Aang and Sokka quickly travel back to Ba Sing Se on Appa, intercepting Toph, who is promptly terrified and loses her balance as she couldn't sense them coming. They know they must return to the city as quickly as possibly in order to ascertain whether Katara is truly in trouble. They ask whether Aang mastered the Avatar State, but he lies, not baring the fact that he gave up its power in order to continue to love and protect Katara. Zuko looks sad, and explains that might be one thing they have in common. And is shot by lightning.