Zuko
I'm on the ship home, and I should be overjoyed. I know I should be excited. I'm with Mai now, and Azula has assured me time and again that I have nothing to fear. That Father will restore my honor to me, that I will be the crown prince of the Fire Nation once more. But all I can feel is a sense of dread, guilt, and regret. I betrayed Uncle, after everything he's done for me. I also betrayed Katara. She trusted me, despite me leaving her after the desert, and after everything I've done to her and her friends. She offered to heal me with the only spirit water she had, and even though she didn't, even though she left, I know she was willing to use it. If the Avatar and Uncle hadn't come crashing into the cave when they did, I might be free of this burn.
I feel Mai come up next to me; she grabs my hand and kisses my neck. A rush of energy starts there, and moves down my back. I actually have to focus to not let my fingers spark. I smile at her. I like Mai, I really do. I'm glad her apathetic attitude doesn't extend to how she feels with me, at least it doesn't seem to. But as I'm looking at her black hair and tan eyes, I'm picturing the girl with chocolate brown locks and blue orbs That I've held in my arms so many times instead, and what she was willing to do for me. Maybe still would if not for me betraying her.