Of Firelords and Birthday Cakes (Zutara)

Ready

Zuko rounded the corner just as they left my sight, to my immense relief. Even greater, he had a bucket of water, which I eagerly washed my nose with. 

Iroh returned as well, giving me a handful of cloths. 

That done, and everything cleaned up, I carefully stood, then seeing as they were about ready to leave, quickly told them, "I'd love if both of you came to dinner at sundown."

Zuko looked surprised, but Iroh nodded, "When there is food involved, expect us to be there far earlier than usual." 

Having said our goodbyes, I turned, and as soon as I was out of their sight, dashed back up the road to the house. I needed to get dinner ready, and fast. 

>>>>>

"Katara, you've got any string?" Sokka walked up behind me as I cooked the fish over a flame Aang had managed to create.

"I've got some in the closet." I motioned him over to a cabinet, then stirred a bowl of soup. 

"Toph, can you get out some bowls? Aang, feed Appa then I need your help cutting bread." I ordered. 

Wiping a bit of sweat off my brow, I heard them quickly follow my instructions. It was almost sunset, and nothing was even remotely finished. 

To be honest, I was panicking. 

By the time everything was ready food-wise, the mat hadn't even been spread for dinner, so I went straight to working on that. Toph was no help, picking between her fingers by the door post, so I just had to do it myself. 

Sokka ran up to me, a long pennant between his hands, "How does this look?"

He held it up, and I glanced at it, "Uh, what is that supposed to mean?"

He grinned, "Well, since Toph got the wrong letters, I decided to improvise." he looked very proud with himself as I peered at the banner that read, 'We Funky'.

"Uh, it doesn't really make sense," I sighed, but then stood up, "But okay." 

Sokka grinned wide, "Great! I'll hang it up." 

While he recruited Toph to hang up the banner, Aang walked up next to me, Momo on his shoulder.

"Um, Katara?" 

"Yes?" I turned to face him, glancing rather distractedly at the mat. 

"Are you okay? You're acting a little strange." his grey eyes were innocent and caring.

I sighed, but gave him a smile, "Yeah, of course. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I don't know." he fingered his staff and looked down, "It's just not like you to be worried about dinner. "

"I'm not worried about dinner." I placed my hands on my hips, "It's just, this is a special day for Zuko. and.." I paused as Aang glanced up, "I don't want to mess it up." 

He gave me a brief smile, "Okay." with that, he walked off. 

Just then, a knock came at the door. 

"It's them!" Toph informed, and she ran over from Sokka to swing open the door.