Katara's POV

The day passed in a blur. People were running in and out of the room all day. Getting me ready, getting my things ready to move into the Fire Lady's apartments, and every so often Iroh would peak his head in and stop to chat or make tea. Sokka, Dad and Aang were all with Zuko doing who knows what and GranGran was with me looking over my dress and talking to me while I got ready. Finally things started to slow down. My hair was done, half down in waves and half up in a small twisted bun, that had flowers braided into it. In the bun would go the traditional Fire Nation coronet of the Fire Lady. Deep breaths, I told myself, even though the ceremony would be held in outside so the public could attend I wasn't nervous, I was more excited than anything else. I could not wait to marry Zuko even now I wish he were here. But I'd see him soon enough.

Zuko's POV

The day had been passing slowly, I woke up at dawn, taking a leisurely hour to sit on the veranda and watch the sun rise with a cup of tea, compliments of Uncle. As I watched the sun rise my mind drifted, my thoughts were on the past, my shared past with my future wife. After three years of happiness with Katara I had decided to propose. I worked for months on her betrothal necklace. After completing it I took the fastest ship to the Southern water tribe. The tribe had come a long way, instead of small igloos and tents there were entire structures of ice decorated in the traditional style of the tribes. Huge structures that's beauty could easily rival Ba Sing Sei's. Asking for Hakoda's permission was nerve racking to say the least. Telling the court of my decision was challenging, there had been opposition at first but, Katara has more than proved herself as a capable women. Now today all our hard work would be rewarded. My doors were blown open and, Agni help me, my future brother in-law and Aang came in with the kitchen maid.

Katara

It was time sunset was nearly upon us and me Sukki, Toph and my serving maids all started are walk to the royal fire lily gardens where the ceremony would be held.

"Are you ready sugar queen?" Asked Toph as she and Sukki walked beside me.

"Definitely" I answered.

So as the Sunghi horns played we made our way down the aisle, the ground had been covered in every sort of flower petal found in the Fire nation covered the aisle. I kept my eyes down; my nerves had finally set in. As I stepped up onto the platform I finally looked at Zuko. My Zuko, when I saw the look of love and awe on his face made my nerves vanish. He smiled took both my hands as we faced each other. Both a water tribesman and a Fire Sage were in charge of vows and making sure each of the two nations traditions were upheld. Our hands were encircled first in water then fire, sealing our elemental bonds. Now came the vows two different sets from two opposite nations.

"Do you Zuko of the Fire nation promise to provide, protect, and honor Katara Princess of the Southern tribe as your wife?" Asked the Water tribesman, Zuko answered with a strong and steady

"I so do swear." My turn,

"Katara of the Water tribes, do you promise to give your loyalty, respect, and honesty to Fire Lord Zuko as your husband, Lord, and friend?" My eyes met Zuko's and I gave my answer,

"I so do swear" He smiled, a true smile that was rare for Zuko, I was more fond of that smile than all the possessions in the world.

Zuko POV

The man from the Water tribes finished and declared:

"In the eyes of our Ocean and Moon spirits and in the hearts and eyes of every person of the water tribes, You Katara are now bound eternally to Fire Lord Zuko." There was much cheering from the crowd but it all seemed to be muffled by Katara meeting my eyes and smiling happily at me, I loved that smile.

Now it was the Fire Sages turn. My heart began to race; I knew this ceremony backwards and forwards having heard it at all the marriages of noble families I was made to attend before my banishment. However for some reason because they were now my vows to be made, the words held so much more.

"Fire Lord Zuko, with the blessing of your court and your people you have chosen, Katara, princess of the Southern Water Tribes, as your royal consort and Fire Lady. So do you Katara of the water tribes give your solemn vow to up hold the reputation of the Fire nation and your Lord and Husband? Do you promise to perform your duties as consort and Fire Lady to the best of your abilities? Do you promise to remain loyal to your Lord and Husband throughout your days?" Now I remember why I don't like Fire Sages, they talk far too much.

"I vow to do so." Her voice was soft and her eyes remained focused on mine as she said the words.

The sage turned to me. "Fire Lord Zuko, do you accept Katara of the southern water tribes' promise?"

"I do."

"Then do you in turn promise to protect her and treat her as the laws of your nation call so to do."

"I promise this and more." I smiled, this was it.

"Then I by the power of Agni, do proclaim you bound not only as husband and wife but also as Fire Lord and Lady." The crowd stood and cheered but my eyes were for Katara only as we turned to face each other and shared our first kiss as husband and wife. And I must say it was one of the best kisses I have shared with anyone.