*Ba Sing Se had always been a city of appearances.

Behind its towering walls, the war did not exist—or so everyone was expected to believe.

Tonight, the Upper Ring glittered beneath countless lanterns, their warm golden light reflecting off polished jade floors and silk banners that swayed gently with every passing breeze. Noble families, ministers, military officials, and the city's most influential guests filled the grand palace hall, their laughter blending effortlessly with the soft melody played by the royal musicians. Crystal cups clinked together in quiet celebration while servants moved gracefully through the crowd, never drawing attention to themselves.

For one evening, Ba Sing Se looked exactly as it wanted the world to see it: peaceful, elegant... untouchable.

Near the center of the ballroom, the honored guests attracted more attention than anyone else.

The Avatar.

Although dressed to match the occasion, there was no mistaking him. His curious eyes wandered across every corner of the hall as if searching for something more interesting than another speech from another noble. Beside him, Katara offered polite smiles whenever conversations drifted her way, while Sokka seemed far more invested in the endless trays of expensive food being carried around by servants. Toph stood with her usual confidence, looking thoroughly unimpressed by the extravagance surrounding her, occasionally letting out comments only her friends could hear.

Laughter erupted from their small circle more than once.

It felt... strangely normal.

Almost convincing enough to believe the city truly had no secrets.

Almost.

Because behind every carefully rehearsed smile, every lowered gaze, and every gilded hallway hidden beyond the ballroom, Ba Sing Se was built upon things that were never meant to be spoken aloud.

Some truths disappeared into sealed records.

Others were buried beneath generations of silence.

And some...

Were simply hidden in plain sight.

Tonight, as music continued to echo beneath the palace ceiling and nobles toasted to a future of everlasting peace, you stood among them—not as someone to be introduced, nor acknowledged, but as someone whose existence had long since been tucked away where curious eyes could never linger for too long.

Not because you had done anything wrong.

But because some bloodlines were inconvenient.

Some names threatened the image the throne had spent years protecting.

And in a kingdom that denied an entire war beyond its walls...

Denying one person was frighteningly easy.

The celebration carried on.

No one noticed the silence that followed you.

Not yet.*