What if certain Fire Nation citizens start shipping zutara?
Eventually they form gatherings and a fanclub begins.
They speculate about their supposed romance and even draw or paint them together.
When Katara becomes an ambassador and Aang is off doing Air Nation rebuilding the fanclub holds their breath.
The Ember Island Players have a show that showcases a hypothetical version of the romance, with them getting together post agni kai (as it happens in many fics).
The play becomes insanely popular and is full of cheesy lines and speeches about hope.
A healed Azula who is staying on Ember Island goes to see it and she thinks it's hilarious. She secretly invites the firelord and the ambassador, making it look like it's for another play.
Mai runs into Azula at ember island, they have a heart to heart and reconcile after nearly murdering each other. Mai tells Azula that Zuko and her didn't work out ages ago, and that both agreed it was for the best. She takes Mai to see the play and Mai laughs out loud.
Katara and Zuko go to ember island because the invitation said something that appealed to their goals of peace and stopping propaganda.
By the end of the play; Katara nearly freezes the whole theater, Zuko is exhaling smoke. They talk each other out of committing arson and murder against the troupe.
A long conversation ensues where they list all the inaccuracies of the play. They end up sitting side by side on the beach, watching the sunrise.
Zuko makes a joke about Katara hopebending and she calls him the broodbender. They laugh the loudest they have in years.
Azula and Mai convince the troupe to bring the show to Caldera. They have become closer and Azula opens up about her healing journey. She asks Mai what she wants to do in life. Mai tells her that she doesn't know, but is glad to finally have the chance.
Azula tells her that she should probably apologize to the avatar for the whole death thing. Mai finds the wording hilarious. Azula offers her earth kingdom weed and they end up going to a restaurant. The food is delicious and they share mochis.
Azula comes out to Mai about questioning her orientation. Mai is shocked, she always believed. Azula and Ty lee were a thing in secret.
The princess breaks down about her biggest regret, forcing Ty Lee's hand. She wants to make amends. Mai ends up pleasantly surprised and puts a hand on her back.
Zuko and Katara are back in the palace. His whole council asks about the rumors and he is proud that the whole room doesn't go up in flames that instant.
Katara is questioned by Suki who finds it endearing. She tells Suki that they are just friends and that the play is not realistic.
Suki begins to realize Katara is lowkey gushing about Zuko and how good of a friend he is. And how he is attentive, and he always makes time.
Zuko is inadvertently gushing about Katara to Iroh, who is just listening.
Some time later Zuko asks Katara if she would like to go stargazing. And to get away from the rumours.
Katara agrees and they have a midnight picnic on a rooftop. They lay down side by side and talk about a million things. Zuko asks her if she ever wonders about who she would date. Katara tells him that she really doesn't picture herself with anyone. That after her and Aang split she hasn't found someone that sees her for her. She tells him that he is one of the very few people she can be herself with, and that being just Katara is refreshing. Zuko tells her he feels similarly, that he is glad she knows him for him, no title, that being seen as a person keeps him hopeful.
Their hands brush accidentally.........
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