Katara woke up, and took a deep breath. Her emotions were a blur around her. Today was the day, the day the Fire Nation took her mother away from her. Especially with all of the drama going on right now, she didn't need this. The pain shuts down her emotions. She couldn't help but want to cry and drown herself in misery. Katara got out of bed, her whole body was screaming to curl into the comfort of her warm sheets. She walked into the bathroom and looked at her neck where her mother's necklace usually was. She had never taken off her Fire Nation necklace last night. Katara picked the blue pendant off of the the smooth ebony counter and fingered it. She ran her thumb over the carving, and let the smoothness of it caress her flesh. Memories struck her like lightning.

It was like black snow was falling from the sky. The whole village knew the meaning behind the ash; the Fire Nation. Sokka and her were playing outside when they first saw it. Realization struck them both, she quickly ran to find her mother. But, it was too late. A man was in their tent. He was questioning her mother, Katara had never felt so scared in her life. Even though her mother reassured her that everything would be okay, deep down Katara knew it wouldn't be. Soon Katara's small feet were flying across the snow, barely even leaving any foot prints against the white surface. When she reached her father they both bolted back to the tent. With much despair, they acknowledged they hadn't reached her in time. She laid slain on the ground, with her scarlet blood splattered against her baby blue parka.

A lone tear slipped down Katara's cheek like a liquid diamond. She moved her hand to her face and brushed it away quickly. She had to hold it together day, no matter how much she wanted to lose it. Katara inhaled deeply and straightened out her clothes to the best of her ability. She combed her hair and perfected it into a fashionable bun. She put a brave face on and walked out of her room. With her head held high she walked down the stairs and began making food for everyone.

Sokka's nose smelled porridge cooking down the stairs. He let his nose lead his feet. He sniffed out the source of food to the kitchen, where Katara was standing. He knew what day it was. He knew how hard this day was for both of them, especially her. Sokka didn't saw a word, his eyes held the same hollowness that Katara's did. Wordlessly he walked over to her and just placed an arm around her. Katara looked up at him with her mask of illusion glued to her face. Sokka kissed her forehead, and gave her a little squeeze.

"I know." He said quietly.

Katara just stared at him, he knew she was in pain. Sokka withdrew his arm and just stayed out of Katara's way as she waltzed around the kitchen.

"Good morning." Zuko said as he walked into the kitchen. The wave of depression hit him hard. His eyes traveled back and forth between Katara and Sokka. They both were looking down in the dumps.

The siblings didn't reply to Zuko's greeting at first but the Sokka answered. "Good morning."

Zuko glanced at Sokka but his eyes found their way back to Katara. She looked like she was barely holding on. He wondered if it was Jet that caused the despair on her face. But his thoughts were interrupted abruptly.

"Mmm, smells good Katara." Aang said happily as he passed by the kitchen and made his way into the dinning room. Aang was especially chipper today, he couldn't help but smile. He was so sure Jet and Katara were going to break up. Almost positive. He knew Katara wouldn't be able to withstand Jet's possessive tendencies. Hope bubbled deep inside of him. He knew once Katara opened her eyes she would see that he was the only one for her.

Suki came down and wrapped her arms around Sokka's waist. She knew what today was. Sokka told her last night about it. She was glad he trusted her enough to talk about it but she hurt for him. She knew loosing a parent was never easy; but she never felt it. She never knew her parents. They just left her at Kyoshi island when she was an infant. A small frown formed on her face as she recalled when Chief Oyaji told her. He took her under his wing during her whole life. When she excelled at fighting it gave her the opportunity to fit in on the island.

"Zuko, will you finish this? Jet and I need to talk." Katara said softly.

Zuko nodded in response, he walked over to the pot and placed his hand over Katara's. Her azure eyes met his in shock, but they still held the same sadness. He didn't say a word, he didn't have to. He let her know in that one touch that he was there for her, just like she was for him. He removed his hand from hers and began stirring the porridge. The group remained oblivious to the exchange, each was in their own ordeal of emotion. Zuko watched Katara make her way out of the kitchen. She stopped at the thresh hold and looked over her shoulder at him. His eyes smoldered into hers, he was trying to break down her walls.

Katara met his gaze and raised her walls high. She could feel herself coming undone underneath Zuko's penetrating stare. Before he got the chance to tear down her shields she turned away and walked upstairs. She reached Jet's room and knocked softly on the big dark door. When she received no answer she walked in. Jet was laying on the bed with his arms crossed over his chest. He turned his face slightly to see who the intruder was. A small smile formed on his lips but caution formed in his eyes as Katara neared the bed. She sat down on the other side and just looked at him.

"I'm glad you came." Jet said.

"I wasn't going to." Katara admitted.

"I'm so sorry." Jet said as he looked into her oceanic eyes.

"Don't Jet."

"No, let me tell you. I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I never would. I can't. I don't know how to live with myself knowing that I did that to you. Then I kissed you after you told me not to touch you again. When you said that we didn't have to be together, part of me wanted to die. I love you too much for my own good. My possessive nature needs work, I know. I really do." Jet said. He sat up and took Katara's hands in his. "I would never dream of hurting you again. I can't lose you. My life is incomplete without you. When I see you with Zuko, I just want to lock you away from the world."

"Zuko is my friend Jet. I don't want this to keep going if you can't accept my friends." Katara said as she began pulling away her hands from his grasp.

Jet's hands tightened around hers. "I just said I wanted to, I won't let it get the better of me. Ever again. I know you wouldn't do anything with him. It's him I don't trust. I will apologize to him for my behavior. I can only hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me Katara." Jet said as he released his grip on her small hands.

"Jet, I will forgive you in time. Right now I just need you to calm down okay?" Katara said softly.

"Can I kiss you?" Jet asked.

Katara hesitated, but she needed something to take her mind off of her mother. "Yes." She nodded.

Jet leaned in and Katara's eyes fluttered shut. His warm lips pressed against her gently. Jet made no movements, he wanted Katara to be the one to either deepen their kiss or pull away. Her lips didn't move, but she pressed their mouths together. Jet carefully placed his hands on her sides, and she placed hers on his chest. Jet took it slowly, he began to move his mouth against hers but when she didn't respond he pulled away. Hurt filled his eyes, he turned away from her so she wouldn't see it. He should have known better than to believe she would just want to pick up where they left off. Jet got up and walked out of bed over to his wardrobe.

"I'll meet you downstairs." He told her. He listened to her footsteps come to the door. He heard the twisting of the knob and the groaning as the door was pushed open. The door was closed with a soft thud. Jet sighed as he listened to her footsteps fade away. He took his right hand and ran it through his hair. He would have to work hard to regain Katara's trust. He would have to fight for her harder than he had ever fought before. He cursed himself for having to apologize to Zuko. He didn't want to, nor would he mean it. He hated the guy with every fiber in his being. But he loved Katara with everything he had. If this meant their road to recovery then he would sacrifice everything he had.

He peered into the wardrobe, his usual clothes were to the left. He almost reached for them when a dark material caught his eyes; the clothes Katara bought him. Jet swallowed his pride and pulled out the fabrics. Jet dressed into the new clothes with a grunt. He walked into the bathroom and looked into the mirror. The reflection didn't belong to him, it belonged to a man of the Fire Nation. Jet brushed his hair out and got a new twig out from his bag. When he was in the woods yesterday he collected a good deal of them. He placed it in between is lips. The twig in his mouth was the only thing that looked like him. Without another look into the mirror he walked out of his room and into the hallway.

The smell of Katara's cooking drifted upstairs and filled the halls. Jet heard a noise behind him, he turned around quickly. Behind him a small earthbender was standing with her black hair stuck up in all angles.

"Morning Sugar Tree." Toph said as she brisked past him.

Jet just stared at her as she pranced down the stairs to the food. He chuckled slightly as he watched her. The only thing that could get her up and going was food. Jet followed her down the stairs and into the kitchen where everyone was gathered except for Aang. Aang was sitting in the dinning room. Toph gave her greetings then joined the young avatar in the dinning room.

Zuko was still stirring the porridge when it finished. He alerted the others and they came in, received their food, then walked into the dinning room. Zuko sat at the head of the table with Katara on his right. Jet sat beside Katara, and Toph sat beside Jet. Aang sat to Zuko's left, Suki sat beside Aang and Sokka sat beside Suki. A silence fell over the table, Sokka was the usual one to break the ice. He seemed too down to even be excited about his food. Everyone at the table seemed to notice their disposition. Finally Toph asked what the ordeal was with the two water tribe members.

"What's wrong with you two? You guys have sadness rolling off of you." Toph asked.

Neither one of the siblings said a word. Katara stared down at her bowl which was still full. Sokka's eyes jumped around the room, trying to find somewhere to stare.

"Well?" Toph asked again harshly.

"Today is the day our mother died." Sokka admitted in a sad tone.

Toph gasped. "Oh Sokka, I didn't mean to pry. I'm sorry." Toph quickly said apologetically.

Katara got up abruptly and walked out of the dinning room. She was furious that Sokka told everyone. This wasn't an easy subject for her and yet he broadcasted it at the table. Katara's walk turned into a run and she bolted out of the house and on to the beach. Still bare foot she ran, grains of sand slipped in between her toes, the sand tried to suck her within itself. Katara continued to fight it and ran, her legs were screaming at her and her breathing was hard. Her sprint slowly turned into a jog and then a walk. She was heaving, and felt light headed. Katara didn't realize how long she had been running, but she found herself on the public beach near the market.

There were some girls laying out in the sun and some boys in a match of kuai ball. She quickly recognized one of them as Ruon-Jian. Katara wanted to go back to the house but she really needed to be alone. She tried to pass the game unnoticed but it failed.

"Hey! Hey! Hey girl! Wait up!" Ruon-Jian said. He abandoned his game and ran after her. Katara groaned inwardly but turned around to face him. She placed her mask on and met his brown eyes.

"Hi, I was hoping to see you around again" Ruon-Jian said smoothly.

"I have a name, it's not girl." Katara said irritated.

"Well, then why don't you tell me it?" Ruon-Jian said unfazed to Katara's obvious disinterest.

"It's Sapphire." Katara lied.

"A beautiful name, for a beautiful face." Ruon-Jian complimented her. In truth he liked her spark, but her exotic skin was so fresh he couldn't help but desire her. She was a beautiful girl, no doubt. He had no clue had that ugly, scarred, freak was able to call this beauty his. Ruon-Jian was determined to change that. "How about I take you to the market and buy you a suit aye? You're clothes are nice but not exactly appropriate for staying at the beach all day."

"Who said I would be staying at the beach all day?"

"I did. You're spending the day with me. I never got to take you out for lunch so this is how you'll make it up to me."

"What about my boyfriend?" Katara asked.

"What he won't know won't hurt him." Ruon-Jian said with a wink. "Now come on, I know where to take you."

"You don't have to buy me anything, I have my own money."

"Can't I buy an angelic face something suitable for her day? Now. Stop arguing and come with me or I'll take it as a sign of rejection."

"Maybe I want to reject you."

"If you did, you already would have. Now let's go." Ruon-Jian said as he began heading towards the market. Katara didn't mind, she was sweating heavily and a dip in the water sure would feel nice. She was sure that she didn't look beautiful. She had just ran for what felt like miles.

Ruon-Jian led her through the shops. He showed her what was in style and what was not. He showered her with compliments and helped her choose her new suit. Katara finally decided on one. It was black as night with blood red lace on it. The top tied together tightly and pushed her breast up. While the bottom was in a skirt that was accented in lace but not covered like the top. While Ruon-Jian paid for it, the shop keeper let Katara change in the bathroom.

Katara took off her clothes and placed her new suit on. She looked at herself in the mirror. She had never worn anything this revealing before. She thought her Fire Nation clothes were bad, but this was awful. Almost all of her body was exposed. Katara squirmed in the new material. She didn't want to appear unappreciative of Ruon-Jian's act but this wasn't her. Katara had tried to buy the most conservative kind she saw. She concluded that the Fire Nation sure did have a revealing way to dress their bodies. Katara took a deep breath and fixed her hair. She placed her clothes in the bag the suit had came in and walked out.

Ruon-Jian turned around and saw her. She looked amazing. The dark colors brought out her bright blue eyes and soft caramel skin. He couldn't help but want to take her then, but he knew he would have to wait. He could tell she was uncomfortable. He offered to head back to the beach which she graciously accepted. She gave him her thanks for the new suit. In his mind Ruon-Jian thanked Agni for making sure he found her at the market yesterday. He knew he could add her as another one of his girls that crawled into his bed, it was only a matter of time. Katara walked ahead of him, he couldn't help but take her image in. Her waist was small but had deep curves to it. His eyes drifted lower to her hips, they were large and she had a tight bum. He could feel his hormones begin to rage. Ruon-Jian inhaled sharply, he would have to keep calm to crack her open. It would take a lot of charm and kindness, but he knew it would be fun. Besides, he was always up for a challenge.

Everyone gathered around the beach looking for where Katara was, but nobody could find her.

"Why didn't she tell me today was the day her mother died?" Jet asked Sokka.

"I don't know." Sokka answered. He was hurting too, but he managed to hide his pain better than his sister.

"Sugar Tree is long gone, I can't feel her." Toph said.

"She can't be gone." Aang said.

"She'll come back when she's ready." Suki piped in.

"She needs me." Jet shouted.

"She needs to be alone." Toph argued.

"I'm going to go find her. You guys keep trying to figure out what you think is best for her. I'm sure she'll love that." Zuko said as he followed her tracks. He knew what direction she was heading; straight into the town. He could tell the difference in her pace by how deep the sand was. She ran hard for a while but she tiered and her pace slowed greatly. Soon Zuko was on the beach. His eyes scanned the area but he didn't see her anywhere. He passed many people until he heard a voice he knew all to well.

"So, wanna get in the water?" Ruon-Jian said.

Zuko whipped around and the sight he saw stopped him in his tracks. Katara was in a Fire Nation suit and looked extremely sexy. Her long toned legs shined in the sun, and her flat stomach glistened. Her breast were pushed up and out. Zuko couldn't help but feel desire run through him. He quickly pushed the feeling out of the way and walked over to the two.

"Nope." He answered.

Ruon-Jian looked up at him. "Looks like your boyfriend decided to join the party."

"Hi Lee." Katara said she walked to Zuko.

"Hi. Zuko said, scanning for his words. He needed to figure out what to call her.

"Sapphire, did he forget your name?" Ruon-Jian accused.

"No, of course not." Katara answered. "He just prefers simplicity.

"I'm sure everything else is too complicated to understand." Ruon-Jian said.

"I'm sure I can punch you so hard in your face that you'll understand not to look at another guy's girl again." Zuko threatened.

"I'm sure that won't be necessary." Ruon-Jian said.

"I'm sure it would be if you keep looking at Sapphire like she's a piece of meat." Zuko growled.

"She's desirable. You know that. You can't act like you wouldn't love to have her all over you." Ruon-Jian accused.

"I already do, she's my girlfriend." Zuko hissed.

"Prove it." Ruon-Jian demanded.

"Prove what?" Sapphire asked.

"Prove your his girlfriend." Ruon-Jian said as he turned to Katara. Fury blazed in his eyes. Not for a minute did he buy that they were together. She didn't seem as into him as he was her. It was obvious Lee was protective of her, but she didn't seem so sure of him.

"Why would I have to do that?" Katara questioned.

"Because I don't believe you are." Ruon-Jian replied honestly.

"Why in spirits name would you think that?!"

"I haven't seen you two kiss, not once."

"I don't believe in public displays of affection." Katara countered.

"Whatever." Ruon-Jian said. He knew arguing with her wouldn't get her in his bed. "Fine, I believe you." Ruon-Jian turned around and walked off but not without saying his goodbyes. "I'll see you soon Sapphire, and hopefully you'll be wearing what I bought you."

Zuko turned Katara around to face him. He couldn't believe she let Ruon-Jian buy that for her. Guilt swam in her eyes, and then her sadness returned. She didn't look good. "Let's just stay here for the day. You and me. We can talk about it."

"I don't want to talk about it." Katara said as she tried to raise her walls.

"I don't want you to lie to me." Zuko called her out.

"I should tell Jet." Katara said blankly.

"I should be listening to Mai." Zuko countered her attack.

"Can we get away from these people?" Katara asked as her eyes in took her surroundings. People were coming quickly down to the beach. Zuko nodded his head and lead her off away from the hustle and bustle of the growing beach. They walked together for a while on the beach. Soon the people were becoming the sizes of ants and the buildings seemed to merge together. Katara stopped walking and sat down in the sand. She placed her bag to her side as Zuko sat down next to her.

"I was young, very young. Black ash came down covering the white snow. Sokka and I were playing outside when it was happening. We both knew what the black snow meant, I ran off to find Mom while Sokka ran off to find Dad. When I reached our tent a strange man was there. He was questioning Mom. I was scared, and she told me to go find my father, that everything would be fine. But guess what? It wasn't. I ran as fast as I could out of our tent. I ran to Dad and told him there was a strange man with Mom. We both raced back to the tent but by that time it was too late. The monster had already left and there she was lying in her own pool of blood. Her flesh was burned and black, I can still smell the scent of her burning flesh." Katara said. Tears were rolling down her face as she got to the end of her story.

Zuko listened, his face turned into horror. He never thought about how they killed her mother, he just knew it happened. He didn't know what to say, he didn't have a clue where to begin. Katara was crying hard now, her tears streamed down her face like a river. Her hands cupped her face and she attempted to muffle the sounds of the torturous sobs that tore through her body. Zuko placed his arms around her and she cried and cried. He whispered soothing words in her ear. Katara mourned for the loss of her mother. When she had settled down Zuko released her.

"What was the symbol on the flag of the ships that came to the South Pole that day?" He asked.

"Sokka would know the answer to that question. I didn't see the ship." Katara confessed.

"I'll be sure to ask him." Zuko said.

"Why does it matter?"

"You'll find out if I recognize the symbol." Zuko stated. He got up and offered his hand to her. She pulled herself up without his help. He smiled, he knew she would never accept help if she didn't have to. "We need to head back, Jet's going out of his mind." Zuko said as he began leading the way back to their temporary home.

Everyone was still on the beach, Aang was pacing back and forth. Toph was sitting down with Suki on the stairs. Sokka was standing against the side of the house with a frown spread on his lips. Jet was leaned against a tree with his twig in his mouth as usual.

Katara's guilt hit her like wave, she just ran off. During their walk here she stopped back into town and changed into her Fire Nation clothes. She preferred the fabric covering her skin more. She walked into view behind Zuko. Toph was the first one to notice the pair.

"Sugar Tree! Sparky!" She hollered. Everyone's eyes snapped up to Zuko and then Katara. Jet jumped up and ran to Katara. He took her in his arms and hugged her tightly. She returned his gesture but pulled away.

"I'm sorry."

"Hey sweetie, it's okay. You're mom death's anniversary is always hard." Suki reassured her.

"Katara! I'm so glad you're back!" Aang shouted happily. Aang went to go hug Katara but, he was ignored. It was as if nobody even remembered he was there. So instead of saying anything he just walked off.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Jet asked with sadness in his voice.

"It's hard to talk about." Katara admitted, in honest it was. But she just didn't feel like they were at that level to talk about such things.

"Katara, I told you about my parents death. I know how hard it is to talk about. Do you not trust me?" Jet asked.

"Jet. I do. I promise, it's just difficult." Katara knew he made a good point. She just couldn't talk to him about it.

"I understand, do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"I respect that. Just like I respect you." Jet said gently.

"Thanks."

"Do you want to go somewhere? We can just talk about all the meaningless things in life?" Jet asked as he took her hand.

"That would be nice." Katara replied. Jet led the off into the house. The couple disappeared from sight by the closed door.

"Sokka, can I talk to you?" Zuko asked his friend.

"We can. Let's fish as we talk, I want more meat." Sokka said. He went inside and fetched the fishing pole that he made yesterday. Sokka began marching down to the beach. Zuko followed behind him. Sokka stopped at the ocean's edge, and casted his home made line out into the tossing waves. "What'd you want to talk about?"

"Your mother's death."

"That's not something I liked to remember."

"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"Did Katara tell you what happened?"

"She did."

"Treasure that. It's hard for her to talk about it. More so than I. She saw my mother's body after the damage had been done. I didn't see her until her burial and even then she looked gruesome. I can only imagine what it was like seeing her after her attack. I ran off to help my Dad and the rest of the warriors fight. But soon as they came, they were gone. I didn't know my mother had died until later on." Sokka explained.

"Can you remember what symbol was on the ships? Maybe the lead ship?"

"Yeah, it was a sea raven."

"The symbol of the Southern Raiders. Thanks Sokka." Zuko replied. A silence fell over them. Zuko didn't leave Sokka. He just stood beside the boy who had befriended him in the past weeks. Zuko did feel close to Sokka, he became a very loyal pal. With his mother's death being today, he knew the same pain. It still felt as if it was yesterday when his mother had vanished from his life. Zuko placed his hand on Sokka's shoulder. The young warrior turned his face to Zuko's. Zuko's eyes showed his loyalty for Sokka. In return Sokka's pale blue eyes reflected his gratitude. Zuko removed his hand from Sokka's tense shoulder. The two stood there, gazing out into the ocean. Listening to the rise and fall of the tide.

Toph and Suki were still sitting on the steps of the giant house. The two of them didn't really speak. There was an awkward silence fluttering between them. Both were tempted to say something but couldn't find the words to speak. Suki finally attempted to pave a way to conversation.

"How are you?"

"Really Honey? That's how you decide to start conversation?"

"I'm trying." Suki said sheepishly.

"Well, I'm fabulous. Yourself?" Toph replied.

"I'm worried about Sokka." Suki admitted.

"He'll be okay Honey, I promise. He's strong and I'm sure he needs you more than ever right now. So why are you sitting her with me?"

"I wanted to give Zuko and him their privacy."

"That sounds about right, but I'm sure they're done by now. Why don't you go find them?"

"I mean I could, I just don't want to intrude."

"I'm sure Sokka would love to have you around. You balance him out. Trust me, I can tell these things. Now stop wasting time. Go find him." Toph ordered.

Suki laughed. She followed Toph's orders but not without turning around and giving her thanks. Even though Toph was a few years younger than her she couldn't help but marvel at her wisdom. Suki admired Toph in many ways. Considering she ran away from home to help Aang was remarkable. Suki walked down the beach to where Zuko and Sokka were wading in the water. She cleared her throat and Zuko's eyes snapped up at her. He bowed his head and told Sokka he would see him around. As he walked past her he nodded his head towards Suki. She returned the gesture and walked over to her boyfriend.

Suki could tell he was more upset than he was leading on. She knew these things about him. She waded out into the water. The tail of her skirt got wet, but she didn't mind. She knew she could just wash it then let it dry. She moved to Sokka's side and leaned against him. He looked down at her with pain in his eyes. She took his hand and pulled him on to the shore. Sokka put his fishing pole down on the sand. His eyes bored into Suki's, she quickly embraced him. Sokka didn't fight it but returned the gesture. She could feel him holding her close, and knew he was hurting. He let her go and looked at her.

"Suki, I know I hurt and all but I feel like I'm not hurting enough."

"What do you mean?" Suki asked with concern.

"It's something I've only told Toph and nobody else."

A pang of jealous swept through Suki. She didn't like Toph knowing things that she didn't. "What does she know?" Suki struggled to remain the concerned tone that covered her voice only seconds ago.

"When I think of my mother, the face I see is Katara's. When Mom died she really did step up and took care of us. She held us together." Sokka confessed.

Suki's jealousy died swiftly. She knew Sokka only had feelings for her. She inwardly laughed at herself for being paranoid. The news about Katara didn't really shock her though. Katara does have a motherly essence about her. She could see why Sokka easily saw Katara as a mom. She even found herself forgetting Katara was younger than herself.

"I can see why, she does have a tendency to take care of people." Suki said.

"She just does everything for me, and always has. Now on the anniversary of my mother's death I can't even feel the true pain like she does."

"It doesn't make it wrong baby, I promise. Katara is a girl, we automatically feel more than boys do." Suki explained.

"I guess." Sokka said.

"I promise, it's okay. Now come on, let's go join the others. Or would you rather stay out here?" Suki offered.

"Anything you want."

"We could go keep Toph company? I think Zuko went to train with Aang."

"Maybe we could watch their training session. I need something to keep my mind off of this." Sokka said.

The pair kissed and walked hand in hand back to the house. They hunted and found Zuko with Aang out back. Toph had created a seat for herself made of rock. She made one for the love birds to observe Aang's training session with Zuko.

Zuko was attempting to get aggression into Aang. Aang's personality was so gentle that Zuko couldn't even get a rise out of him. He persisted in attacking Aang but instead of Aang using fire back he retreated to air.

"Aang, you can't always result to air when things get tough. Come back at me with fire. Again." Zuko ordered as he moved into a stance. Aang took a breath and mimicked Zuko's stance. Zuko released a flame, Aang tried to counter it but the only thing he could manage to make was a wisp of fire.

"Aang! Give me fury!" Zuko hollered. Yet again Aang tried to produce a decent flame, and failed. It was stronger than his last one but still not strong enough.

"Must I make you mad to get even a reaction out of you? This is firebending. You need to attack!" Zuko shouted at the young avatar. He was furious. Aang always resulted in airbending, he had to learn to use his other elements.

"Think. Think of how Katara was hurt by Jet." Zuko shouted. Aang's fury peaked and he let out a massive flame. The flame was so large that Toph had to throw up a wall to protect herself, Sokka, and Suki. Aang was fuming, he stopped bending and began breathing heavy. His burst of power took a lot of energy out of him. Zuko smiled.

"Now that's what I was looking for, but Aang. Anger is not the way to bend. That's how the Fire Nation bends. You know the source of true firebending. Use it. The only reason I resulted into attempting to make you anger is because you won't be fierce. Find your drive. Think of the what we learned that day. Practice your breathing for the rest of our training. It needs work." Zuko said.

Toph took down her wall and let out a low whistle. She got up and walked over to Aang.

"Twinkle Toes, I know Sparky is being hard on you but he's doing that for your own benefit. You need to work on your firebending."

"I know, but I don't like it."

"I know, you burnt Katara the first time you did it but you have to move on from it."

"I'm scared of my own power losing control like that again." Aang confessed.

"Don't be. You have a great teacher, Zuko knows what he's doing. Trust him. He will always be there to help. Just like me, and Katara. Don't be afraid of yourself. You've done this a thousand times before. You can master it again. I believe in you." Toph said sweetly.

"I really don't know what I would do without you." Aang said. Shaw's words soon floated to his head. "I will show you the answer you've been seeking." Aang shook his head like he was trying to shake the words out of his memory. He knew deep down Shaw was right. Katara wasn't and hasn't been close with him since the kiss. He figured Jet had a lot to do with that but he refused to listen. He thought that Katara was the one for him and he refused to believe anything else. Ignorance was bliss. But he couldn't help feel a little something pulling towards the earthbender.

Hours passed and Zuko found himself wandering up to Katara's room. He knocked but there was no answer. He peeped his head into the room but she wasn't in there. He heard her laughter coming from down the hall. Zuko knew where the laughter was coming from. He walked over to Jet's room and knocked. A come in was hollered and a girlish shriek followed. Zuko walked in to find Katara under Jet. Jet was tickling her sides. Zuko coughed and both of them looked up. Katara quickly pushed Jet off and got up.

"Zuko." Katara said.

"Katara, I need to talk to you." Zuko said. "Alone." He added glaring at Jet. Jet glared back at Zuko and looked at Katara.

"Whatever you need to tell her you can say in front of me." Jet answered for her.

"Jet, I'm going to talk to him." Katara said giving him a stern look.

Jet gave a defeated sigh. "All right. I'm going to see if I can go find Sokka to spar or something." Jet kissed Katara's cheek and walked out of the room.

"What is it Zuko?" Katara asked.

"Let's go back to your room." Zuko said walking out of Jet's room. He couldn't stand the guy. Seeing him all over Katara pissed Zuko off to no end. He stormed to Katara's room with her following close behind. He opened the door for her, she walked through, and stood in the middle of the room.

"Well?" Katara asked with her arms crossed.

"You might want to sit down." Zuko said as he gestured towards the bed. Katara gave him a confused look but did what he said.

"All right, what is it?" She asked gently.

Zuko walked over and sat down beside her. He looked her deeply in the eyes. Zuko took a deep breath. He had been trying to figure out all day how to tell her this.

"Well, Zuko? Are you going to tell me?" Katara asked.

"Katara. I know who killed your mother."