A/N: This story is currently being updated and going under revision before I complete it. For anyone who's interested, you may read the update on my bio. Thank you and enjoy!

Katara

The smell of the salty sea air filled her nose as she took a deep breath. Dark gray skies indicated it was almost morning. They would be at port in just a couple of hours. Wind whipped at Katara's face pulling strands of her hair out from her usually neat braid as she reflected on the events that had led to her return to the Fire Nation capital.

It had been almost ten years since the fall of Firelord Ozai. Ten years since the heros of Sozin's War had been together in the Fire Nation. Years since she had been reunited with the Avatar…

"We'll be arriving soon if the winds continue to favor us." Katara turned to see her father standing behind her looking out onto the early morning horizon, "We should think about waking your brother and the rest of the crew soon."

Raising her eyebrows, she smirked, "I may leave that pleasant task to you Dad. I'm not sure if a hurricane could wake Sokka this early." Dawn was still a few hours off, she had ventured up to the deck for a couple of hours of peace before their arrival. She knew that once they landed in the Fire Nation capitol there would be constant activity in the events leading up to the festival.

Honoring the end of Sozin's War and the subsequent rebuilding efforts that had followed, the ten-year celebration had been organized between all three nations to serve as a remembrance of the hardships and sacrifice caused by the past dictators in the Fire Nation. Reconstruction of the war-torn regions had been ongoing throughout the past decade, and while there were still remnants of the division, a sense of stability and peace had begun to permeate throughout the world.

In order to ensure this would be a lasting change, Fire Lord Zuko had agreed to play host to a celebration and summit meeting between all nations that would end with the tenth anniversary of the day that Avatar Aang had defeated Phoenix King Ozai and Zuko had ascended to his throne.

Hakoda joined her by the railing overlooking the front of the ship. His eyes further crinkled as he reviewed the breaking waves before them, spurred on by the same winds that carried them closer to their destination. Though he was father to two adult children, only the silver at his temples betrayed that he was beyond the prime of his youth. Katara turned her gaze forward along with her father as they shared a moment of calm listening to the movements of the ship.

Katara's patience wore out before her father's, "Do you think you'll find things different? After all that has happened since the war?" Unlike Katara who at one time had served as an ambassador to the Water Tribe, Hakoda had not returned to the Fire Nation since Sozin's Comet had lit the sky.

"Even before the war, the Fire Nation had a vibrant cultural history. Submission was never a part of that. For the sake of your friends and our tribe, I certainly hope that change has been reflected in its people."

Katara nodded, "Zuko has good leadership for his nation and an even better heart." She smiled softly, "If there was anyone who could show the people of the Fire Nation that change and redemption is what's needed for the world, then it would be him."

"Then I am sure he has guided them well all these years." Hakoda resolved. Together they shared one more moment as the early morning light began to illuminate the distant horizon. The Water Tribe Chief placed a comforting hand on Katara's shoulder as he turned to wake the men and prepare for their arrival.

After a few paces, she heard him pause and say, "Change is hard for all of us who think we know what to expect from our lives. In the beginning, it is good to remain steadfast and true, but there comes a time when you must accept the changes and keep them from hindering your life, Katara."

The formality in his voice surprised her, as her father was rarely indirect in conversation. As she turned to see the concern in his eyes, a vice grip entangled itself on her heart once she knew that they were no longer discussing the Fire Nation. She opened her mouth to respond but couldn't find her voice. Her father conceded a sympathetic smile as he descended below deck.

Finally letting out a frustrated sigh, Katara loosened her grip on the railing and ran her hands over face. After six years of total separation from Aang, she was still furious that her memories of him haunted her. Despite his callous treatment of their relationship and the way he had coldly severed off all acquaintance, she had remained loyal to the Avatar. Years had passed since she had become of age, and yet she had still taken no suitors. Avoiding her father's attempts by throwing herself into her work, first as an ambassador and later an instructor to the few waterbending students relocated in the Southern Water Tribe, Katara had allowed herself to retreat further into herself. In a way mourning the loss of the life she had hoped for with her best friend…

A large blast of water crashed against the starboard side, awakening from her daze and causing her to stumble. Although it was one of the largest boats their home had to offer, it was no match for the relentless waves brought forth from the fire nation sea. Glancing up she was beginning to make out what looked like as the gates of Azulon. The gates they made their way through on the Day of Black Sun. Katara took a shaky breath as she swiped away the wetness at her face. The memory of those same cold, dragon statues looking down on her and the Avatar as they first passed through those gates sent a chill down her spine as she made her way below deck to alert the others of their approach.

A/N: Thank you so much for choosing to read my fic! For those who remember the original version, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the changes! This story has stayed near and dear to my heart over the years and I'm so happy to finally being close to completing it. I knew that I wanted to get it absolutely right which is why there are significant changes.

Thank you again to all you wonderful humans, hope you choose to follow this story to see the future changes and see where it goes. Have a lovely Sunday!