He'd failed again.

First he'd abandoned his people, and now they were all dead. He would never forget the day he discovered Gyatso's corpse, the burning anger and guilt at the realization he'd failed them all.

He'd caused the fall of the Earth Kingdom by not mastering the Avatar State in time. If he had, maybe Azula wouldn't have been able to strike him while his back was turned.

And now, the invasion they'd been planning for months, the one thing they'd pinned all their hopes and dreams on...Aang closed his eyes, fighting back oncoming tears.

"It's hopeless," he mumbled. Katara moved closer and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"It's not hopeless. We did everything we could, but the Fire Nation was faster than us," she said.

"But this was my chance to make up for Ba Sing Se! I promised everyone victory, and I let them down!"

"No one blames you." She gently turned him to face her. "Everyone knows you did your best, and the prisoners wouldn't want you kicking yourself over this. We'll have another chance...next time, you will face the Fire Lord, and you'll win."

He sighed.

"Maybe I wasn't as ready as I thought I was."

"You'll be ready next time."

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, even as tears glistened in his eyes. Is it any wonder I love you so much? Somehow she always knew how to pick up his spirits when they dragged.

"Thank you, Katara," he whispered as he embraced her. "I..."

She leaned forward suddenly, pressing a brief kiss to his lips. His heart fluttered, and he could have died the happiest guy in the world at that moment.

"Now we're even," she whispered.