I puffed out a breath, kicking a rock and smiling at the blue sky. It was such a nice day, and I had it all to myself! Ba Sing Se was a beautiful city, but just a bit creepy. Especially Judi. I shook off the thoughts of the wide-smiling hostess and stretched my arms out, enjoying the feeling of the warm morning air on my skin.

I had seven hours to kill before meeting the gang for dinner. I settled for strolling through the streets in my new loose capris and halter top. I traded out the blue for a green, and decided to wear my necklace. After talking to Sokka about Zuko (well not specifically mentioning it was him) I couldn't stop thinking about him. The day he gave me the betrothal necklace was one I could never forget.

The garden at the Fire Nation palace was always my favorite place to be; specifically the section with all the flowers that could be grown in the Fire Nation. The fire lilies were my favorite.

"Miss Hikari?" The maid who was watching me called. "You have a visitor."

I turned to find Zuko waving the maid away. I smiled.

"Hey, is it time for a training session already?" I joked.

Zuko scowled. "Those are so pointless."

I laughed. "You're so cute when you're angry."

His cheeks tinted red and he moved closer. I looked back to the fire lilies.

"They're beautiful." I said.

Zuko grabbed my hand, placing something smooth and silky in it and whispered, "You're more beautiful."

He tucked a stray hair behind my ear as I opened my palm to view what he had given me. A slim piece of ivory had been carved into a magnificent fire lily in full bloom. It was attached to a silk ribbon.

"Thank you." I breathed as he tied it around my neck.

Zuko looped his arms around my waist, giving me a hug from behind.

"I love you, Hikari."

"I love you too, Zuko."

A couple catcalls knocked me out of my memories. I had wandered by a dojo, and a few of the boys were hanging around outside. I smiled and they beckoned me over.

"Hey pretty girl, how would you like to hang out with some master earth benders?"

"Master earth benders?" I questioned. "Sure, that is, if you can beat this pretty girl."

They chuckled, and agreed, "Alright, if you insist."

More guys began to gather around to watch as I circled with my first opponent.

"Get her Lee!" Some of the boys called, while others just cheered as I took my first shot.

My water whip cut straight through the boulder he sent my way, and the crowd let out an 'oooohhh'. He then tried to knock me out of the dirt ring by throwing multiple earth disks. I knew better than to use my fire bending. I kicked each disk, splitting them into shards of rubble. The crowd cheered as I was suddenly thrown up against the wall, held in place by four stone cuffs.

The boy gave a triumphant smirk as he approached me.

"Looks like I've won, pretty girl." The boys behind him laughed.

I waited for him to get closer. "Really now?"

He was only a foot away when I gave a quick flick with my fingers, and a ball of water flew out of the nearby drains, knocking the boy off his feet. With a precise slice, I cut away the cuffs. Raising my hands above my head, then sweeping them to the side, a large wave filled the courtyard were the fight had taken place. When the water seeped back into the drains, I was the only one left standing.

"Looks like I've won." With satisfaction I marched out of the dojo.

{BURNING WATER}

Well, I'd managed to waste two hours. Maybe it was time for a little shopping. The market stalls were so cute and quaint, but unlike in smaller towns, they held that air of busyness. I stopped to look at a few stalls: a food stand, where I grabbed a snack, and a jewelry stand. The stand was in just the right place, the sun bouncing off the shiny jewels in the most beautiful manner.

"May I help you?" A petite girl behind the counter asked.

"I'm just looking." I smiled.

It was quiet for a moment as I continued looking. The girl had mousy brown hair that was pulled up in a short ponytail. Her clothes were a soft green dress, and she had a crisp craft apron.

"You're so lucky! You're betrothal necklace is beautiful. You must have really caught a good man!" The girl exclaimed suddenly.

I squirmed and laughed awkwardly. "I'm sorry, but I'm not getting married. It was a gift from my love two years ago."

"Oh." The girl sounded piteous, "Did something happen to him?"

"You could say." I replied curtly.

"Well, I wish you luck." The girl smiled gently, and I nodded before moving on.

{BURNING WATER}

The sun started to dip into the west, turning the streets a shimmery red. It was just about time to head back to the house.

"Hey!" I turned to see the boys from the dojo running towards me.

"What?" I demanded, ready to get some food.

My stomach grumbled loudly and I let out a frustrated sigh. What could they want?

"We want a rematch!"

Of course.

"Look, kids, I don't have time."

"You just can't beat us again!" It wasn't the boy I had beaten earlier that said this.

He was smaller, with scraggly black hair and a smudged face. I put my hands on my hips, tapping my foot impatiently.

"I'm sure I can." I stated.

A few of the older, larger boys appeared, ready for a fight. My stomach grumbled again.

"Prove it!"

"Look kid, I really want to get home and eat. I'm not one to mess with when I'm hungry." I warned, but the group of boys only moved closer.

"You're just a chickenpig!" The boys began to shout.

That was it. I pulled water from the fountain behind me, using it to push the whole group of boys up the wall and freeze them there. I panted for a minute, trying to catch my breath.

"Have fun boys!" I called saucily as I walked away.

It was time for some food. I was the last one to arrive back from our day off. Everyone greeted me as I joined them at the table. The discussion ensued about where we had gone and what we had done on our day off.

"But it was great! I can't believe how mad they were!" Toph laughed as she recalled dumping a few girls in the canal.

"So what did you do today, Hikari?" Aang inquired.

"Oh," I smiled a secret smile, "Nothing interesting."