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?