Disclaimer: I don't own The Avatar: The Last Airbender or the poem in this chapter.

Chapter 15

Her first Love Jet

Today was the day of the ball and Katara was far from being relaxed. She'd been throwing up that whole morning but that didn't seem to stop her from her hours of hard labor. She wanted everything to be a big surprise for Aang and Toph. Once again she was back to the everything must be perfect stage. She had to keep her ground and make sure she stayed as far as she could away from Toph. If she said the wrong thing or even asked the wrong question, Toph would definitely find out the surprise.

Katara was really exited about the ball. She really went big this time. People of all Nations were invited. She even sent a couple of maidens to measure Toph for a dress to be designed and she made sure not to tell them why she was being measured. Knowing Toph, she would have probably got the surprise out of them if they had known.

The menu that Katara had created was magnificent. Foods from the Earth Kingdom were imported in by her commands and the vegetarian foods came from the best of the best gardens in the world. From the looks of things, Zuko was going to have a real fit with the bills.

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It as almost time for the Grand Ball and everything was in order. The decorations were set and yes they were beautiful. All color shades of the four Nations were in unison with each other. Large ribbons of silk circled the room and there was a large exotic plant in every corner. Crystal studded chandeliers covered the ceilings' middle to help light up the room. The dance floor sparkled with great taste.

Everything was gorgeous including the food. Elegant was one word to describe it and expensive was a word Zuko would have used.

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Zuko sat on his Fire Nation throne with one hand on the hand rest and the other holding his head up. He was bored, as usual, out of his mind. He was watching what was happening before him like a movie. He nearly observed the whole room.

He watched as Katara mingled around with the guest. She flashed the smile that always made him feel warm inside. He could tell that she was enjoying herself.

Zuko's eyes soon lingered to the other side of the room. He found himself staring at his Uncle Iroh sipping tea, flirting with some unknown lady dressed in blue. He paid no mind to it and allowed his eyes to roam around the room freely once again. He was stuck on a group of girls all dressed in green. They resembled Suki so much that if Sokka hadn't sent a letter about them not being able to make it he would have thought one of the girls was she. The must be from Kyoshi Island. Zuko thought, since they all seemed to look the same to him.

Finished with his thoughts, Zuko looked upward towards a wide flight of steps. He caught a glimpse of two men dressed in green and orange to represent Earth and Air. Both men held a gold horn near their lips to present the guests of honor. Zuko's lips formed a small smile. It's about time! He thought. He could not leave his throne until they arrived. It was a stupid rule that he truly despised.

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The two men started to play their horns and the curtains behind them began to open. Everyone who attended the Ball knew what this meant. The entire room became quiet and everybody looked towards the music. They could see two shadows appear before the curtains.

Katara's eyes lit up when both Toph and Aang were reveled from behind the curtains. The sight of Toph made each person "Ahh," and "ohh."

Toph and Aang both came from separate doors and they met up at the top of the stairs right in the middle. This was the first time Aang saw Toph and he thought she looked absolutely ravishing. He'd never seen her all dressed up before. What she was wearing was simply gorgeous. The gown was strapless and it flared out at the bottom. The top of the dress was a dim green and from the waist on down was a snow white. The outline of the dress was gold.

Aang was even surprised about he hair. Although she was his soon to be wife, he'd never seen her hair look so elegant. This time, her hair was in a bun similar to the way she always wore it minus the bangs and jeweled barrettes replaced her normal hand-band.

"Presenting Avatar Aang of the Southern Air Temple and Lady Toph of Gaoling." The two men said in unison before walking to the side to create a path for Toph and Aang to walk down the stairs.

"Aang, what is this?" Toph asked, aggravated because she didn't know what was going on. She was also irritated at how fast pasted Aang's heart was going.

Aang turned his head a little to the side to look Toph in the face. "I don't know, but it's a lot of people here."

Toph frowned at him. "As if I didn't know that!" She hissed in a small whisper so no one could here. "And why are you so fidgety?" She added on.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Aang asked, puzzled at the question.

Toph remained silent while walking the rest of the way down the steps. She could feel everyone staring at her and Aang. She really did want to know what was going on but no one seemed to know. Why was she in a fancy dress? Why was her arm entangled with Aang's while walking down a staircase? Why were there so many people? What the heck is going on? She asked herself.

Aang noticed that everyone was staring at him and Toph. He then noticed the color of the decorations and the food table. He then realized that the party was for him and Toph. It was obviously a Ball in Honor of his engagement to Toph. His face forged a huge grin. Only one thing could come to mind. Katara. He then whispered "It was a surprise, Toph."

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It was nearing the end of the night and Zuko had only danced with Katara once. It wasn't even a whole dance because Katara kept running in and out of the restroom. One minute he'd be about to twirl her and the next she'd be covering her mouth and stomach, running away from him. After the third attempt to finish the dance he gave up and told her to go lie down. She, of course, got mad and asked him the famous question of the night. "Why can't you be more romantic like Aang?"

Zuko was confused by the question. He didn't dare to ask it out loud but how the hell did Aang and Romance get into the subject of her getting some rest. She'd been asking him that question that whole night and it was the Avatar's fault. He just had to sing that stupid song to Toph, in front of everybody. That stupid, lovey-dovey song:

IEach time is like the first

My love for you swells in my heart

Sometimes like it may burst.

Your smile is like a new day

That is glorious with love abound

Like a ray of sunshine A treasure I have found.

Our time together is priceless

All you ever need to do

Is love me dear completely

The same way that I love you.

One thing I know deep in my heart

I love you now and forever

A love like ours sets us apart

We will always be together.

Like a lovely swan in an ice blue lake

With so much beauty around

Like our rare love my darling

Special blessings are always found.

Zuko could still see everybody's faces and hear all the Ahh's. He could still feel the pain in his ribs from where Katara had stabbed him with her elbow. He could still hear her hissed out words. Why haven't you done anything like that for me? Why aren't you romantic like Aang? Katara was always comparing him to the Avatar. It was some serious bull crap. Damn the Avatar and his bitchy ways!

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Ember had just walked in and the Ball had seemed to die down. She had no intentions of partying with Katara's guest. She intended to show up late, after all, it was only one reason why she had showed up in the first place. It was time to find Zuko.

She searched for Zuko for a mere five seconds and found him on the balcony. She knew him all to well. He was leaning over the edge starring into the sky. "Zuko," She surprised him and he spun around. "We haven't had a chance to dance together." She said in an unhappy but sweet way.

Zuko gave her a small smile and out stretched his arm out for her to take. "Well…I guess I'm obligated to dance with you." He laughed while leading her back inside. They were both in the middle of the dance floor. Zuko moved one of his hands to her waist and the other grabbed hold of her hand. They moved with the music well. Every move they made was swift and soft.

Ember loved every minute of it, especially the part when he twirled her around and then dipped her in a circular motion. She was in such a daze that she had forgotten she had a plan. It dawned on her when she started to think of her and Zuko being together. Then Katara started to pop into mind.

"Oh Zuko, I'm really, really sorry but I have to jet. I'd forgotten that I have to send General Jingo a letter about my whereabouts. I better hop to it before I forget. Tell Katara hi for me…okay? Bye!" She waved while running towards the exit. That should get his memory triggered. She smiled devilishly to herself.

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Jet…Letter…Katara. All this stuff flowed around in Zuko's head. He remembered something that had to do with those names. He waited for everyone to leave before running to his study. He had forgotten all about the letter that he threw in his desk weeks ago. How could he forget about something he was so curious about. He was really anxious. He searched threw his top drawer and pulled out an unsealed envelope. He sat in his favorite chair and nervously pulled it out and read it:

Jet,

I must have started this letter at least 10 times and then threw it away. I never seemed to know what to write. You seemed like such a good person when I met you, but deceived me in so many ways. I don't know how I could ever forgive you but I did and got over it. You hurt me dearly and then took the pain away. I thought I loved you and I did love you, but why? I didn't know and you didn't either. I still love you till this day. I'm so sorry that I couldn't help you. I'm sorry I didn't stay. I had to keep moving for you. Before that dreadful day you asked me if I still loved you and if I still cared. Of course I still love you and yes I do still care. Even though your faraway doesn't make any difference about the way I feel towards you. I'm coming to visit you one of these days. Aang will bring me because I wouldn't dare ask Zuko. I'll see you one day but not right now. I miss you and I will always miss you. My first love Jet. Yes, Jet, My first Love. You will always be my first love. Well…I think I need to end this letter now. Tears are forming and I don't want to ruin the paper.

Love always,

Kat

Zuko's hands clenched tightly to the paper he held in front of him. Steam was roaring out of hi sears and nostrils. He was so hot that he burned the edges of the letter. He was furious with Katara. What the hell was he holding in his hands? Was it really a love letter to another man? Zuko was outraged and couldn't keep his composure. He stormed his way down to their bedroom with the half-burnt letter in one hand and a fire blazing out the other.

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Katara was just walking out the bathroom minding her own business when she was pulled away from the door and smashed against the wall. She let out a small scream because of the pain that jolted up her back. She looked up and saw it was Zuko and he looked pretty provoked.

His arm was against her throat, holding her in place and his knee was hinged between her legs so she couldn't move. He was smashing a crinkled up piece of paper in her face. "What the fuck is this, Katara, Huh? What is this shit?" He screamed in to her ear, making her fearful of him. "Zuko, I don't know what you talking about." She whispered while trying to push him away.

Zuko was getting more irritated at every second. Katara could feel his bodying heat rise. Zuko started to push a little harder at her throat. "O, so now you don't know what it is. What…You don't recognize it or something?" He growled, pushing more of his weight on her.

"Zuko, stop! You're hurting me!" Katara cried.

Zuko pushed more weight on her. "I'm hurting you?" he asked and Katara nodded slowly. "Well, let it hurt then! How the hell are you going to accuse me of messing around and you're the one sending fucking love letters?" Zuko would not let Katara talk. He just kept on with the questions. "Who is Jet, Katara? Hmm…? WHO THE FUCK IS JET?" He shouted threw clenched teeth. His arm still pushing against Katara's neck, making it hard for her to breathe.

"Zuko, I can…I can ex—" Katara stared but was cut off. "You can explain? Explain what?" He barked. Katara sobbed even harder. "Oh Jet, I love you! Oh Jet, I miss you! Oh Jet, I'm coming to see you!" Zuko mocked Katara's voice, but not in a good way. So much stuff was going threw his head and he had to punch something. A flame suddenly appeared and he threw a punch at the wall really close to Katara's head. Her eyes went wide when she saw how close his flaming fist was to her head. Zuko then roughly yanked his arm away from her neck.

Katara fell to floor holding her neck. Zuko looked down upon her in shame. He couldn't even look her in the eye. He really was trying to keep his temper under control. "So when were you planning on going to see him, Katara? Whose money were you going to take Katara? I hope you weren't planning on getting it from me!" Zuko hissed.

"Its…Its not wh—what you think." Katara cackled. She was using the support from the wall to stand. Zuko stared at her in disbelief. "It's not what I think? Katara! Do you really want me to kill you?" He asked in his calmest tone, watching her try to stand.

Katara's eyes filled with horror after realizing what Zuko had just asked her. "Wh—What?" She asked surprise, tear falling from her eyes.

Zuko rolled his eyes at her then turned around. "I'll deal with you later…from the looks of things he probably deflowered you too. I can't even stand looking at you right now." His voice lingered with disgust. He was about to walk away until he heard Katara say something.

"ZUKO, YOU KNOW YOU BROKE MY OPENING!" Katara screamed. How could Zuko say such a thing to her? The woman that he loved.

Zuko didn't turn his head to look at Katara. He just started walking towards the door once again. "I don't know what you waterbenders are capable of." He spat.

This made Katara angrier than she already was. He was really trying to break her heart and that pissed her off. He had just questioned her innocence. She charged at his back with her full power. She just kept hitting and hitting him on his back as hard as she could. "How dare you say something like that! You know you were my first!" She tried not to cry but couldn't help it. Tears just stared falling down her cheeks.

Out of reflex the back of Zuko's hand came hurling towards her. He slapped her. Katara was stuck in shock. One minute she was beating the crap out of Zuko and the next minute she was on the ground cupping her face. Zuko actually hit her. He actually hit her! In the face! She could feel the blood from her lip run down her chin. This caused even more tears to escape her eyes.

Zuko vowed never to hit her. So much for promises. "You," she paused before sniffling. "Said you'd never hit me!"

Zuko didn't mean to hit her but he wasn't going to say sorry because it would defeat the whole argument. " I'm not the only one who broke a promise…Cheater!!!!!" he replied.

Katara's eyes narrowed into deadly slits. "You fucking Bastard, I never cheated on you!" She stopped for second to catch her breath from all the crying she was doing. " Je—Jet is DEAD! I wrote a fucking letter so could give it to Aang so he could read it at his grave sight." Katara explained, before running into the bathroom.

Zuko stood there in a trauma staring at the bathroom door. His eyes were wide with shock. He couldn't believe he just did all of that for nothing. He had to apologize quickly. "Katara, open up, please!" He knocked on the bathroom door.

"Its open…" he heard from the other side of the door. Her voice was dark and low. It was as if she was giving him a warning but he didn't catch on and opened the door. To Zuko's surprise he saw Katara sitting on a counter right in front of the door. Her head hung low for a while then she slowly inched it up to look at him. She looked evil. Her eyes were in narrow slits. He could see the bruise on her left cheek and immediately felt bad.

He was so focused on her appearance that he didn't notice the ice daggers flying his way. Luckily he was leaning on the doorframe. In just the nick of time he slammed the bathroom door shut. He could hear the ice hit the door then the marbled floor. That crazy peasant really tried to kill me! He said to himself. He couldn't stay in that room. He had to clear his head and besides if he had stayed he probably wouldn't wake up the next morning.

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As soon as Katara heard the door slam she walked out of the bathroom. Her stomach was killing her. She was nearing her bed when a sharp pain pierced her side. It hurt so badly that she could hardly stand. She clenched her side and fell to her knees. Great timing for Zuko to leave. Another sharp pain stabbed her in the stomach. Tears began to flow down her face. She had no idea what was happening to her and she couldn't bring herself to scream for help because of the pain it would cause.

Katara winced in pain as another sharp feeling came about. She could then feel warm liquid running down her leg. It was blood pouring out of her. Her face filled with horror. "Zuko." She cried in a small whisper. She was scared. All of sudden she became very dizzy and passed out.

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Zuko was on his way to his garden when he felt something. He had a feeling that something wasn't right. It was something he never felt before. He didn't want to take any chances so he went back to check on Katara.

Five minutes later he was at his bedroom door. He felt that feeling again. He opened the door and found Katara sprawled out in a puddle of blood. "Ka…? KATARA!"

A/N: Wow…I've been late with the updates. I'm really sorry. I had a bad case of writer's block.

This chapter was really hard to write. I wanted it to be two chapters but decided to put it all in one since I've kept you guys waiting.

Can you guys guess what's happening to Katara?

Oh yeah…I forgot to say sorry about all the cursing. It just didn't seem right to argue with out cuss words and besides Zuko was really mad.

Oh yeah…and another thing, Zuko did NOT hit Katara purposely. It was an act of reflexes.

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