AUTHOR'S NOTE: Some Kataangst, but yeah...Post-finale stuff.

Iroh's simple words had embedded themselves in her mind since their talk and just were repeated over and over every time she saw Aang since that afternoon.

'You will let him know in your own way and you will know when.'

Katara stood in one corner of the large palace dining room, watching those most important to her as they mingled with guests at yet another celebration party. Sokka was animatedly telling of his exploits during the final battle, his crutch and broken leg clearly not stopping his enthusiastic storytelling. Occasionally Suki or Toph would playfully tease him when he exaggerated his part in the great battle, prompting an equally enthusiastic defense of his actions from the young warrior.

Zuko stood on the raised platform that dominated the other end of the room, Mai by his side. Katara had grown to like the girl in the short time she had known her and she looked lovely and every inch the noblewoman in her new gown. Despite their differences and rocky start, Zuko had become extremely important to the waterbender and it was so wonderful for her to see that from the way Zuko held Mai's hand or the way Mai smiled at Zuko it was clear they made each other happy.

'You will let him know in your own way and you will know when.'

"Are you okay?"

The waterbender had been so lost in her thoughts she hadn't noticed the Aang coming over to her. Now he was beside her with a look of concern etched across his gentle features. She watched as he cautiously reached out to take her hand, but then pulled it back, the concern in his eyes replaced by doubt.

Katara felt a tightening in her chest. It was because of her he doubted himself and his worthiness to be loved and she hated herself for bringing that on him. Now that the war for the world was over her feelings was his last battle and he was desperately trying not to lose it.

'Tell him.' Her mind screamed at her. She felt tears sting her eyes and without even looking at him or answering his question, she turned and raced out of the room. Katara didn't have to see Aang's face to know she had just driven the knife in deeper to his heart.

The cool night air bit through the thin silk of her gown and she sank down onto one of the benches in the palace garden, burying her face in her hands and sobbing.

"Katara…"

The girl felt her body stiffen a little at the sound of Aang's voice. He had followed her and at first she wasn't sure if it was because he hadn't given up on her or if it was out of sheer concern for her.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

The waterbender lifted her face to look at him and saw nothing but sadness, nervousness, and love in his eyes. And beneath it all, a little glimmer of hope.

"I know you don't feel the same about me and I can't change that. I had hoped that after the war ended that we'd be together, that you loved me like I love you, but you don't. I don't know why, but it hurts to know that I am making you so uncomfortable. I don't want that."

He turned to walk away and she felt the air being sucked from her lungs. It was just like after he had been struck down by Azula's lightning strike only worse. She knew at that instant that life without him would have been difficult enough, but life without loving him was worse than any thing she could have imagined.

"Aang!" She choked out. "Please don't go. Please."

The young Avatar turned around, unashamed of the tears on his cheeks. He stared at her with the same grey eyes that had captured her attention a year ago on the iceberg she had rescued him from and she knew she couldn't keep silent any longer.

'You will let him know in your own way and you will know when."

'…you will know when.'

'…you will know when.'

Katara reached out and grabbed both of his hands in her own and pulled him to her. Her hands moved up to his face and with the pads of her thumbs she gently wiped the tears from his cheeks.

"When you were struck down by Azula, I nearly died inside myself. The thought of losing you was almost too much to handle and so I told myself and even convinced myself that loving you was not a good idea because I didn't know if I could handle losing you again against Ozai."

She paused for a moment, trying to control of her emotions and to once again take his hands in her own.

"But I was wrong, Aang. I put my fears above what I should have done a long time ago and that was to tell you that I do love you." She looked at him. "I know I have hurt you. I know I shouldn't expect you to…"

Suddenly she felt his soft lips pressed against her own, cutting her off. Unlike that horrible night at the play, this time there was no doubt and no confusion. And no pulling away. She felt the tears streaming down her face as he kissed her, knowing that he was doing what he did best – forgive and love. He had forgiven her, he loved her, and she felt so elated and at the same time unworthy that this beautiful, gentle creature wanted her and only her.

'You will let him know in your own way and you will know when.'

"The world is at peace now, but my world wasn't. You are my world." Katara whispered softly, pressing her forehead against his. "I love you."

She whispered the words over and over again, pulling him in for another kiss.

Nearby the happy sounds of a world at peace floated out from the dining room, but for Aang and Katara at that moment, the only peace that mattered was their own.