As soon as Korra could walk, she ran. She ran far, far away from home. Away from her family and her friends and Naga. Running from her duties as the Avatar, as if she had any. The Order of the Airbenders have practically taken over her identity as peacekeepers and protectors. When asked who she was she could tell you immediately; "I am the Avatar," but she wasn't so sure anymore. Even when she was a prodigious 4-year-old she knew who, or maybe what, she was. Now back further than square one, lost without a purpose, Korra did what she knew best; fight.

But there was no reason to fight back. So she remained passive, taking blows from her opponent, receiving hard hit after hit. One particularly fast boulder was thrown her way and soon enough Korra was on the floor.

"Is that all you got?" she managed.

Getting up in a crouching position Korra provoked her opponent with a kick, causing her to counter-attack Korra with her own rocks. Knocked down once more, she shakily brought her head up and watched the other fighter poised to strike. Her still weakened body buckled under her weight and she cursed herself. So very tired. So. Tired. And it hurt. Pain was good though. It reminded her that she was still alive. This however meant that to feel any considerable amount of pain, Korra had to go through some brutal treatment. Her nerve-endings were damaged by poison and generally, pain was an all too familiar sensation.

Happy to be feeling anything for once, there was a downside to brawling. Every so often she would get the wind knocked out of her, and she would struggle against a panic-attack and from going into the Avatar State. It reminded her too much of getting the air sucked out of her lungs. No matter how far she went, there was no outrunning her past. You could not elude death.

Yet here she was, still breathing with a weakened soul, in the heart of the Earth Kingdom.

There was really no better reason for Korra to flee other than to be able to take care of herself for once. Her entire life she had been cared for by others, now with no one to look over her shoulder she felt free somehow. There was literally no one else but her. The voices of the past have long since died, and along with them the meaning of the Avatar was disintegrated. In a rapidly changing world, there seemed to be no space for a deity like her. It was so unfair. Why did she have to be the Avatar? Although, who was she to complain? She has money, food, a place to stay, and people who need her... right? No, she had left all that behind. They were better off without her.

She couldn't believe what was said on the radio though. Since when did people feel sorry for her? Korra was tired of being pitied anyway. It was one of the main reasons she left, she couldn't stand those looks of people who thought they understood. But mostly she couldn't stand to look at herself in the mirror. Most people probably thought it was best that she vanished, and she didn't blame them, she agreed with them.

With her hate for herself mirroring the world's, Korra had nothing left to lose. She was truly disconnected, negative, and unbalanced.

This is my new home, Korra thought. No going back... I just miss the snow, and my parents. And Naga. The thought of Korra's parents punched an even deeper hole in her chest. Yes, I am not the only one living an unfair life. But I have left them in a good place, they won't miss me. Dad is chief of the tribe now, and his palace is protected by the Southern Lights. Good thing those letters work and he hasn't come looking for me. Technically, being the daughter of the chief made her royalty. Although that was probably the last thing on her mind. Thoughts flashed back to her friends, and those glory-filled probending days. Good times. Simpler times. Thank you Katara and Toph for those letters, I wouldn't want anyone finding me like this... What must they think of me now? Suddenly a fear not unlike the one that gripped her tight during nightmares, overcame Korra. NO! I can't go back! I don't want to anymore! This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. The Avatar was doomed to be afraid forever, whether it be Amon, Vatuu, or even her inner demons. There was no escape, and she knew it.

Silently sobbing to herself she rose with sniffle and got out of the ring. No one noticed.

It didn't take long before the small arena emptied, Korra was the only one left. A figure emerged from the shadows and dumped a small wad of cash beside her. "Here, for your lackluster participation."

At least she got payed to get beat up, other than losing her bending or something. And normally Korra would've reacted to him saying that, but she didn't care. "Thanks."

"You know, you look very familiar," he said arching a brow. "Yeah! You... you kinda look like that Avatar girl!"

With a black eye and a million-mile stare she simply responded, "I get that a lot."

"What ever happened to her anyway?"

Oh yeah, what did happen to that young, innocent, sheltered teenager from the south who held so much promise and responsibility? With her glowing smile and infectious laughter, and sapphire eyes deeper than any lagoon, holding overpowering confidence and natural fighting spirit. What became of the soldier girl with a reason to fight for what she believed in? What happened to her will to live?

"I wouldn't know." Korra said as she disappeared into the shadows.

A/N: This was kind of a let-out-some-steam chapter for me. After the premiere I am torn in half. The writers did a great job and their portrayal of Korra when she's down on her luck makes sense for the story and perfectly describes metaphorically what kind of a place she is in right now. But it just hurt to watch Korra get beaten down by... a nobody essentially. To see someone who vanquished pure chaos from the world, defeated anarchists, ended a power-hungry equalist, taken down by some random earthbender was painful. Who could blame her though for running away, for everything. After enduring so much in a year (and only being seventeen), and then recovering for two or two and half years maybe, it's a miracle she hasn't done anything more harmful to herself (like suicide, which to me shows how strong she is). I don't remember exactly what Iroh said, but he did tell Zuko something about inner strength during our darkest times, and that Guru that helped Aang spoke of being balanced yourself before bringing balance to the world. And the lion turtle preaching about the true soul weathering all lies.

And then we have the airbenders. Another great reason for Korra to run away after being repeatedly told that the Avatar wasn't needed anymore, especially after Tenzin's speech. So now she can finally focus on figuring out who Korra is. I'm looking forward to that episode that is all about Korra's recovery (hinted at by bryke in some new interview), we are in for an epic season guys.

In short: Don't touch me, I'm not okay. I just want to see Korra the same way we saw her in the very beginning. Stonger than ever, wiser than before, and good lord I will not accept a finale with her in a hospital bed.

Thanks for reading!