[He takes a moment to absorb his words and push away any imaginings of the situation where it would be needed, closing his eyes tightly as he does so. He then opens them, returning Sokka's look.]

Then... then I'll have to be. I'll... I'll be there for her as much as this place will let me, as long as we're here. If it's all I can do. [He takes a sip of tea.] I should start her exercises soon.