"Sokka."

Sokka looked up from his dinner, chewing furiously so he could swallow before speaking. Aang continued.

"It's been weeks; I've looked every day, and still no trace of Appa. What if" – he hesitated, face crumpling a little – "we don't find him?"

Sokka gulped painfully, and his eyes watered but the food went down his throat. He wished Katara were here, but she'd gone out. Toph, of course, was no help.

"Of course we will. You're the Avatar – what can't you do?" He could say nothing else, but injected a dose of confidence into his voice, hoping it would help.