The next day was dreadfully busy. Too busy for my own liking. I thought I would be used to the rushed feeling of getting things done since I've been traveling between the four nations for about 8 months, staying in places not even for a day at times. But I was exhausted. It was as if all those months of traveling caught up with me, dragging me down from finishing strong. Or maybe it was just me being tired from the night before, nearly killing myself with worry over whether or not I'll ever see my best friends again. Last night. I feel my face warm up abnormally and a sly smile spreads across my face. I was so emotional last night, that things between Aang and me, well…happened. I blush even more thinking about the events of this morning…
When I woke up, I could see the morning sun slowly beginning to shine through the shutters of my room Zuko arranged for me. I stayed in bed for a good half-hour when a small knock on my door aroused me from my deep thinking. I didn't respond, knowing who was standing outside my door. There was only one person that would be up at this hour, and I smiled as I waited for him to come in. I see the door open just a crack, and a small head with a familiar blue arrow pops through.
"Katara…?" Aang said, peeking into my dark room. "Are you…awake?"
I didn't respond, pretending I was asleep, giving a fake sleepy sigh and rolling to my side. His light footsteps walked into my room, and I heard him shut the door. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping I don't blow my cover. I heard his footsteps again, stopping directly at the foot of my bed. I hear Aang sigh, and walk over to the side of my bed, gently sitting down next to me. I decide it's time to officially 'wake up' so I open my eyes sleepily and look up at him.
"Hi." I whispered.
"Hi." He whispered back, looking down at me with a small smile. "Are you feeling better today?" I just shrugged.
He reached down and touched my cheek.
"Well…that's a good sign." He said, moving his hands.
"What's a good sign?" I said, clearly confused.
"No tears." He said, giving me a big smile.
"No tears." I said back, slowly sitting up.
He gave me a deep sigh and grabbed my hand, letting his thumb once again dance across mine. I felt myself blush at the gesture.
"You won't see me too much today…" He said, looking down at our hands. "There's Zuko's coronation, and I have to prepare a proposal about the peace movement to the Earth Kingdom generals directly afterwards. There's so much to do…"
"I can help you with your proposal…" I said, giving him a weak smile. "You know me…motivational speeches and peace talks are my thing!" I punched my fist in the air. He nervously laughed at my response and releases my hand, standing up.
"I would love that…but the Fire Sages told me I have to write it myself…I already asked them if I could ask you for help…" He said, giving me an innocent smile.
"Well Mr. Avatar. Better hop to it. You have a long day today… Will I see you later on?" I said, my voice full of hope.
"Of course! After the coronation, there is supposed to be some sort of festival." He said, his face contorting into deep thought. I don't say anything, waiting for him to continue.
"Would you…like to…go with me? As…my date?" He said, fidgeting his fingers. I rolled my eyes at him.
I ripped off my covers and stood up in front him, bringing my face close to his. Our noses lightly touched. I heard his breathing pick up, his cold breath on my face.
"Hmm…I don't know." I teased, tapping my index finger on the bottom of my chin. "I have to see if my schedule is open…"
He gulped and stood very still. "I…uh…your schedule?" He stammered out, his face glowing red.
I leaned in closer to him, gently brushing my lips on his, letting them linger there. I felt him holding his breath and I let out a small chuckle.
"Mmm, maybe…I could make you an exception…" I said, pulling away, wearing the biggest grin I could hold.
"Now, since you have such a big day ahead of you, I think it's best if you get going." I said, turning the stunned airbender around and pushing him towards the door. I finally get him into the hallway and give him one last teasing smile, and reach for the door, when suddenly a huge gust of wind pushes it past me, breaking it off the hinges. I looked towards the entrance to give Aang a look of disproval, only to see him missing.
"What the…" I said, peering out my broken doorway, glancing down the hall. I turned around, and I am met with a pair of stormy grey eyes.
"Aang, what are you-!"
I am cut off with his lips meeting mine, only for a brief moment, which was too short for my liking. My eyes remained closed in shock, only to hear him seductively whisper in my ear.
"Two can play this game Katara. Too bad I'm better at it than you!" And with that he forms an air scooter and whirrs out of my room, laughing his way down the hall. I stood in my broken doorway with a blank look on my face, trying to comprehend what just happened. I sighed dreamily and went back into my room and flopped on my bed. I must have laid there for about an hour, because soon enough Toph came stopping in my room, and literally pulled me out of bed.
I groan and rub the sensitive patch of hair on my head, where Toph aggressively pulled this morning. I shrug it off and look up towards the front of the palace, where the five Fire Sages sat, awaiting the arrival of the soon-to-be Firelord, and of course, the Avatar. I purse my lips into a small smile thinking about him.
Suddenly the crowd erupts into a huge applause and I squint my eyes, looking towards the curtains separating the palace from the top of the steps. I see Zuko step out first and the people around me go wild. The gong is struck and he walks to the middle, holding his hand up.
"Please…the real hero… is the Avatar." He says, as Aang slowly walks up behind him, now in full view. I gasp at the sight of him. He was attractively dressed in new air nomad clothing I haven't seen before. I feel my cheeks blush as he looks into the crowd, our eyes meeting and lingering for a few seconds, only to be broken with me shyly looking away.
"Today…this war is finally over!" Zuko bellows, the crowd making him almost inaudible.
"I promised my Uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation, and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But, with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era, of love and peace."
One of the Fire Sages steps forward, carrying a small crown that took the shape of a flame. Zuko kneels down in front of him, and the Fire Sage places the crown delicately in his tightly wrapped bun.
"All hail Firelord Zuko!"
The crowd applauds and Zuko stands, making his way to the top of the marble steps. He nods his head forward for Aang to come join him, and together they stand, marking the official end of the 100-year war. The Fire Lord and the Avatar, finally at peace with each other. I feel my eyes well up with joy, as my eyes flicker from Zuko to Aang. I let them linger on Aang for a while, and soon enough, his eyes meet mine again. Only this time, I don't dare look away.