“Katara?” Aangs childish voice called out in the night. I was sitting on the rocky mountainside, staring at the river’s constantly moving waters, waterbending absentmindedly. My thoughts had traveled far, flashbacks coming from the deepest and darkest corners of my mind. I had lost track of time, and instead of what I had thought were a few hours, I had spent the entire day out, by the river side.
I shook my head, completely out of my trance by then. “Yes Aang?”
“Are you okay? You were waterbending, but yet you were completely still.”
“Yeah, sorry, just lost in thoughts. I better go make dinner.” I answered, grimacing. I stood from my spot, half running half walking back to the makeshift kitchen back in the the stone prison. I decided to make soup from the flower that grew around here. It tasted just like the seaweed back home, and I wanted some connection to the Water Tribe in this expressionless temple.
“Dinner!” I called out, and soon enough I heard the light footsteps of Aang echoing along the deserted corridor, coming slowly towards me.
“What did you make?” He asked as I bended some of the soup to him.
“Seaweed soup. Well, somewhat.”
“I see.” He answered, trying hard to cover up his disgusted expression.
“Well, I have a surprise for you. I got the vibe that you really do not like the temple-” Aang started, glancing me an annoyed look. “So I have sent Zuko a message - we will be going to Ba Sing Se were we will meet with him.”
“I have gotten quite lonely with just us.” I answered quietly, yet inside I was jumping with joy. I would get to spend time with actual, living people. And I would get to see Zuko once again, not to mention Toph who had taken up residence in Ba Sing Se...
“We will be leaving the temple first thing tomorrow morning.” Aang finished, ignoring my remark.
I nodded, finishing my soup in a hurry. I took both of our plates and cleaned them, and packed up for our journey tomorrow, putting everything on Appa’s back.
“Goodnight.” I said.
Aang walked up to me and kissed me on the cheek. “Goodnight, Katara.” He answered, looking into my eyes.
I walked off, falling asleep the instant my head hit the pillow.
“Fire Lord Zuko, you have mail.” One of my servants told me after I had let him into my blood red bedroom.
“This better be important.” I grumbled under my breath. I was in a really bad mood, having fought with Mai once again. I was preparing for sleep, my raven black hair framing my pale, scarred face with it’s messy locks.
I took the scroll from the servant, waving him off. Even after a year of ruling, it was hard to get used to everyone tending to my every need. For years I had been banished, having to tend for myself.
I opened the scroll, the Avatar’s insignia burning bright at the top right corner.
Dear Zuko,
Katara and I have had enough of the temples, and we are planing to go to Ba Sing Se, and we were hoping to meet you there, as the Ignis Festival will start three days from now and we were going to go to it. Sokka, Toph and Suki are coming, also, so it would be the old Gaang.
Avatar Aang
The Ignis Festival was the Fire Festival, which had not been celebrated in a hundred years. I smiled despite myself. I had missed the old Gaang, having not seen them since the Water Tribe Coronation. My heart fluttered, just thinking of seeing Katara again...
I shook my head. Even if our relationship was unstable, I loved Mai.
“Well, I better find something good to wear tomorrow, and a greeting present for everyone. I’ll leave for Ba Sing Se twomorrow at noon.” I said aloud, to myself.
What a pleasant surprise, I thought with a smile.
