At the end of the hundred-years war, when it was all said and done Katara found herself and the others back in Ba Sing Se. They all congregated at the Jasmine Dragon, spending their free time with one another. Iroh blowing into his horn for Appa near the entrance. Zuko passing tea around for everyone. He passed the final two cups to Suki and Mai while they played through an intense Pai Sho game.
Sokka cried out to Zuko to stop moving around so much as he tried to capture the scene before him. He wanted to capture the memory of all of them together. Initially Katara thought it was sweet of him until she saw his so-called art.
"Why did you give me big ears like Momo?" Katara inquired.
"Those are your hair loopies!" Sokka answered defensively.
Then Zuko came up and saw Sokka's depiction of him, "At least you don't look like a porcupine. My hair is not that spiky!"
They all gathered around and began to process what exactly they were looking at.
"I look like a man," Mai remarked.
"Hey," Iroh began, "my belly isn't that big anymore. I've slimmed down a lot."
Momo had his own thoughts. They all had their own comments to make over Sokka's attempt at drawing. Aang smiled at the scene until he decided to step outside for some air. He petted Appa's nose as he stepped out the entrance and walked out to the balcony view of Ba Sing Se. The air was cool and refreshing as the sun set over the earth kingdom. He took in the sight and let out a content sigh. It wouldn't be long until someone followed him out.
She walked up from behind and stood next to him. Her eyes staying on him as he turned to her with a smile. Katara put her hand on his shoulder, turning and pulling him into her arms for a tight embrace. A feeling of contentment going through them until they pulled back and glanced back at the view of the sunset.
They had done it. They had freed the world of what looked to be an unending war.
Wordlessly, they turned back at one another. Without thinking, they slowly inched closer until their lips connected. Katara held Aang's cheeks within the palm of her hand for a moment and then let go to wrap her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Aang wrapped his arms around Katara's waist as they held on to each other. They tilted their heads and kissed passionately, not daring to let go.
Then Katara opened her eyes.
She shook her head as she pushed herself to a sitting position on her bed. Reality set on her as she remembered where she was. That she had only just been dreaming.
'Ugh! Why did it have to feel so real?' She wondered to herself, throwing off her blanket as she shifted to the edge of the bed with a groggy sigh. Slowly, she rose, stretching her arms above her head. Her mind continued to wander as she walked to the bathroom to freshen up. A year passed since that quiet moment with Aang.
She wondered now, as she often did, what Aang was thinking. He had always been open, so full of hope and kindness, but when it came to the topic of their relationship, he held himself back, unsure.
The memory of that day still weighed on her. The tension between her and Kano, a competition she never should have agreed to. Aang had been upset and rightfully so. Both she and Kano realized how their actions hurt him. But when Aang asked for time—time to understand what he truly wanted—Katara agreed, knowing how much pressure he was under. The weight of the world had always rested on his shoulders, and even after the war ended, that burden remained. The last thing he needed was to worry about her and Kano.
But now, a year later, the uncertainty gnawed at her more than ever.
She glanced at the mirror in the bathroom, watching her reflection. Katara had always been someone who could take action, someone who stepped forward when others would hesitate. Yet here she was stuck in limbo, waiting for Aang to decided what he wanted—whether he wanted her.
It wasn't that she doubted his feelings entirely. She could still remember the moments they had shared before, the quiet glances, the touch of his hand on hers. But those moments seemed distant now, as if they belonged to a different time, a time before they had spoken openly about the feelings that lingered between them.
The waiting had become unbearable at times. Not because she was impatient or didn't understand the need for Aang to find clarity, but because she didn't know what the silence meant anymore. Was it a good sign? Was he unsure because he wasn't ready, or was he unsure because he didn't feel the same way for her?
Katara's heart ached with not knowing for sure. She had been there with him through the hardest times, had seen the boy he was and the avatar he had become. But in the quiet moments, she couldn't help but wonder if she was waiting for something that might never come.
Part of her wanted to go to Aang, to demand an answer, to end the uncertainty once and for all. But another part of her, the part that understood the air bender's heart better than anyone else, knew that wouldn't be fair. He had asked for time, and she had promised to give it to him. But how long was too long to wait?
A soft sigh escaped her. Patience had always been her strength, but now she felt it slipping away, replaced by doubt and fear. What if Aang never confirmed his feelings? What if he didn't choose her in the end? Could she bear the disappointment?
And yet, despite it all, despite the ache and the uncertainty, she couldn't walk away. A part of her would always wait for him, no matter how long it took. Because in her heart, she knew what she wanted—Katara wanted Aang, but not at the cost of forcing him into something he wasn't ready for.
She had let fear dictate her actions before and it only caused a larger wedge between them. Katara wouldn't make that same mistake again. Till then she would have to push her negative thoughts away and brace herself for the day.
She splashed cool water on her face, letting the refreshing chill wake her up fully. The morning sun streamed through the small window in the bathroom, casting a soft golden light across the floor. She dried her face, feeling a little more grounded. When she stepped out of her room, her hair still damp and loose around her shoulders, she met Suki and Toph in the hallway.
"Good morning!" Suki exclaimed with a grin. "We've been waiting for you."
Katara blinked, "whats up?"
"Nothing much," Toph said, though her expression was anything but casual. She had that mischievous glint in her eyes that usually meant trouble-or fun, depending on how Katara would look at it. "We've just figured it's been a while since we had a day just for us. So, we're kidnapping you."
Katara raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest, "kidnapping me? For what exactly?"
"A girl's day out!" Suki chimed in, practically bouncing o her heels. "You know, a day to relax, have some fun, get away from all the serious stuff."
Katara smiled at Suki's enthusiasm, though a part of her was still a little suspicious. Not that she was against the idea, it just felt random. More so with Toph than Suki. Toph wasn't exactly a "girl's day" enthusiast, and it would be up to Katara to drag her along.
"Usually, I have to force you to go with us on a girl's day out."
"What can I say? It doesn't hurt to hit the spa occasionally. Come on, Sweetness," Toph said, giving Katara a soft punch to her arm. "You have been cooped up in your head lately. We're going to have fun whether you want to or not."
Katara chuckled softly, though a part of her wondered if they could sense the restlessness that had been gnawing at her. She had been thinking about Aang more than usual lately, and perhaps she hadn't done a good job of hiding it. Either way, spending time with Suki and Toph, laughing and enjoying the day, sounded like exactly what she needed.
"All right, fine," Katara said, shaking her head in mock defeat. "What's the plan?"
Suki's eyes sparkled as she stepped closer, linking her arm with Katara's. "First, we'll hit the spa, then we'll go to this little shop with some beautiful fabrics and jewelry I've been dying to show you, and finally hit this new new restaurant one of my girls have told me about."
Katara's curiosity piqued at the mention of the spa. "Sounds like a perfect day for us."
"Yeah, you could use a little pampering," Toph added with a smirk, though there was an undercurrent of affection in her tone. "You've been working way too hard lately."
Katara laughed, shaking her head as they started walking down the hallway. "I suppose a break wouldn't hurt."
As random as it would be for her friends to decide to have a relaxing girl's day, she wouldn't complain about it. As they stepped outside, the morning sun warmed Katara's skin, and for the first time in a while, she felt herself easing into the moment. Maybe today really was about letting go, even if just for a little while.
Katara stretched her arms above her head, letting out a contented sigh as she and the girls entered the spa's calming atmosphere. The warm air smelled of lavender and jasmine, and the sound of trickling water echoed softly in the background.
"This is exactly what I needed," she said, turning to her friends. "A relaxing day after all the work we've been doing."
Suki nodded, "nothing beats a good spa day."
"Yeah, yeah, relaxation. As long as no one gets too handsy with my feet." Toph said, scrunching her nose.
"Please don't get us into trouble like last time Toph," Katara pleaded.
"I promise to try. Not that I won't," Toph replied.
Suki giggled as they walked into the treatment rooms. "Well you can give it a second chance, Toph. This place is nicer than the one in Ba Sing Se."
The spa attendant approached them, politely offering options for treatments. "Would you ladies like to start with a hot spring soak or a mud bath?"
Katara perked up at the idea of a hot spring.
"We'll do hot spring," Toph answered.
They followed the attendant to the private hot springs, where the steam rose gently from the water, and the sound of bubbling springs filled the room. The girls changed out of their clothes and walked back to the springs area. As Katara settled into the water, she closed her eyes, completely oblivious to Suki exchanging a brief glance with Toph, who gave her a brief nod.
As the hot water soaked into their muscles, Katara let out another long sigh, "This is amazing. We should do this more often."
Toph leaned back with her arms resting on the edge of the prying, pretending to be unimpressed. "I don't get what the big deal is. It's just hot water. I could have earth bent something like this at any point."
Katara chuckled. "Well it's not just about the water. It's about unwinding and spending time together."
Toph smirked, kicking her feet up under the water. "Yeah, yeah. I guess it isn't the worst thing ever." She leaned over slightly toward Suki, lowering her voice, "Just so you know, if anyone tries to give me a cucumber facial, someone will go flying through a wall."
Suki shook her head, laughing softly. "I'll make sure no one gets near your face with vegetables."
Katara leaned back, unaware of their side conversation. "So, what's the plan for the rest of the day? You said you had a shop in mind, Suki?"
"Yup!" Suki confirmed.
"Then the restaurant? I could go for a nice meal for lunch."
"Oh yeah," Toph chimed in, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, "lunch sounds great. Bet someone has got something special in mind."
Katara looked at Toph, slightly confused, "What do you mean?"
"Nothing!" Suki said quickly, sending a warning glance toward the blind girl, "we're just here to relax. No big plans."
Toph leaned back with a smirk but said nothing more. Katara shrugged it off.
After their soak, the sap attendants came by with fluffy robes, leading the girls toward the next part of their treatment.
The attendant nodded politely. "Up next is our premium makeover. Hair, manicure, and pedicure for later. Perhaps you would like to try?"
Suki's eyes lit up, "actually, that sounds like fun!" She turned to Katara with a smile. "Come on, when is the last time we did a full makeover?"
Katara hesitated, a little unsure. "I don't know. We don't have anywhere fancy to go to after this."
"So what? Doesn't hurt to feel fancy occasionally." Toph said casually, trying to keep the grin off her face.
Katara raised an eyebrow, but Suki grabbed her arm and gently pulled her toward the makeover chair. "It's part of the spa experience. Just go with it."
As the attendants started with Katara's hair and nails, Toph stood by with feigned indifference, but every now and then she would lean over to the Kyoshi warrior with a snicker.
"Any chance we can get her into something that will knock him off his socks?" Toph whispered with a sly grin.
"Already got something in mind," Suki replied with a smirk. She turned back to Katara, who sat with her eyes closed, blissfully unaware of of the plan.
As Katara's makeover continued, the other attendants began working with Suki and Toph on theirs. The three sat and started reminiscing about the old times—their battles, their adventures, and even some of the crazier moments they had shared. There was an ease between them, a sense of calm after all they'd been through.
"Remember the brush war between Sokka and Aang?" Katara said, laughing. "Suki, your boyfriend is SO petty. He tried to drag the rest of us into it."
Suki laughed along. "Oh spirits, your brother is so ridiculous. I can't believe how many months him and Aang went at each other. You remember how pissed off Zuko was when they came to the council meeting with their faces covered with painted beards and glasses?"
"You could just tell those cranky fire nation snobs had a lot that they wanted to say." Toph added as she cackled.
"Good times," Suki remarked with a fond smile. "It's nice to have moments like these, where we can just be ourselves."
Katara nodded, her face softened by a peaceful smile. "Yeah. We've come a long way. It feels good to be together and just enjoy life for once."
Toph sat up a little, smirking, "And today is going to be even better."
"Nothing," Toph said quickly, waving her hand dismissively. "Just saying…um…the food is gonna be great."
Katara squinted but shrugged it off, content with her relaxation.
The doors of the spa swung open, and Katara stepped out into the warm afternoon air, her hair styled in soft waves that cascaded down her back, nails freshly pained in a shade of deep blue that shimmered in the light. Suki followed, her makeup enhancing her natural features, she decided to go with a makeup style similar to her Kyoshi warrior makeup with red eyeliner and red lips. Beside them, Toph stretched her arms lazily, though her usual rough look had been softened by a subtle makeover, her dark hair clean and smooth, and her nails (for the first time in a while) neatly done in a muted green.
"Now that is what I call a successful spa day," Suki said, her eyes glinting as she admired her friends. "We look amazing."
"You're right, plus I feel totally refreshed," Katara smiled.
Toph snorted, holding up her freshly polished nails and inspecting the paint with her fingers with her usual indifference. "Yeah, yeah. You two might enjoy the girly stuff, but I only put up with it because I promised not to hurt anyone."
"Uh-huh," Suki teased, "we saw you enjoying yourself in there."
"Whatever," Toph rolled her eyes.
As they walked down the street, Suki nudged Katara gently, "Ready for some dress shopping?"
"Oh, yeah. You mentioned something about a small shop, right?"
Toph grinned, catching on. "You're gonna love this part, Sugar Queen."
Katara tilted her head in confusion, "Since when did you like shopping for dresses?"
Toph shrugged. "Meh, my interests waver from time to time."
Suki led the way down the street until they reached a small, charming shop tucked away in the quiet corner. The sign at the front saying "Spiritual Beauty." The windows were filled with shimmering jewelry and elegant dresses, each one more beautiful than the last.
"This place is perfect," Suki said, glancing at Toph with a grin.
Katara's eyes widened as they stepped inside. "I didn't know this shop was here."
Suki gave a casual shrug, "it's a hidden gem. They have the best stuff, and I thought it would be fun to look around."
Katara hesitated, glancing around at the dresses. "I don't know Suki. Do we really need dresses? We don't have a formal event coming up any time soon."
Suki waved off her concern, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "It isn't about meeting it. It's about having something nice for yourself. You know, after all the hard work we've done for this city and the world, you deserve something special."
Toph, who was already running her hands over a metal bracelet, smiled. "Yeah, you gotta treat yourself Sugar Queen."
Katara relented with a smile, "alright, but I'm not sure I'll find anything."
As she wandered through the shop, her fingers brushed over soft fabrics. Suki and Toph went around searching as well.
Suki spotted the perfect dress and grinned. "Katara, come over here for a second."
Katara walked over, curious as Suki held up a stunning ocean-blue qipao with white lotus embroidery along the sides. The silk shimmered under the soft lights.
"Try this on," Suki said, holding it out to her.
Katara's eyes widened. "Me? I don't know, Suki. It's beautiful, but that is way too fancy. Plus, I already have a similar qipao."
Suki gave her a playful nudge. "Oh, come on. Just try it. This color is different darker than your other one and it's perfect for you. It's elegant, and it will look amazing on you."
Katara hesitated, gazing at the dress. "I don't know…"
"Just try it on, Katara. It doesn't hurt to put it on, okay?"
Toph came up and stood next to Suki, "yeah, Katara, live a little. Besides if you don't like it, you can always throw some water on it and call it a day."
Katara giggled, shaking her head. "Alright, fine. I'll try it on. But I still think it's a bit much."
As she disappeared into the dressing room with the dress, Toph turned to Suki, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You think she's figured it out?"
Suki smiled, "not a chance. But when we get to the restaurant, it will all make sense."
A few minutes later, Katara stepped out, smoothing the ocean-blue silk of the dress, the white lotus embroidery catching the light. The qipao hugged her figure perfectly, with the high collar adding an air of elegance that took the water bender by surprise as she admired herself in the mirror.
Suki's eyes sparked with excitement. "Katara, you look incredible!"
Katara blushed, looking at her reflection. "I don't know…it feels different."
"That's the whole point!" Suki exclaimed, circling around her. "It's different, but it is still you. The color is perfect, and the design—it is beautiful but powerful, just like you."
Toph crossed her arms, giving a casual nod, "Obviously I can't tell but Suki is telling the truth." Toph chuckled, "I'm sure you look like you're an important person."
Katara shot her a look, "what is with you two? You've been acting strange all day."
Suki laughed, waving her off. "We're just excited to see you look so happy. Come on, its fun to do something special."
Katara softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Suki. I do feel good…I guess it's just been a while since I dressed up like this."
Once Katara was convinced, it didn't take long for Suki and Toph to find their own dresses. Suki picked out a bold red qipao with gold accents, the sleeveless design showing off her warrior's physique, while Toph opted for a loose, comfortable green dress with gold embroidery, pairing it with a heavy metal bracelet she found at the jewelry counter.
A little while later, the three girls stepped out of the shop, each dressed in their new outfits. Katara, now more comfortable in her new qipao, walked beside them, admiring how the dress swayed with every step.
I must admit," she said, glancing down at herself, "I wasn't sure at first, but I really love this dress."
Suki grinned, "told you! And you'll love it more later."
Katara shot her a confused look. "What do you mean I'll love it later?"
Toph smirked, giving Suki a quick elbow shot, "don't worry about it."
Katara shook her head, laughing at their cryptic behavior. "You two are being so weird today."
As they strolled though the village, dressed to perfection, Suki and Toph kept their secret close, knowing that soon enough their friend would understand exactly why they had been so unusual insistent.
"So you said something about a restaurant your friend recommended?" Katara asked Suki.
"Yup! One of my Kyoshi girls, Rani, told me about it. It's called Raja Cuisines," Suki answered.
Toph groaned, rubbing her stomach. "Good, because if I don't get some food soon, I'm going to make it everyone's problem."
Katara chuckled as they approached Raja Cuisines. The soft glow of lanterns framed the entrance, and the smell of grilled vegetables and sweet desert dishes wafted through the open door. It looked peaceful and inviting—exactly what they needed after their day out.
But just as they reached the door, Suki suddenly stumbled on the cobblestone street. "Oh no—ugh! My dress got caught in the seam," she said, bending down as she clutched the fabric of her dress. "I need to fix this."
"Suki, are you okay?" Katara asked worriedly.
Before the Kyoshi warrior could answer, Toph accidentally tripped over her own feet, dramatically throwing her arms out to catch her balance. "Whoops! My bracelet got caught on the side of my dress! Gimme a second to fix this…stupid fancy clothes."
Katara blinked in confusion, "what? How did both of you…How?!"
Suki gave a sheepish smile, still hunched over as she tugged at the hem of her dress. "Just go ahead inside, Katara. Toph and I will be right behind you."
"Yeah," Toph added, rubbing her wrist with exaggerated annoyance. "This is going to take a minute. Go grab the table. Reservation is under 'Beifong'. We'll catch up."
"Are you sure?" Katara glanced between her friends.
Suki laughed lightly, waving her off. "Go on, it's fine. We'll fix our dresses and be right in."
Katara sighed, suspicious, but she relented and headed into the restaurant. As she stepped inside, a friendly waiter greeted her at the entrance.
"Good evening," the waiter said with a warm smile. "Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes," Katara replied, still glancing back at the door where Suki and Toph were fixing their outfits. "It's under 'Beifong'."
"Ah, of course. Right this way," the waiter said, motioning for her to follow.
As they walked through the softly lit restaurant, Katara's curiosity gnawed at her. Something about today had felt…different. From the spa to the dresses, and now this mysterious lunch reservation. What were her friends up to?
The waiter led her to a private dining area at the back of the restaurant. It was beautiful and intimate, with a curved table set under hanging paper lanterns that cast a soft, golden glow. The space felt quiet and secluded, like it had been prepared only for special occasions.
"Your companion will be joining you shortly," the waiter said he gestured for her to take a seat.
Katara slid into the curved seating, still feeling as if something was off. She picked up the menu, trying to focus on the food but was distracted by her swirling thoughts. How did both Suki and Toph manage to trip and ruin their dresses? And what was up with the private table? But then again, she realized that they were famous for bringing an end to the hundred-year war.
As she pondered, her thoughts shifted to Aang. She had not seen the air bender all day now that she thought about it. For some reason, both he and her brother were out of the house already. Katara had asked Toph and Suki if they knew where the boys were, but they had no answer for her.
She continued looking through the menu, lost in thought, as someone quietly slid into the seat beside her. Smiling, she didn't look up from the menu. "Took you long enough. So, what are either of you in the mood for?"
"I don't know. Why don't you tell me what you're in the mood for?" A different but familiar, deep but gentle voice voice answered.
Katara froze. Her breath caught in her throat, and she slowly lowered the menu, turning to face the person beside her.
It wasn't Toph or Suki.
"…Aang."
The end is near.