The ball that the earth king had insisted on holding, the day before the coronation ceremony was a celebration for everyone who had played a part in the war, no matter what side they had been on. It was about putting all of that behind them and moving on into a new era of peace and balance between the four nations.

Toph got that. She also like everyone else knew it was the last time that most of the people that she had fought side by side with where all going to be in the same place as each other, But she just couldn't get excited about it all. To her is was just like being back in the cage that her parents had her trapped in. that was until Aang had come and gave her a way out, and for that she would always be eternally grateful.

She sat in front of the mirror in her room. It was a large room on the ground floor, everyone else was at least a floor above this. Where they had balconies she had a veranda. She was waiting for the first sign of katara's foot steps coming along the corridor to get her. Despite her slamming a door in her face the last time she saw her, she knew Katara would still come to get her. If for nothing else than to make sure she was properly dressed for the occasion, that she hadn't pulled her hair out. Since they had returned to Ba Sing Sa toph had taken to wearing her hair down, it was just much simpler to take care of that way.

Once she heard the foot steps that she recognised immediately she slowly pulled herself to her feet, as she did she slipped her feet into a pair of green silk slippers, she had become so used to feeling vibrations with her feet, that shoes didn't affect her sight as greatly as they used to. In a way she liked it, it acted like a wall between her and the word. She saw enough, but it stopped her from picking up on the very tiny thing that she normally felt. At this point in time she wanted a little distance from all the heightened emotions that where going on around her, she was never good with that kind of thing

Katara had planed to give Toph the silent treatment, she was not going to go and collect her. That lasted for about five minutes, everyone was arriving and the gang as the guests of honour had to make a grand entrance, and Toph wasn't there. Aang had said he would go, but Katara went. Half way along the corridor she mentally kicked herself for having to always be the one that took care of everyone like a mother. She never choice that role, it was put on her. Like Aang and Zuko had their roles put on them.

She didn't bother to knock, if Toph slammed a door in her face she would not knock. Once she entered the door, Toph was turning round to face her. She looked more like a doll than she did at her fathers house. There was an effortless grace to the way she stood, that must have come from being of noble birth, but there was also a strength in her face masked a little now but still there. It hit her Toph hadn't chosen her role ether, to be born into a wealthy family, born blind and a master earthbender. Like herself she had to make the best of the role she was cast in.

"Oh Toph. You look really pretty"

Toph knew that katara was telling the truth but it didn't make her feel any more comfortable.

"Thanks. I wish I could say they same to you" as she spoke she waved her hand in front of her face, to make her point.

Katara let out a light laugh, glad to see a little of the old Toph" Are you ready to make our grand entrance. Everyone else is ready and waiting. You should see Aang he looks…. well like a grown up"

Even with slippers on, Toph could still pick up on Katara's heart race pick up, and the pride in her voice. Something's are to big that even a blind earthbender with shoes on can see them.

Toph took a deep breath then let it out "As ready as I ever will be"

The two benders made there way towards a servants staircase that lead to the floor above. This way they would reach the top of the grand staircase, in the main hall without the other guests seeing them. As they reached the staircase a waiter passed them. Katara gave him a smile. He returned it and bowed his head, than his eyes feel on Toph and didn't leave her till she was out of sight.

She had to clench her fists, a habit she had started to do a lot more often lately, as she walked up the stairs with his eyes burning on her. It wasn't what she could tell he was thinking, it was that he didn't see her the way she saw herself, broken, weak and alone.

When they where all together at the top of the stairs all of the other guests where all waiting for them in the main hall just below them. They were to be introduced one at a time, with their most formal titles. That seemed like salt in a open wound to Toph, so much so it was almost funny. There was real danger when her name was called she would start to laugh.

"Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please"

Everyone in the packed hall falls silent and turned their heads towards the staircase.

"Will you please welcome Captain Suki of Kyoshi Island"

With that Suki gave one last kiss to sokka and then made her way through the thick velvet green curtain, that hid them all from the crowed at the bottom of the stairs.

The crowed cheered, until.

"Sokka of the southern water tribe"

You could tell by the way Sokka strutted to the stairs that he just loved all of the attention he was getting. Suki had to shout him a look that said stop showing off and get down hear now. She had him well trained already.

"Master waterbender Katara of the southern water tribe"

Toph could just tell by the way Katara and Zuko all most jumped out of their skin when her name was called. That there was defiantly was something between the two of them. By the way they acted, she was sure they didn't really know themselves yet. This was one of the things she hated about her sight, seeing thing your not meant to. Aang seemed so happy and relaxed, it didn't seem fait that he might get his heart broken.

"Prince Zuko"

Toph's heart almost jumped out of her chest, she hated that she had reacted that way, but She was sure she was meant to be next. Aang could tell there was something wrong with Toph. He thought it might have Something to do with being in a large group of people, maybe it affected her sight. It could also have something to do with her parent.

"Are you ok you look really pale, are going to faint, do you need to sit down" he was about to take a step towards her, when her face turned to him.

"Way to make a girl pretty before she enters a party, Twinkle toes" she was forcing a smile.

"Lady Toph Be Fong master earth bender"

"Got to go. See you down there"

She didn't laugh, but she had to stop a smirk from appearing on her face.

For the second time that day he was left watching her walk away. Clearly with some thing on her mind. He only hoped he would get the chance to talk to her before he had to leave. That and tell Katara how he really felt about her were is two missions for the night.

"Avatar Aang"

Aang made his way through the curtain, down the stairs and joined his friends, his family one last time all together.

Thank you for reading, I hope you are enjoying the story. Ok questions fro this chapter.

One. Are the characters in character. If not what seems out of character so I don't do it any more.

Two. Who would you like to see at the party, any character that you liked and would be there you would like to see talking to the gang, if so who should they talk to.