Disclaimer: Don't own Avatar. Sorry, wish I did!

A/N: I just realized that this chapter makes barely any sense- it's like starting in the middle of a story- unless you know the following: Katara was kidnapped a few days before the fall of Ozai, while they were at the beach house thingy, just after Aang left. She hasn't been seen in the 2 months since then, and Zuko is really down about it. He has sent countless search parties- but his efforts are fruitless. Where could she possibly be? Also, Suki, Mai and Hakoda died during the war. I really, really didn't want this to happen, but it's crucial to my story. Except maybe Mai. She's so gloomy! It makes me feel sad. I hate feeling sad! Ships: Zutara, Ty Lokka, Taang, and surprises!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Lord Zuko?"

"Yes?"

"I have a message for you." The scared little boy handed him the note and sprinted out of the room.

"Thank you!" He called after the boy. Then he rolled his eyes and mumbled, "I'm not gonna hurt anybody, what is with them?" He unfurled the scroll and scanned the letter. It was short and to the point, but Zuko still gasped out loud when he read it.

To the Fire Lord,

Your girlfriend is alive, but you are going to have to sacrifice something for her. You have two weeks to reply with a trade. It better be good. Or I will pick.

-The Captor

"Katara." He murmured. His mind was instantly on a roll.

"Sokka!" he yelled. "Ty Lee! I need you!"

The couple popped their heads in. "What???" Ty Lee whined.

"I need you two for a very important mission. Katara's… Captor has sent me a letter. Bring it to General Iroh and tell him I need him as well. We're all going on a little trip." Then he strode out the door.

Zuko made his way down to the turtleduck pond, where he knew he would find the next two people he needed.

"Aang! Toph! I need you two." Zuko called to the couple, who he knew would help.

"Yeah, Zuko?" Aang said.

While Toph went, "Why are you so overexcited? But… you're not happy. What's going on?"

"The person who kidnapped Katara contacted me. He wants something for her. He calls himself 'The Captor'"

"OK, calm down. Where is this person? Zuko, we don't know anything about this person. We need to get more information!"

"Aang, just let us send a reply and- and- and Momo can follow the hawk and lead us to them! Please, I need Katara back, Aang."

"But what will you say in the letter?"

"I'm going to offer the Lordship."

A/N: Dun dun duun! The Lordship means Fire Lord, just in case you didn't know. Sorry, I not only love cliffhangers, but I write really short chapters! Long chapters are hard to write! Oh, and my title is cheesy, I need a new one. Any suggestions? Oh, and please review! I really like constructive criticism, it makes a story better!