A/N: I started writing for the Kataang 100 Challenge last year, but I've only just recently decided to share them here. And what luck! I wanted to start out with a bang, so here's my most recent piece: a fic based off the NYCC trailer. I'll slowly update with previous entries (most take place before DoBS), so I hope everyone will stick around; I plan on finishing this by the end of the year. Also, I'm rating this T due to a few... suggestive pieces. This chapter is totally safe (save for slight spoilers).

What Must Be Done

Katara wasn't sure what to think when Aang gently pulled her out of the theater (though she was grateful: the play was rather embarrassing). She figured he needed some fresh air, or maybe a chance to talk. As busy as they were, it was hard to find time for just the two of them; and she missed spending time with him.

He slowed to a stop, pulling his hat off when he saw it was safe. "It was... really bad, wasn't it?"

"Kind of," she agreed, messing with her hair.

A glance over at her made her uneasy. He seemed a little nervous, and she could only imagine why. "It," he whispered, "it must have been hard on you–when I..."

Oh... that. (A part of her was relieved for some unknown reason.) The young waterbender felt her eyes trail to the floor. "Yes. I was just... I was scared. For you."

"It's all my fault." His eyes narrowed and his fists balled up tightly. "If only I'd mastered the Avatar State, none of that would have–"

"What do you mean, Aang?"

The airbender smiled wearily and rested against the railing. Silence settled between them. After a few minutes, Katara found herself by his side.

"Talk to me...," she urged softly.

Brows furrowed, he let out a long sigh before turning to face her. "When I... when I went to see the Guru, I learned about the chakras. Each one's associated with an emotion," he explained. "In order to gain control over the Avatar State, I had to open all of them. But... there was one I couldn't..."

She found herself leaning forward, worried and a little curious. "Why not...?"

Gray eyes met her own, and a shiver ran down her spine. He continued, "For the last one, I had to let go of my earthly attachments. But... I couldn't. It... I know it's selfish, but it's a precious feeling..."

How could something be so important that he would choose it... over the power to save the world? The question played on her lips (though deep down, she might have already known). What Aang said next confirmed her thoughts:

"I love you."

And his lips were on hers.

Her breath caught in her throat, shocked. Her mind began racing. Love. He loved her. Aang loved her. He... he chose her, over everything...? As that dawned on her, she quickly pulled away, fingers trailing just below her mouth. "Wh-what?"

Aang's face was serious, if a little sad. Something lodged itself into her stomach; and she bit her lip. "I... Aang, I–I can't..." The words came out all wrong. She finally looked away. "It's silly...," the girl murmured, "choosing one person over the world."

"I know."

The tears were begging to be released now. She tried her hardest to subdue them, but to no avail. "I...!" Her voice failed her.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him move closer. The moment his hand touched her shoulder, heat flooded her body. "Katara...," he started, and there was a hint of pleading in his voice. She desperately wanted to turn to him. "Please, I just... I want to know how you feel. Please."

There was only one thing she could do. Taking a step back (and facing away from him) she shook her head. "I... I don't...!"

Katara ran.

She didn't look back to see Aang's face fall. She didn't look back to see the tears. She didn't look back to see him drop to his knees.

It was for the best... wasn't it?

(Then why did it hurt so much?)

04-20-08