"So, Prince Zuko, I wanted to ask you something," Varo questioned as she looked over at the prince who was sitting on the other side of the table. They were currently on a date and it was obvious that he looked bored.

He nodded, "What is it?"

She narrowed her eyes, "You have your eyes on someone, and I know that I may be young but those looks you give to Katara says a lot about how you feel," She accused, "Either her or Suki, because you never give Mai or I a second glance,"

The prince raised a brow almost if he had to make sure if what she was feeling was envy, "Varo, Are you envious of Katara and Suki?" He questioned.

She crossed her arms, "Of course not, they are both amazing people, thing is why are you dragging this selection if you already know who you want as your bride,"

He shook his head, "Varo, this selection will end the moment we return to the palace, is there a reason you want to leave?"

She nodded, "I can't tell you, but if it's soon then I guess I can manage to wait," She assures standing up, "Also, have you seen Katara yet?" She asked the prince.

The prince shook his head, "I think she's scheduled last, so it will be til dawn," He answered as she nodded.

She took a bite of the dessert, "You know, even if I don't get selected I got something out of this," She started as the prince shifted in his seat interested in what she had to say.

"Katara and Suki are like the sisters I never had, even Mai has her moments where she watches over me. I never had that back home, I know many don't like Mai for her emotionless expression, but she has a heart and feelings that she doesn't know how to express or talk about them," She told the prince as he was surprised that Varo talked so highly of Mai.

Not once has he ever heard someone admire Mai. Katara respected Mai as she respected anyone else, Suki wasn't really fond of her as the two can never communicate, but Varo knew how to talk to the quiet girl.

Zuko leaned in, "Mai wasn't always like that, when we were younger she was like any other girl," He told the girl as her hazel eyes widen, "Something happened that caused her to be who she is, it makes sense when something big or traumatic affects one young they get defined later on," He explained as the girl looked at him confused.

"You think so?" She asked as she looked at her own reflection from the shiny golden table.

"I believe that it does, but when one overcomes it they came out wiser," He continued as he remembered his uncle. How the man was a follower just like his father, but as he lost his son, he soon realized that the war was meaningless. Now, the general was waiting for the day that the war ends completely.

She pursed her lips, "I guess that makes sense. You're so different from what I thought out to be," She admitted.

He raised an eyebrow, "Did you think I was a hotheaded flirt like the others?" He asked.

Varo laughed as she shook her head, "No, I thought you were uptight and all serious, just by your appearance on the first day of the selection. I remember seeing you, and almost being scared since you are older,"

He chuckled, "I forget that your the youngest one here," He admitted as she nodded, "You have your moments where you seem mature, but then again your personality and attitude matches your age," He explained.

She remained quiet as she recalled the conversation last night, between Katara and Suki. The two were whispering at first, and she managed to hear some of it, but due to her actually being tired, she knocked out.

"Sometimes, I was told by my nana that I had to grow up. Someone like me who lost her parents and home had to be mature. She wanted me to grow up so fast that I never listened to her. I'm only fourteen, and I know I'm going to be an adult soon, I just want to hold on to this for a while til I have to see the world for how it is," Varo explained as the prince listened intently. How he wished his mindset was like her back when he was younger. The second he was banished, he was forced to grow up. Spending most of his years looking for an avatar that caused him to waste six years of his life.

He ignored the idea of fun. And, was even jealous of the local boys who he sometimes saw during their passing of villages. He would see the boy playing around with his friends. He would see the boy helping the father out. He would see how the boy would be walking with their mother down to  get food.

"If only I could of done that," He finally admitted out loud as she looked at him puzzled.

Of course she didn't know what he meant, but it didn't matter,"There are moments when the FireLord isn't please of the behavior that cause one to suffer and be banished," He stated as she looked at the older teenager.

She remembered that, at one point, he was forced to leave. He too, lost his parents and home, "You're so wise, Prince Zuko, almost like Katara," She stated as his cheeks flushed at the mention of the girl's name. "I feel like everyone here is a figure that I wouldn't mind looking up to," She said with a smile on her lips.

The prince had dropped off Varo in her room, where he looked around and saw no one was around. He knocked to the room across and waited for an answer. Katara opened the door as she looked at Zuko confused, "I thought our date was later," She stated as he smiled at her.

"Well, it is, but I couldn't help but stop by," He admitted sheepishly as he avoided eye contact with the water tribe girl.

She eyed the prince, "Were you on a date with Varo?" She asked with an eyebrow arched.

"Why are you jealous?" He teased as he wrapped his arm around her waist. She raised an eyebrow taking an interest in his teasing behavior.

"No, because I know how she feels about you," She whispered into his ear, completely crushing his ego.

"Ouch, Kat," He commented as she giggled, "That's no way to talk to your prince," He said as she rolled her eyes.

"Zhilan is setting my bath, so I'll see you later," She informed the prince as she gave him a peck on his lips before he could say anything else.

She quickly closed the door leaving Zuko alone in the halls. Only she could ever leave him dazed and uncontrollable of his actions.

He chuckled to himself before heading to the other hall where he had to take Mai on a stroll out in the gardens. Katara, on the other hand, peeked through the halls as she saw it was clear.

She was glad that their date was later, because that gives her about 6 hours alone with Varo. She headed to the door across from her as she knocked waiting for an answer.

The door creaked open as Varo was currently in a simple gown, "Yeah, Katara?" She questioned as she widened the door to let the dark skinned girl enter. Katara looked around as the girl was alone.

"Suki told me about your sleeping issues, and I thought it would be best if I helped you with controlling your visions, " Katara explained as Varo was excited about the news.

"So, you can help me? Wait— how are you gonna do that?" She questioned, taking a seat on her couch while Katara bit her lip.

She was debating whether she should tell her, "Maybe, just a few meditations and concentrations," She suggested as she sat down on the floor.

Varo raised an eyebrow, "How exactly is that going to work when you have nothing to go off from. I don't think you can just imagine it as a different emotion will come out, and you won't sense the struggles," She explained further. Yes, Varo was happy about Katara's offer, but it wouldn't be realistic or beneficial for Varo.

"Let's give it a try, and if it doesn't work out then I'll see what we can do," Katara reassured her as the girl sighed and joined the water tribe on the carpet. Katara instructed her to copy every move, and Varo did as they both closed their eyes, "You said your vision appears when there's a trigger point, imagine the last time you were at when that vision appeared. The one with Suki and the General," Katara explained.

Varo breathed slowly as she remembered walking down towards the beach. She had wanted to walk around and enjoy the weather, and the second she looked back, a flash erupted in front her eyes.

Varo scrunched up her nose, "Nothing," She opened her eyes as nothing appeared in her mind, Katara instructed her to try again but to concentrate.

The water bender looked as she saw Varo's expressions changed before she groaned in annoyance. This went on for almost half an hour, and they were getting no where, "Are you sure you aren't letting your emotions interfere with your meditation?" Katara asked as Varo nodded her head.

She eventually stopped with her arms crossed, "This isn't working," She stated as Katara sighed.

"Watch me," Katara stated as she stood up and looked around the room. She found a glass full of water as she held it and sat down on the carpet.

Varo shook her head, "I don't think one can control visions," She admitted, upset about her supposed gift.

Katara ignored her comment as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She placed her hand above the cup and moved it as the water flew into the air.

Varo eyes widen, "Wait— how did you do that?" She asked as she took a step back, "Hold on a second," She narrowed her eyes,"Yo—"

Katara got up as she grabbed her hands, "You can't tell anyone," She stated sternly as Varo nodded, scared of what Katara was capable of. Yes, she was nice and caring, but she has that side of her that no one should mess with.

"Does anyone else know?" Varo asked as Katara looked to the side.

"Suki and the soldier that guards Zuko because he's my brother," She answered honestly.

"Is a he a W-"

Katara shook her head, "Just me, "

Varo eyed the girl in front of her, "You do know a bender can't be a FireLady, wait— you did know that. I was the one that told you," She stated.

Katara took a step towards her, "It's complicated," the bender answered.

"The prince doesn't know, right!?"

Katara shook her head, "I came so far from what I suspected that I don't know how to tell him,"

"The prince has his eyes on you!," She shouted, remembering her conversation earlier with him today. She couldn't believe it, but at the same time she was kind of happy about it. The two are so wise and seem to fit one another like a puzzle piece. But, her sudden words confused Varo, "Katara, why did you join the selection?" Varo asked with her arms crossed.

The bender looked at Varo, not breaking a single eye contact, "That you will find out in less than four days," Katara answered.

"No, I want to know everything! I'm tired of being the only one here clueless about what's going on. First, Mai is suspicious and always caution when we are alone together. Second, Suki is also very cautious and is always keeping a look out, and she even said something's about the Fire Nation that I don't understand. Now, you. Katara, you seem so unbothered and peaceful that it made me think we are safe here," She rambled as it was the first time Katara heard about Mai.

She leaned forward, placing both hands on Varo's shoulder, "Varo calmed down," She assured the girl who turned into a pale color.

"Katara, leave I just need to be alone for a bit," The girl stated as she looked away from the bender, "Don't worry about your bending, it's not my place to tell," She made it clear as she waited for her to leave her room.

"I'll check up on you tomorrow morning," Katara sighed as she felt bad about the whole situation. She left the room and walked to her room, "I should have not told her anything," She mumbled under breath. And, if she reacted this bad, imagine Zuko finding out.

A/n
Oh my goddd, we are finally reaching the climax of this story and I can't wait for it!!!!