Chapter 3
Party?
Katara yawned as the soft rays of early morning sun danced across her face. She was laying in the courtyard again, hair splayed across the grass in a careless manner, fingers intertwined with Aang's, just listening to the sounds of the waterfall, the chirping birds, and the whizzing of the air Aang was bending with his free hand. Turning her head to the side she smiled at Aang before letting her eyes travel the garden again and taking in the scene of spring fever. Suki was chasing a laughing Sokka around the courtyard, probably for some comment or other that deserved a swift smack to the back of the head but would end with cuddling and sweet nothings. Zuko was reclining on a bench beneath the waterfall with Mai leaning back across his chest. Ty Lee and Haru were skipping stones across the calm water surface of the pond and even Toph seemed to be blushing as she chat quietly with Teo, who had come with his father to talk about repair strategies and costs.
Life was perfect again, peaceful and calm. And it was all so easy to come by. Why couldn't the world be just like this garden? Four nations, enjoying the beauty of the nature earth, coexisting through love and understanding. She just couldn't understand why that was so difficult for the adults to see. It shouldn't be that hard since everyone agreed they wanted peace. Why were they arguing?
She sighed, releasing Aang's hand to roll over onto her stomach and watch a couple of baby turtleducks waddle by. It was forgiveness. Forgiveness held them back, and she wasn't quite sure how to combat that. She's struggled with the idea of it too. She'd forgiven Zuko but when she thought about it what had he really done to her? She hadn't forgiven the man who killed her mother, he'd taken away someone she loved and cared about. Another sigh, escaped her in an annoyed huff. Her father was right. It was complicated and the issues the kings, generals, and representatives brought to the table were far more serious than anything she had against the fire nation.
Thinking about the council brought a frown to her face as she arched up and looked at the main doors back into the palace. She hadn't seen her father since their talk in the hallway last night. In fact, she hadn't seen any council members which led her to believe that they'd been talking, most likely arguing, all night. She'd seen servants bent under the weight of heavy trays this morning, heading in the direction of the meeting room. She wondered if they'd have to do the same thing for lunch or if the council would be out then. Her eyes shifted to Zuko, wondering what he thought about being dismissed from his own peace summit. His face appeared to be blank as usual but she could see hints of agitation in his form as she too glanced discreetly at the doors probably not for the first time this morning. 'He's probably not too worried, after all, his uncle is in there and Iroh wouldn't let anything happen to his nephew.' Katara thought.
"Hey Zuko! How close is the nearest beach?" Sokka's voice, yet again, rang out across the courtyard. Katara was definitely considering taping his mouth shut before their next visit to the courtyard.
"It's a short walk." Zuko shrugged. "Why?"
"I was thinking we should have a party, for old times sake, to celebrate when all this peace talk stuff is done. I was thinking some music and dancing, to relieve the stress of these last couple of weeks sounds." Sokka explained.
"Sounds good to me." Zuko yawned.
"Yeah, it's a really great idea. Can I help you plan it?" Ty Lee jumped in.
"Of course, you know the fire nation better than we do." Suki grinned beckoning Ty Lee over. Sokka looked suspiciously at the fire nation girl who turned a bright smile up at him as she danced over to Suki's side. Suki tugged Sokka down to begin discussing plans and his hesitance was quickly forgotten. It was a slow process but he was getting used to Ty Lee, it was just habit to panic first.
Katara smiled, a party sounded great. It wasn't until Sokka suggested it that she realized she was feeling just a bit cooped up at the palace all day. She loved the courtyard and taking walks on the paths surrounding the palace but since the meetings had taken up most of her days it seemed a little fun was definitely in order. Enthused chatter filled the courtyard as everyone had ideas and suggestions for the celebration. A nearby attendant brought a small writing desk and placed it before Sokka. Paper was distributed and lists of everything under the sun were being made. Katara laughed as the simple beach party grew more flamboyant to the point of unrealistic. Later she and Suki would have to sit down and cross off all the ridiculous suggestions that simply weren't going to happen.
--
The teens had gotten so distracted with their party ideas that no one noticed the main doors open and the somber expressions of Hakoda and Iroh as they entered the courtyard. It wasn't until King Bumi had snuck up on them and scared them all with his sudden presence and loud voice asking what they were all so excited about. Laughing at each other for jumping and screaming like that they quickly absorbed Bumi into their party plans and their outrageous plans skyrocketed to a new level of fantasy.
Katara's face glowed as she watched the excitement of her friends but fell as she caught site of her father's face. She cocked her head and squirmed fruitlessly, trying to catch his eye but he was determinedly looking off to the side now that he had her attention. Curiosity propelled her to his side, fear made her skitter and hesitate every couple of steps.
Iroh had caught Zuko's attention and the young Fire Lord had excused himself to attend to his duties.
"We have much to discuss nephew." Was all Katara heard Iroh say as the two disappeared into the palace.
"Dad, what's wrong?" Katara asked as she finally made it to his side.
"We've come to a decision, Katara. It's going to take some getting used to but it's something we could all agree on." Hakoda sighed.
"Well what is it?" Katara pressed, feeling slightly guilty for not suggesting her father go take a nap and then they'd discuss things later. He looked worn and tired but anticipation swirled around her every thought making it impossible to wait.
"Perhaps we should discuss this inside." He suggested.
"Alright, do you want me to get Sokka?" She asked, eyeing her brother who still hadn't noticed anyone had come in.
"No, I'll catch him up to speed later. I promised you we'd talk so I'll tell you first." Hakoda gave a weak grin as he turned and went inside, a confused Katara following quickly behind.
A/N: I know, it's kinds cliffy-ish but I'm still working out all the details of the agreement (AKA, my little sister isn't home and she knows way more about Avatar than I do so if I want to keep this from getting too OC I think I'll confer with her before I go on). So, I'll let you know what it is soon enough, sorry for the wait.