The Gaang had their morning meal and are back in their rooms to prepare for the party as the servants started setting the place up. Having trouble with putting on her attire, Katara went to Toph for help only to find her still in her sleeping clothes.
"You don't wear it like that." Toph raised an eyebrow at her friend wearing the dress disheveled.
"That's why I came to you, I need help." Katara smiled.
Toph motioned for her to come close. She fixed the clothing and placing the headdress as a final touch.
"Thanks." Katara thanked.
"You're supposed to be in your dress." Katara stated the words Toph dreaded to hear.
"It's just-"
"You don't want to." Katara sighed.
"No." Toph stated.
"I'm just nervous, it's going to be my first time wearing one. I know my parents want me to wear one and I don't want to disappoint them. They've been working so hard for this." Toph uttered.
"Come on, let's slip you into one of these." Katara smiled and gestured at her dress.
"But-"
"You'll just have to believe in yourself." Katara cut her off.
They were halfway thru when the music started playing.
"We have to hurry." Toph stated.
Katara twisted and tangled her fingers and at last the earthbender was done and clothed. Katara felt proud as she stared at Toph.
"Okay, stop with the drama let's go." Toph yelled.
The ladies hurried out of the room.
o0oOo0o
All heads were turned as the two ladies entered the room in their ever-so flawless attires. Men were gawking as females were awed. Katara and Toph swiftly walked pass the crowd and headed to their friends. The Beifong couple did nothing but smile and feel happy, their daughter grew up into a beautiful lady and they couldn't feel happier.
"Green's officially my favorite color." Zuko mumbled as he stared at the waterbender who motioned towards him and her brother.
"Y-you look pretty." Both the men stuttered but to different female.
Sokka was paralyzed, he never imagined the young Beifong to turn out so beautiful. He'd spent a long time with the said beauty but as a tuff and aggressive girl.
"Toph."
All four turned to the couple who made their way towards them.
"Mom, Dad." Toph hugged both her parents.
"You're so beautiful Toph." Her mom complimented almost crying.
Toph just smiled.
"Be sure to greet some of the noblemen's sons." Mr. Beifong winked before leaving the Gaang with a gesture of enjoying the party.
"Come on, some of my village friends attended the party." Toph gleefully spoke as she pulled Katara.
"Be sure to stay away from men." Sokka instructed before the ladies blended into the crowd.
Both men felt unguarded as the ladies left, females were giggling and staring at them.
"I need a drink." Sokka groaned, feeling uneasy with the number of eyes looking at him.
"I think they were serving booze there." Zuko mumbled and pointed at the corner.
With a simple eye contact, they both headed to the corner and started filling their cup.
"Hi Toph, you look pretty."
Their continuous compliment to the earthbender as she and Katara squeezed their way out of the room.
"Hi Miss, I'm-"
Katara ignored the guy who was about to introduce himself and lock arms with Toph.
"Can we head to the garden instead?"
Before Toph could speak, a rather good-looking guy stood in front of them.
"Lady Beifong." The guy greeted and kissed Toph's hand.
"I am Han Xoang." He introduced.
Katara noticed Toph stiffen.
"Excuse us for a while." Toph smiled and pulled Katara.
"I'm sorry for doing this but in all chances I need to talk to this guy." Toph whispered.
"Why? I don't think you even like him around you." Katara raised her eyebrows.
"I'll explain later just go on ahead and eat, dance or do anything you want. For the moment, this guy'll be taking all my time." With that Toph returned to Xoang.
Katara sighed and headed to the food area. She started filling up her plate when a huge man stepped in front of her. And by huge, he had muscles bulked up in every part of his body.
"Hi." Katara grimaced.
"Name's Shoa Fu." He spoke with his deep voice.
"Yeah." Katara avoided eye contact.
Luckily, her eyes met with his brother's. Sokka immediately eyed the huge guy. Fuming, he stood up and left his drinking buddy. Zuko noticed this and shifted his gaze to where the warrior was looking at. He felt himself stand and walk towards them.
"Hey." The Gaang males spoke in unison.
Shoa spun to his heel, meeting the warrior and firebender.
"What's your problem?" The huge man asked.
"You're bothering our friend." Zuko spoke sternly.
Sokka gestured Katara to leave. Nodding, the waterbender left and searched for a space where she can eat.
"Zuko it's okay let's go." Sokka placed a hand on his shoulders. They wouldn't be looking for trouble, not during their friend's birthday.
Good thing the man wasn't persistent. He ignored Sokka and Zuko as they left him.
o0oOo0o
"Where's Toph?" Sokka asked his sister after spotting her in a corner eating slices of fruits.
"I think she's at the garden with a guy." Katara responded.
"I thought I told you to avoid men." Sokka groaned and headed to the door that led to the garden.
"Oh Zuko, you have to try these. It tastes really good." Katara moaned as she munched the fruit.
Zuko couldn't help but laugh and blush as he watched Katara eat and the way she moaned at every bite she took, made him really turned fifty shades of red.
"You look good in green." Zuko shyly spoke.
"Thanks. Well, you always look charming in your usual Fire Lord attire." Katara smiled.
When the music turned to a familiar beat, Katara's eyes gleamed.
"I know this song." She spoke excitedly and pulled Zuko to the crowd who danced with the music.
Zuko was clueless but as he watched Katara swing and move her body, he managed to moved in sync like he knew the dance naturally.
Katara couldn't contain her laughter. The Fire Lord just looked very adorable as he danced.
"Okay, okay, stop." Katara spoke in between laughter.
Zuko couldn't feel ashamed watching Katara laugh, he thought it was worth it.
Something immediately changed Katara's facade, it was a feeling and she knew she didn't feel wrong.
"Yip! Yip!"
Everything seemed to stop in that very moment.
"Aang?" Katara mumbled out of thought.
"The Avatar!" One of the crowd yelled.