Toph, well ahead by then, stopped and turned towards them. She wanted to make fun of them, REALLY wanted to call them panises or pussy cats, but she couldn't do it. She could feel their tension, their careful breathing, their apprehension. These boys were truly scared.

Her look of sympathy and empathy was apparent for a second or two, even at a distance, but almost as soon as she was aware of it she stomped it down and gave them a one-armed shrug, the other hand on her hip.

"It can't be that bad. I'm sure you're making a big deal out of nothing."

This time, she stayed at their side, arms behind her head, once they caught up to her. She was doing her best to try and liven them up.