Quick Author's Notes: Okay, this story isn't going to make a lick of sense if you haven't watched episode eight of season three: "The Puppetmaster". It hasn't been aired in the United States yet, but it's airing in the United Kingdom. The episode is already on YouTube, so anyone can watch it there.

…Anyway, yeah. Bloodbending is awesome. :3

Bloodlust

The cage was dark. Everything was dark, and the only light Hamma could see was a thin beam of moonlight streaming down from above. She looked up and saw the moon, bright and full in a patch of dark sky. Hamma bowed her head gratefully and let its surreal strength wash over her.

She was feeling powerful, almighty. The moon was the ultimate tool to a waterbender, Hamma knew. It restored strength even to the weakest of waterbenders. It gave you power. It made you feel alive.

A rat scurried down the rope supporting her cage. It sneaked in through the bars, so quick, so easy. The rat raced over to nibble on the tattered edges of Hamma's dress but she kicked it away. She watched as the rat scurried off to find something less violent to eat. An idea came to her mind.

We are all just bodies full of liquid, Hamma thought, her eyes brightening with realization. Every living thing has water in it. Every living thing needs water to survive. There are no exceptions. Every living thing stores water in their bodies. There are no exceptions!

Another rat crawled into her cage. Snarling jaws, a filthy black body, glowing red eyes, so full of life...

Hamma bowed her head and stood still, concentrating. Trying to detect that water, those streams of liquid running through the rat's veins, so excited, so alive...

...She found it.

That was what she needed.

Hamma flicked her fingers, summoning the water. The rat flung towards her. It squealed, for its body was suddenly being controlled by someone else, its destiny now in another's hands. The movement was so simple and so basic; every waterbender knows it immediately even before they start learning. She pulled the rat to the right, to the left; she made it stand up on its hind legs and twirled around. Hamma almost giggled with glee, but kept quiet for fear the guards might hear her.

Weeks passed, before Hamma felt that she was powerful enough to take on her ultimate goal.

Controlling a human body.

Hamma was excited. Tonight was the night, she knew. It was a full moon. Hamma peered out of her cage, sliding carefully into position. The Fire Nation guard turned the corner and started walking down her hall. He scrutinized the row of cages for any signs of mischief.

Now, Hamma thought, as the guard's face turned to look at her.

Oh, it was a wonderful feeling! Hamma knew immediately that she had conquered something great. She could feel the man's very heart, his soul; she felt it running through her own veins, that beautiful, pulsing water.

That beautiful, pulsing blood.

The man gave a shout and his limbs fell to his side limply as his whole body was under Hamma's control. She grinned behind her matted hair. This was brilliant, perfect! The man pulled a key from his pocket, and Hamma made him saunter over to her cage and unlock it. She scurried out, glaring at him haughtily as she thrust him down to the floor. The guard tried to move, but Hamma pulled on the water inside his chest and smashed him down into the floor.

Hamma stepped out into the open. For a moment, she didn't worry about guards or hurrying away or how much time she had. All was quiet and peaceful as the moonlight washed over her. It was empowering. The moon was so big and bright and full. Hamma smiled, and listened quietly to the blood pounding in her ears.