Zuko had ruined everything. Again. Just as Katara was getting over his betrayal and pushing all thoughts of him out of her mind, he showed up. Begging for forgiveness, no less.

She refused to trust him, reminding herself of all the pain he had caused. Someone as bad as him didn't change so suddenly. It was impossible.

Toph's defence of him didn't help. What did she know? She had never met the guy! Still, her words rang in the waterbender's ears, reminding her of the spark of hope she had felt in Ba Sing Se.

But Ba Sing Se had been his biggest crime yet. He had betrayed them. Gained her trust then completely and mercilessly demolished it.

Katara crushed her hope for him in the same way. Fire would always be fire, and it would always burn everything it touched.

She wasn't going to get burned again.


Author's Notes: Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have a bunch of drabbles to post today, so hopefully that makes up for it.

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.