This takes place during a period not long after the events of Sozin’s Comet.
After being crowned Firelord, Zuko forgoes the throne and chooses to travel to the various water tribes and earth kingdoms, but now no longer as a refugee, or outcast, but as an ambassador. He has left the fire nation to the care attention of his Uncle, the one person Zuko feels should have ascended the throne in the first place. But Uncle Iroh is only acting as an interim Firelord until Zuko returns. Uncle is happy just to open a tea shop, entertain guests, and play Pai Sho to his heart’s content.
Zuko visits the Southern Water Tribe; His ship approaches, this time docking just outside the wall of this ice floe of a village. He remembers his last visit to this place, his only purpose was to find the Avatar, with little regard to this primitive society. They were nothing to him, he would make his demands and he expected them to comply out of fear. But he could not have been more wrong. Happily, now, he would admit just how much he underestimated the drive and spirit of this tribe, and one very special Water Bender who lived here.
He steps off the ship, the sun high in the sky, blazingly brilliant, reflecting off the ice and snow. He stands for a moment, his eyes adjusting to the glare.
Curious villagers approach, the ship’s crew and royal guard, armed, rush to Zuko’s side.
“No” He orders them back. “It’s ok”.
Some young children approach; “who are you?” asked one, another replied quickly “That’s Firelord Zuko, silly”.
Zuko kneels down to eye level with the young boys: “No, I’m just Zuko…nice to meet you”.
“you don’t look like a firelord” came back the first child. He was right, Zuko wasn’t wearing the traditional royal robes or armor or even his crown. His topknot was gone, his hair left down. He felt he would be less formal and more approachable this way. The royal tailors have provided him with warm clothes for this trip-parka, mitts, thick soled boots-still in the dark red and gold of the fire nation.
Suddenly someone moves through the crowd, a familiar face appears: “ZUKO!” Katara shouts with excitement, she runs, throwing herself on him in a complete embrace, he holds her, losing himself in the moment. Memories come rushing in. He remembers the first time she embraced him, the overwhelming relief he felt when he knew she had forgiven him and accepted him. Now he’s thrilled just to see her again.
Katara’s feet find the ground, realizing in her excitement she may have acted inappropriately.
“Oh, I’m sorry” she blushed, looking down at her feet.
He lifts her head up and looks into her eyes, a faint but reassuring smile crosses his lips; “Don’t be”.
