Part 4

Zuko's POV:

The second he left Katara's side he felt sick. This overwhelming feeling of nausea struck him full force. He was not ready to make this kind of call. He was too young to rule an entire nation. Why should so many lives be in his hands of all people? Slowly and reluctantly, he made his way to the balcony where he would meet his uncle and a few other generals. Before them down below stood thousands of hatred filled eyes.

He stepped up to the podium , raising one hand above in hopes of silencing the crowd .

"Thank you all for coming here today. Just moments ago we learned a dozen of our cargo ships were attached and sunk on their way back from the Water Tribe. As of right now there have been no casualties. This is very upsetting news. However , we should not give into violence so easily . For all we know this could be an isolated incident. For now, we will strengthen our military presence to be certain an attack like this will not happen again, thank you."

Faking a smile he quickly stood down as Iroh stepped up to the podium to explain the military process to them - sort of as a distraction. He rushed to his room , slamming the door behind him . Taking a deep breath , he screams out, "WHY ME?" and then collapsing onto the bed .

After a few moments a faint knock was heard on the door followed by, "Hey can I come in?"

He smiled , "Of course .."

She entered , immediately questioning him , "You alright in here?"

Embarrassed he laughed it off , "Yeah, yeah I'm fine, just under a lot of stress.."

"Don't put too much thought into this .. You're doing the best you can in your position. You will just have to accept the fact that some people are going to love you and others will hate you ."

"Hmph, you don't hate me , do you?"

"Of course not!"

"That's all that matters then,"

Katara stepped forward , Zuko quickly standing to wrap his arms around her waist. He stared into her eyes , gently brushing a few stray hairs from her face .

Zuko was self-proclaimed king of bad decisions- but in the moment it didn't seem like a bad idea. Without questioning his actions, he pulled the girl in closely , pressing his lips against hers. To his surprise , her hand grazed his face , her lips moving in sync with his own.

This moment felt so wrong - but also so right. He pulled away, trying not to show the stupid smile that stained his face .

"I-I'm sorry ... haha..."

"No, Zuko... Don't be sorry ..."

Trying not to embarrass himself any more , and a little worried that's not what she wanted , he quickly exited the room , using 'important meetings' as a sad excuse .