None of the battles I've faced are ever easy, but some of them were decidedly worse than others. Then again, I think most of the worst battles were the ones where everything when everything went terribly, and I didn't know if I'd come out of it alive. [Details aren't what Sokka needs at the moment, so he won't ask.]

[Sokka ponders on the offer for a while. Finally he lets out a heavy breath.]

I've always seen myself as the protector of others. If I can't do that, what is my worth as a warrior? If this will help me help those around me, then I'm willing to do what it takes. I'm a fast learner, after all.

[Besides, even if Katara is older than him now, well... he's still going to be the bigger brother and do what he can to watch over her.]