother and sister hug. Maybe Katara had felt awkward for nothing.

Katara didn't feel like partying anymore. She wearily clomped upstairs and to her room, not bothering to attempt lady-likeness. She suddenly felt extremely drained. She flopped onto her bed and tried to fall asleep.

A/N I know it's short, but what can you do?