…And thank Sokka for the jerky, will you? I forgot to do it in my last letter to him.

I'm apologizing now for the way the rest of this letter looks. I had a hard time writing this, but it needs to be said.

Katara, I made a promise to you that I can't keep right now. I messed up, bad. Maybe worse than I've ever messed up before, and I need to make that right, first. If Ba Sing Se is shattered because of riots, who knows what might happen. I don't want to wake up every morning and think that I could have changed things if only I had my priorities straight. It's time for me to be the Fire Lord. Agni knows I've been negligent enough. It's just like Uncle said; one pebble cast into the pond can start the ripples that will become the tidal wave that will destroy the village. I'm terrified that the pebble was abandoning the capital to go on that mission, and that the first ripple was the council deciding not to supply troops to Ba Sing Se's Civilian Defense Force. I need people to see that these decisions are coming from me and no one else. I need the world to understand that I'm still dedicated to restoring balance and peace, and I need them to understand that I'll do whatever it takes.

I just need a little more time. Can you give me that?

Don't hate me,

Zuko

.O.

Zuko,

I can wait. I've waited this long. What's another year, right? We'll just be a year older. Just understand that you're not the only one who's promising things, and I'm running out of excuses for turning away those promises. There are times when they don't even make the promise to me, but to Dad, and they are sounding very tempting to him.

Reconstruction at the South is complete, but there's still a lot of building going on. We're more than just one small city. We've expanded closer to the mountains, and the port's up and running. We have our own massive gate like they do at the North, but ours is better, of course. I wish you could see it. The South is a beautiful city, and we're welcoming people from all over. Pakku's teaching at the school for waterbenders, and when I'm there, I help out, too. I'm passing on the Southern style to a new generation, and we even have a school to teach healing to anyone willing to learn. We get a lot of sailors coming in, needing to know how to treat some of the more common medical conditions they might come in contact with.

The downside is that, since the South entered politics like the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation, people are expecting a political marriage to seal one deal or another. Ever since Aang and I broke up for good, people have been talking to Dad about it more. They promise things that could help the tribe. He doesn't want to give me away like a commodity, but even I'm tempted by the things they're offering. It might not be in my hands anymore.

I'll tell Sokka you're thankful for that stupid jerky.

Katara

.O.

Katara don't be mad at me. Uncross your arms and stop snapping at people. I know that's what you've been doing, and no, Sokka didn't tell me. Your letter was dripping with disappointment. I've made some very unpopular moves with my council, and I don't want you dragged into it. I've got things straightened out, and I'm sending 1,000 soldiers, healers, and volunteers to Ba Sing Se along with food and medical supplies. Even though the worst seems to be over now, I'm hoping they can do some good. Hopefully, they can help prevent further riots. I've also offered asylum and shelter to anyone leaving Ba Sing Se.

I had to strip my council of some authority to do all of this. I'm not their favorite person right now, and they'll leverage you against me. They're angry and bitter, and their pride has been wounded. They've effectively been demoted. I need to sign off on every decision they make, and now I'm the only one who can make laws. Most of them can be trusted to do the right thing, but there are a few who are troublemakers. If I could get rid of them, I would, but I need their financial support and their expertise. You would become a pawn in their bid to get their power back, and they would hold you over me like a prize if I give in to their wishes. I won't have that. You are not their pawn.

I'm the only who's promised and can deliver to the satisfaction of all parties. You mean so much to me. We're loyal to our homes and our people, and I understand that you have to do what's best for yours just like I have to do what's best for mine. It's not fair for me to ask you to put everything on hold for me. I'm having a really hard time writing this, and I'm going to stop before things start to sound stupid and jumbled. I'm trying. Please understand that.

The jerky's not stupid. It's delicious.

Don't hate me,

Zuko

.O.

Didn't I already say I don't hate you? Can you drop that already? Yes, I have been snapping at people, yes I'm disappointed. You talk big, and when you get around to it, you deliver. You got my hopes up, Zuko, and I thought things might be different. That maybe we could make a difference like we used to. I thought that I would be there helping you make the tough decisions, and that you would rely on me for more than just the occasional letter than needs to be edited for your foul language before being sent to someone who still hates you because you used to be an Angry Jerk. I guess not.

Sometimes I feel like the world around me is changing, and I can't quite comprehend it. Like so much is just out of my reach. The air here is tense. We've taken some refugees, too, and the things they say just sends chills down my spine. Of all the places I expected to have trouble after the war, I never thought it would be Ba Sing Se. But when I think about it now, I guess that makes sense. They didn't have a king for nearly two years, and once people learned the truth behind the war, they were understandably upset. They don't trust those in power anymore. When I hear them talk about the riots, it makes me think of the war, and the dreams start up again. I guess that's part of the reason I've been snapping at people. Sokka understands. We talk through things sometimes. Dad tried to help by giving me warm milk like he used to when I was little, and he got mad when I asked if he could put whisky in it. Suki thought it was funny, but Sokka's a good brother. He just brought me the bottle, and we talked.

I'm sorry. I know you've got to deal with Ba Sing Se, and you should. Your country needs to come first, and peace comes first. We both know that. I just miss you. A lot. I can't believe how jealous I get just watching Sokka and Suki together. It's not fair. I got carried away in the idea of it all. You know how I get when I start daydreaming. I planned my dress, Zuko, and it's beautiful.

Katara

.O.

I talk big and I deliver big. You know this. If we were having this conversation in person, I'd wink at you, and you'd smile. I hope you're smiling now. And that was very mean of you, to talk about my letter writing skills like that. My feelings are hurt. I know how to be professional. Your helping me with my letters is more appreciated than you know, especially when it came to Ba Sing Se. They didn't trust me, but they were willing to work with me because you were at my side. In a way, it's because of you that I've got a working relationship with both the Earth Kingdom and the North. They listened to Aang because he is the Avatar, but they also know he's friendly and believes the best about anyone. He can afford to take chances that they can't. But when you said I'd changed, Katara (Sokka, Toph, and Suki, too, I guess), that made all the difference. Aang's not grounded by much, but you have a home to protect. You wouldn't tell them I'm trustworthy if you didn't think I was. Come back so I can properly thank you.

Did you get Hau's latest letter? Tell me things are looking up. Aang let me read the letter our roadblock sent him, but I accidentally burned half of it. It was a real accident, not just an excuse. Things are tense here, too, between the influx of refugees and the citizens and higher taxes on the wealthy, and I guess I just didn't realize I was getting so angry. I can't believe how willing he is to work with you guys just because he thinks I'm out of the picture. That man is irrational. I don't like Chem being so close to my mother. I don't want her to think I'm some sort of monster. I'm afraid that she'll hate me and not understand that I'm ashamed of the things I've done.

I feel like too much is out of my control, too, sometimes. It might be mean to say this, but it's like the refugees travel with a dark cloud over them, and that darkness settles where they settle. Some of them have flat out said they came to the Fire Nation because we owed them for all the destruction. They're trying to live off charity, and it's not going over well with a lot of the citizens. Many in the middle classes don't mind helping, but they don't like feeling that they're being take advantage of, either. I'm glad you have Sokka to talk to. I wish I could be there for you. And hide this bottle from your dad. I don't think he'll appreciate me sending you whiskey. And I need my shirt back. I liked that one.

Azula came home from the hospital today. Ty Lee requested leave from the Kiyoshi warriors to help her settle in, and Azula and Toph spend a lot of time together, too. I'm not sure letting Azula and Toph spend time together, supervised only by Ty Lee is such a good thing. I send a guard with them, but it's unfair for the people who have to watch them. I'm afraid those three might sink the Fire Nation into the ocean. Toph did nearly collapse our entire economy a year after the war, remember? There's no need to worry about the room situation. She doesn't want her old room back. She says you can keep it. You're a total princess, anyway.

Forever yours,

Zuko

.O.

Ugh, Zuko. I'm starting to think you're more like a giant koalaotter than a polar leopard. You've got a nasty bite, but you're just one giant cuddly thing. Thank you so much for the dress, it's stunning. And the jewelry. Suki is so jealous. I have properly hidden the whiskey from my dad. You give the best gifts, hands down. I'll have to bring them with me so you can see me in them. I'm damn gorgeous. Also, Sokka was threatening to beat you up again. He thinks you messed up big time to send me such nice gifts. Gran thinks you have good taste, and everything was going fine until Pakku mentioned how I always seemed to come back with new things when I visit you and that you must be showering me with lots of things because I also get gifts when I haven't seen you for a long time. Then Dad got this look, and I could have kicked Pakku in his face. I love the old man, I do, but now I think Dad's starting to get suspicious of your generous gift giving.

There is good news. Sokka, in his infinite wisdom and with a lot of help from Suki, might have found a stable way around our most loveable roadblock. You'll have to wait until I get there before I tell you more about it. You're going to flip.

It's so great that Azula's home! I'm sure she'll fall into a stable routine soon. She's probably just getting used to all the changes. Home from the hospital. Sounds like a newborn baby. Don't tell her I said that, though. She'll hate it. There's no way I could forget Toph's Accident. You were so mad at her, but I think she learned her lesson, and I'm pretty sure the Fire Nation is better off without those factories. And the new port does look a lot better than the old one. It's bigger and more accessible, too.

You're damn right I'm a princess. You better treat me like one. And I hope you like that shirt on me, because that's the only way you'll see it again.

I'll see you in a few weeks!

Forever the dominant one,

Katara

.O.

Get real, princess. We all know who wears the pants, and it most certainly is not you. If I had my way, you wouldn't ever wear pants again. And don't call me a thing.

I eagerly await your arrival, my lady. There shall be no sweeter time.

A/N: I may differ from a lot of people in my opinion of this, but I've always seen the Avatar as being without real political power. While he may be the ultimate peace keeper, I see Aang as little more than a glorified mediator; he holds no political office, can make no laws, and serves only one 'term.' Respect for the Avatar comes from his power; without that power and the threat of that power being used against them if they get out of line, I don't think people would particularly listen to the Avatar. The real work, I believe, will be done by the new wave of politicians—the Gaang (minus Aang) and those who think like them. These are people with real political power and lasting positions that would help them force, in a way, reform. That's not to take away from the influence of the Avatar. I think his presence is a comfort to many people, and it helps to have someone who's unbiased and has the world's best interests in heart. This is something the Avatar can do that the leaders of the other nations can't—by oath, they must put their nations above others. The Avatar isn't constrained in the same way.

This story also became about growing up and accepting responsibility. While that did happen in the show, I've come to think of this as a second wave. With each stage in my life, for example, I've had to accept a new wave of responsibility, and those responsibilities necessarily changed. The same is true for the Gaang. They're all finally settling into themselves (more or less), and finding out just what kind of person they really want to be. As they march toward their twenties, with the exception of Toph and Aang, I imagine them slowly settling into the people they will be. And Zuko slips a little more toward being his uncle...