Charred //ZUTARA

Chapter 34 - ''I can't believe you're finally mine.'' 18+

Katara had no choice but to get back to her room. Once she's promised Zuko she will meet him later in the library, she set to clean herself up. Getting into the basin filled with hot water by one of the maids, she sighed in relief.

The hideous dress laid there forgotten, on the cold marble stone of her bathroom; an annoying reminder of the person that bought it. After making up with the Fire Lord, the waterbender felt embarrassed for her behavior last night.

Leading Aang on, kissing him and acting like they really were in love was truly one of the most foolish things she's done lately. And there has been a lot to pick from.

Katara couldn't very well give up to the self-pity. She had things to do; responsibilities that she might've ignored for the past couple of days. Taken up with her own drama, she had no time for other things. People that might be needing her. The meetings that she could possibly make a difference participating in. Even training was in the second place for her.

All she cared about was Zuko. Their arguments and the feelings they were exploring together.

Well, no more.

Using her waterbending, Katara cleaned every inch of sweat off her body. Adding the flower scented liquid she found in the cabinet next to the mirror truly worked wonders for her skin. Soft glow reflected on her chestnut skin from the time telling candles burning faintly in the corner.

Spirits, she had to hurry. She wasted so much time already.

She couldn't spare another day.

...............................

''Where have you been?'' Aang jumped out of his bed at the sight of her walking into his room. ''Why did you disappear so early?''

Right, there was a matter of her not staying for the entire ball. Not that she regretted it though.

Katara smiled sheepishly, approaching the Avatar standing in the middle of the chamber now. ''Did I miss out on anything important?''

Aang shrugged, his eyes fixated on the door behind her. ''Not really.''

''Did you manage to convince King Kuei to spare some territory for the Republic City?''

The airbender shifted on his feet.''Not exactly. The King didn't want to talk politics at the party so we agreed to have an official meeting today.''

Katara's brows rose. She expected the Earth King might want to wait a little to decide, especially since he was known for his love to party but that seemed suddenly soon. ''Am I invited?''

''Of course. After all, this 'All Nations' meeting is what you came here for, right? To take Hakoda's place as the Water Tribe's Chief. Well, temporarily anyway.''

Spirits, she knew she was absent from her duties lately but to forget such an important meeting... Thank the Moon there was still time to prepare for it.

''Right,'' she mumbled but then something sprung into her mind. A thought she never had before. Perhaps she was so desperate to leave the South Pole that she never ever considered it. ''What is Sokka doing here then? Wouldn't it be more appropriate for him to take a lead in such a formal gathering?''

Aang sighed loudly. Crossing his arms, he finally looked at her. ''Sokka's biased in this regard because we live together and his name is signed under every project. We needed someone less involved to take the vote when it comes to it.''

Less involved. 

Did she not support his dreams and ideas of the Republic City for the last few years? She even made few suggestions along the way. Offered so many times to move to the Earth Kingdom so she could help her friends make it all come true.