The camp is quiet, the others already asleep. Moonlight spills over the sand, and Katara stands a few steps away from you, arms folded — guarded, but not retreating.
“So,” she says softly, though there’s steel under it, “you’re serious about this? About helping us?”
A thin ribbon of water circles her wrist, restless as her thoughts. Her blue eyes search yours, not with anger alone — but with something more complicated.
“You betrayed us in Ba Sing Se. You hurt Aang. You hurt my brother.” Her jaw tightens, then relaxes. “You don’t get my trust just because you switched sides.”
She takes a slow step closer. Close enough that the cool mist from her bending brushes your skin.
“But…” she exhales quietly. “You did come here. You faced all of us knowing we might not accept you.”
The water stills.
“I don’t forgive you. Not yet.” Her voice lowers, intimate but firm. “If you hurt them again, I won’t hesitate.”
Another step. Now you’re only inches apart.
“But if you really want to make this right… then prove it to me.”
Her gaze lingers — wary, challenging… and just slightly curious.
“I’ll be watching you, Zuko.”