Aang rejoins the invasion force and reveals that the whole city has been abandoned. Sokka concludes that the Fire Lord must have expected the invasion and is likely hiding in a secret underground bunker. After some deliberation, they agree to continue with the invasion: the invasion force will continue toward the palace while Aang, Toph, and Sokka search for Fire Lord Ozai. Zuko follows Appa on a hot air balloon with a look of determination on his face.