When the group arrives at a small Earth Kingdom mining town, they see an earthbender, named Haru, who is practicing his ability, but he runs away when Katara tries to confront him about it. They soon learn that the Fire Nation has taken over the town, that earthbending is forbidden and all earthbenders are taken away to an offshore prison. However, when an elderly man is trapped in a collapsed mine, Katara urges Haru to use his powers to save the man's life, but then, the old man reports Haru to the authorities. Katara blames herself for his predicament and she vows to rescue him, but will she succeed?

Aang learns that he must go to the Fire Nation temple during the winter solstice if he wishes to speak with Avatar Roku to see what he must do. However, with Prince Zuko on his trail while he heads straight into the heart of the nation who wants him captured, he realizes that this isn't going to be an easy task. Will Aang be able to talk to Avatar Roku before Zuko finds him?