I have an announcement, due to me missing certain plot threads in the first draft I will be adding more chapter so now there are at least 40 chapter slated for the story. Also if anyone has any complaints or issues with story please let me know :)! Thanks for reading! On to Chapter 22.

Chapter 22:

Everything was moving so fast. Yesterday Katara was a normal girl and today she would step out in front of the world as Zuko's fiancée. In a matter of hours she would have to announce her undying love towards a man who she was completely confused about. June made sure that her appearance was up to par. According to June her outfit would mean everything. Since there was already a Scarlet A on her chest her look had to be sexed down, as June seemed to put it. She made Katara change four times and decided that the knee length black skater dress with the high neckline was idea. Paired with a white blazer and black heels June said nothing about the look reminded her of the video. June slicked her hair back into a bun, claiming her wavy curls screamed post-sex hair. Katara actually hated her hair up like this. It reminded her of a four year old or a Catholic nun, but then again she assumed that was the whole point of the style. June rushed Katara out the door to meet Zuko for prepping.

Zuko was dressed in a solid navy suit and black tie, his hair was slick back for once. He looked kind of innocent, too innocent for Katara's taste. They met Zuko downtown at the Lexington Building where the conference would be held. Zuko was there waiting in the lobby for them. From there the trio went into one of the sound proof rooms upstairs. The air was evidently tense between her and Zuko. There were still unresolved issues. She wanted to apologize to him, but just didn't know how. June sat in a single chair, while she motioned for Zuko and Katara to sit next to each other on the small love seat. There was a mile of space between the two of them.

June shook her head in disapproval, "You can scout in closer. If there's this much noticeable distance between you too this won't work. The way you play is the way you practice. Move in closer."

Katara inwardly sighed as Zuko inched closer to her. Now there thighs touched, but still there was tension. Zuko had even so much as looked at her yet. June groaned and got up out of her seat. She pushed the two together even closer, swung Zuko's arm around Katara's shoulders, and leaned Katara into Zuko's chest a bit more. It felt so strange. Zuko's arm felt so heavy around her.

"Better, but it can use improvement. Whatever your issues are they don't matter in front of that camera. The camera will pick up everything so I suggest you two pull it together now and get comfortable. Now the press conference I have set up has every news station and notable reporter I could find. In addition to news people, Agni Inc.'s prominent investors will be in attendance. It will be broadcasted live tonight at 8 PM all around the country, which means we have no room for mistakes and 7 hours to prepare." June explained returning to her chair.

"Forgive me but I've never done a press conference before. How is this supposed to go?" Katara asked, sitting up.

"It's nothing complicated. I give my speech, I announce you as my fiancée, and you stand by my side for the duration looking happy." Zuko explained in a stoic voice.

"That's exactly correct. Now when Zuko is finished his speech the media will bombard you with questions, but we have to leave immediately to go to the interview with Joo Dee. Her show, Republic City after Dark is the premiere talk show in the 9-10PM time slot for gossip. She's a little boorish for my taste, but she will ask questions that everyone will want to know. We need to make sure both of you are prepared. First, let's here Zuko's speech." June demanded looking towards Zuko with high expectations.

"That's not necessary. My speech writer has made sure it'll be effective. Let's move on." Zuko said in a disconnected voice.

"Okaaaay, I can something has you in a bad mood. Let's start with a simple question you both will answer: How long have you two been together? Let's have an appropriate and believable number." June asked waiting for an answer.

"3 months." Katara answered quickly.

"2 years." Zuko answered proudly

June slapped herself in the face, "Uhhhh, this is going to be a lot of work."

They definitely weren't on the same page at all. This was going to be a struggle.

~/~

7:50PM. Katara's makeup and hair was being check over once more. Four people were primping and fixing to make sure she would look perfect from every angle the camera could possibly catch her. She suddenly felt a heavy knot in her stomach. They had barely made it through prep without stumbling over each other's words. June decided to basically script some answers for them during the interview, but it was up to them to at least appear in sync tonight.

"We're on in five." June yelled. "Get ready to go out there!"

Zuko and I stood behind June ready to pass the threshold. Katara's heart was beating a hundred miles per minute. Her body felt so rigid due to her anxiety. She was actually doing this. She would be Katara no more, but the known as Zuko Agni's fiancée. She felt something warm on her hand. She was shocked that Zuko had clasped his hand in hers. Her body felt completely at ease. She was ready.

"Let's go. Remember look happy!" June led Zuko, Katara, and the rest of Zuko's team out onto the stage. As they filed onto the stage cameras were already flashing. The auditorium was packed with spectators, older man with grey hair and suits, and reporters armed with iPhones, camcorders, and large cameras on tripods. All eyes were on them as Zuko stepped up to the mic. Katara, June, and the rest of the team stood behind him. Katara stood up straight and put on her best supportive smile.

Zuko adjusted the mic and cleared his throat, "Good evening everyone. Thank you for joining me tonight for this conference. Many of you in this room have known me since I was a boy either personally or through various media outlets. Over the past decade I know I've given many people reason to be critical of me, to only believe that am a man who has no morals. My name is Zuko Agni, the son of Ozai Agni, and I currently serve as the CEO and keeper of my family's legacy. Today, I stand before you as a man truly ashamed for not represented my great grandfather's legacy with my behavior. I have disrespected my company, my family, my investors, and myself with my recent actions. In light of the situation involving an explicit video I'd first say that I did not intend for that private moment with someone who I care for to be expose for the public eye. I apologize for not thinking about how I would represent myself and this company. I certainly did not mean to tarnish my name. The video that was released was the product of human desire. We are all humans and have had a steamy escapade, although they usually do not get broadcast across the country."

The crowded erupted in amused laughter.

Zuko continued, "I understand people have questions, statements, and even opinions to share with me about who I am and how my actions have shaped your opinion of me. I am here to tell you that none of you truly know who I am at this moment. I am becoming a better and a changed man. What transpired in the video was the result of my need to express my love and passion to a woman who has been instrumental in getting me back on track. Katara, please stand up here beside me."

Zuko turned towards her in an affectionate way and reached his hand out to her. She froze. June gave her a small kick on the ankle and she fell forward a bit, catching Zuko's hand for support. She walked up to the podium and stood next him with a huge smile on her face. Zuko lifted up their clasped hands above the podium so all in the room could see. Gasps and shocked faces filled the auditorium.

"You all know her as the woman seen in the video. I know her as a lover, as a friend, and as the best thing that has ever happened to me. Unfortunately, circumstances have forced us to become public with our relationship. Let it be known everywhere that her name is Katara Sapphire soon to be Katara Agni. Once again I apologize for the manner that our relationship had to be expose in such a vulgar manner. I hope I have not lost your faith, respect, and trust as I step forward to become the best CEO, the best man, and the best husband I can be. Thank you."

Zuko pulled Katara away from the mic and led her off stage. The two walked off stage smiling and hopeful. An eruption of people having questions filled the room.

"At this time Mr. Agni will take no questions." June stated trailing behind the couple. She couldn't believe they had actually pulled that off. Katara felt like she was walking on clouds. This would fix everything. It wasn't that bad. Once back stage Zuko immediately dropped Katara's hand and walked away from her. Oh of course, that was just an act. Of course he's upset with her.

"You guys did so great! That shot of you two at the podium holding hands will be ALL over social media. Come on, let's get you both to see Joo Dee. You'll exchange rings in the car." June pressed the party forward to make their way to the car.

~/~

The car was completely silent. Zuko was on the other side of the seat staring out the window aimlessly. She wanted to ask him what was wrong because something so obviously was bothering him. Ever since Katara came around he seemed to be in a horrible attitude. Maybe if she apologized, maybe if she tried to listen to him more it would help.

"Well this is awkwardddddd. You two should take a selfie for Instagram. It'll have people talking." June stated holding out Zuko's phone.

"Sure." Zuko snatched the camera and slid over to Katara. He planted a soft kiss on her cheek, Katara smiled, and he snapped the picture of the kiss. All of that happened in the span of two seconds. Before she knew it Zuko was once again a million miles away from her.

"Alright you guys. I have the rings. We'll be at Joo Dee's in ten minutes. They were handmade by a French jeweler." June handed both her and Zuko a small black jewelry box. Katara opened the box and couldn't believe the ring. It was absolutely breath taking. The ring had a silver band with tiny diamonds embedded into the band. On top was a large, pink princess cut diamond, surrounded by smaller black diamonds to line it. Her eyes watered before she even took it out of the box.

"I'm glad you like it. That's 15 carats of solid white gold and pink diamonds there. Zuko requested nothing less than 15 carats for you. We make it out of this and you get to keep it with me no issues."

Katara graciously put the beautiful ring on her left ring finger and stared at her hand for a few seconds in awe. "T-thank you Zuko."

"Yeah. Welcome." Zuko stated not even turning his head to see the ring on her. Katara grimaced. What did she expect anyway? She called him disgusting. That same knot came back in her stomach again. It was guilt and regret.

"We're here!" June exclaimed. "I'll go in first to let them know you're here. Check to see if everything is okay in the dressing rooms. You can sit in the car and I'll come back out and get you. Practice your lines, okay?"

June got out of the car and left Zuko and Katara alone in the car. The painful silence set in. Katara looked at her phone and opened Instagram. It had been 20 minutes and the photo had gotten thousands of likes and comments.

"Our photo has gotten pretty popular." Katara joked.

"Great." Zuko responded dryly.

"Listen, I'm sorry for everything I said yesterday. I regret it. You're a great man and I didn't mean what I said. I was just upset I, well we got caught in a less than flattering situation. Please, don't be mad at me. I mean, if we're going to do this we have to at least like each other. Please, talk to me. What's going on with you?" Katara questioned, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Zuko pushed her hand away and shouted, "Don't."

"Zuko-"

"DON'T!" he shouted again this time in a more serious voice.

Katara turned away hurt. He hated her. She ruined her friendship with Zuko, all because of her stupid pride. She messed up. She messed up so bad. June came and saved her from her own sorrow to let them know that Joo Dee was ready for them. Once inside Zuko went to his dressing room and her and June went to hers. June started touching up Katara's makeup and removing her hair from the bun.

"We have a new dress for you. Now you can unleash some of that sex kitten magic you have going for you." June combed through her hair and created soft waves. June then handed her an all-black bandage dress to slip into it. The dress stopped above her knee and accented her assets. June came over and played with her hair a bit more.

"If I know one thing about men is that emotions usually live in the background. They need a woman's touch sometimes to help them." June stated pinning back some of Katara's hair with a bobby pin.

"I messed up."

"I'm sure it's not just because YOU messed up. Men hold things in and keep pushing until they can't carry any more weight. No man is THAT pissed because of one single thing. Push up your tits, bat your eyes, and use your feminine wiles to get the stick out of his ass. It's hard enough working with him when he's in a decent mood. Trust me, I had four husbands and one 32 day marriage. I know what a completely fucked relationship is and the one between you and him isn't. Go get your man and make him feel better." June advised.

"I guess you're right but wait FOUR marriages. Aren't you only like 20 something?"

"I'm 28. I had a wild past Princess. Don't judge me when you're walking around looking like a supermodel. No wonder Zuko was so eager on the video." June winked at her, turning her face bright red. If there was ever a moment Katara could question her sexuality that wink did it.

A knock came on the door. It was the producer of the show, "Ms. Sapphire, Joo Dee is ready for you both."

"If you thought the press conference was hard, this is really the hard part. Joo Dee holds no punches. Not to scare you but I have to be real with you Princess" June pushed her towards the door. "Now, go out there and make everyone love you.

June slapped her butt before sending her on her way. Katara was blushing hard but she suddenly felt like a lamb being led to slaughter. She took a deep breath. This was the interview that would make or break everything.

Author's Note: Next chapter is the Joo Dee interview. What's wrong with Zuko besides sticks being placed in uncomfortable places? What do you think of this chapter? I hope you all liked it.