Whispers of the Blue Flame

Chapter Five: Of Politics & Gifts

Katara marched into the Southern Water Tribe ambassador's office, with Amka following close behind, and was greeted by Bato reciting his retirement speech.

"Ah, Katara, you're finally here. Do you have your speech ready?"

"I know it by heart."

"Perfect, let's practice." Bato and Katara had agreed that after his speech, she would introduce herself to her fellow ambassadors and the rest of Zuko's council. Being the preparer she was, she had written her speech at home when she was appointed and had practiced it on her way to the Fire Nation. Her past experience had made it clear that she needed to perfect her craft early or risk being chewed up and spat out by the other ambassadors and council members.

After a while of reciting what they had prepared and answering some questions that might arise, Amka interrupted. "Don't you guys think you're trying too hard? You've done this before."

Bato sighed. "All true, but this is a dignitaries' meeting, meaning people who set the tone for international relations will be there, and we must make a good impression."

"Katara is a war hero. Doesn't that set a good enough impression?"

"Unfortunately, it doesn't. In fact, it might be a hindrance."

"How?"

"They will think Zuko and I are biased towards one another," Katara answered in Bato's stead. "They will assume I'm here to leverage my position as his friend for the good of the tribe."

"I mean, aren't you?"

"I... I don't know," Katara admitted, her voice filled with doubt. This was the one thing that gnawed at her about her appointment. She knew her father believed in her abilities, but she wasn't convinced the council of elders felt the same way. Deep down, she couldn't shake the suspicion that they were merely using her to manipulate Zuko into meeting their demands. Despite repeatedly proving herself, she never received the same recognition that Sokka did. The disparity stung, leaving her questioning her worth in their eyes.

Bato, knowing this was a touchy subject, changed the topic. "Amka, did Kova and Siku prepare you for your duties?"

"Yes, I've got this in the bag."

The rest of the morning went by quickly. Although Katara stewed over how she would be perceived by her new colleagues, she knew her age would make them undermine her. It didn't matter, of course; she would still do her best in the face of adversity.

"Bato, who should I be wary of among the ambassadors?"

"In terms of who to be wary of, I'd say the Northern Water Tribe Ambassador Cupun. He will have an issue with you being so young and a woman," he revealed. "Also..."

"Also, what?"

"He, and many from the north, have been advocating for uniting the tribes."

"That's ama—," Amka began.

"Horrible," Katara interjected, appalled at the mere suggestion of unification.

Confused, Amka asked, "Why would it be horrible?"

"The Southern Water Tribe and Northern Water Tribe are two distinct tribes with different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Unification could lead to cultural homogenization, power imbalance, loss of autonomy, and economic disparities. The Northern Tribe could dominate the Southern Tribe, causing an unequal distribution of resources and political power," Bato explained.

"Not to mention the fights this would cause," Katara added. "Life for the existing northerners in the south would be hard."

"Oh, I never would have guessed," Amka said, embarrassed.