Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender, it's owned by its creators Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko and Nickelodeon.
"Have you told your family yet?" Sokka asked.
Zuko shifted uncomfortably.
"No," he replied.
Katara raised her eyebrow since she was astonished.
"Why?" Katara asked.
"I wanted to get your acceptance, and your family's acceptance. It would be embarrassing to tell my family if it wasn't an agreed upon," said Zuko as he put his hand to the back of his neck.
Katara smiled slightly, as she looked down.
"So are you and Katara headed back to the Fire Nation?" Sokka asked.
Zuko and Katara looked at each other.
"Actually, we haven't made plans yet," said Katara.
"Oh," said Sokka. "Well, I'll leave you two to talk about your plans."
"He seemed down," said Katara.
"I'm sure he is. Why don't we invite him to come with us?" Zuko asked.
"Actually, can I talk to you about this in a more private setting?" Katara asked.
Zuko followed her, as she walked away from the village. They traveled deep into icy tundra of the South Pole. They made sure they weren't followed.
"So are you mad at me?" Zuko asked concerned.
"No. I'm just wondering if we'll really be able to do this. How is your mother going to react?" Katara asked.
"I don't know. She might be upset at first, and worried that my marriage might turn out like her's did, but it won't. I'll assure her of it. Besides we aren't really going through with it," Zuko replied.
"How is everyone going to react when we don't go through with it?" Katara asked.
"I'm sure they will be surprised, but I think they'll be more surprised that we were planning to marry in the first place," said Zuko.
"You're right, but there is one other thing. It's Toph," said Katara.
"What about her?" Zuko asked confused.
"She can tell when a person is lying. I think she'll be able to figure out the truth. How are we going to keep others from finding out the truth? And how are you going to get a girlfriend if people think you are engaged?" Katara asked.
"I don't want a girlfriend right now. I want to focus on repairing the world right now," said Zuko. Then he added, "And I don't want people pestering me about it. I thought you understood, but I guess I was wrong. Let's end this now."
Zuko started to walk back rapidly, but Katara built a wall of ice to slow him down.
"Wait," Katara called to Zuko as she raced to catch up. Zuko stopped and let her catch up. After she caught up with him, she said, "I know you're upset, and I'm sorry I haven't made things any easier. I'll still do it, but we need to be prepared in case someone finds out and what will happen in the future."
"You're right," said Zuko. "I think the best thing would be to say that we aren't ready for marriage and that will be the reason for our break up. As for Toph, I don't think she will out our secret to the world if she does find out. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"
"Yes, I am. Are we heading to the Fire Nation when we get back?" Katara asked.
"My uncle's back in Ba Sing Se. I thought we'd head there first to pick him up," said Zuko.
"What about Ursa? Aren't you going to tell her first? Also won't people find out if we are traveling together?" Katara asked.
"You're right, about my mom anyway. I want to be the one to tell her. I also want my uncle to be there when we announce it. I don't think people will think we're engaged, unless we announce, although there might be rumors," said Zuko.
"I can handle it,"said Katara. She took Zuko's hand and they headed back to the village. "What's the plan?"
"We'll head to Ba Sing Se first. I want to let my uncle know first and privately. I'm sure he will be more than thrilled, so be prepared. Then we can visit my mother in Hira'a. After that we can formally announce the engagement," said Zuko.
"Zuko, what will be expected of me when we return to the Fire Nation?" Katara asked.
"First, we will have a formal announcement that we are engaged, like it was for my coronation, afterwards there will be a party. I think you will have to learn about the Fire Nation and the rituals we have. My mother told me she had to give up her old life, but I want that to change so it won't be expected of you," said Zuko.
"She had to give up her old life?" Katara asked.
"Yes, she wasn't allowed visit her parents, but that was because of my father," said Zuko.
Katara put her hand to Zuko's scar and said, "You are nothing like him."
"I know," he replied.
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"Not that I can think of. We can figure it out later," said Zuko.
Stay tuned...