Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender copyright Dante Dimartino, Brian Konietzko and Nickelodeon Studios.


She needed to release the aching pressure building in her chest, but she couldn't. Not with the rebels just a few feet away. They moseyed along unhurriedly, laughing at the destruction around them.

The boy tugged at her sleeve. She nodded, following as they resumed their slow trek. Her breathing was becoming shallower. She just wasn't getting enough oxygen. Katara shook her head against the sudden wave of dizziness. Another coughing fit followed, short puffs shaking her body.

Vertigo struck her abruptly and she toppled over. Flat on her back she watched her kingdom burn until her eyes drifted shut.