- This article is about the firebender. For the spy, see Hong (spy).
| "My brother is risking his life for the Fire Nation while this traitor walks among us! She's an Earth Kingdom sympathizer!" |
| — Hong about Peijing before their Agni Kai.[1] |
Hong was a firebender and student of the Royal Fire Academy for Girls during the late Hundred Year War. She was part of Azula's circle of friends at the school, although she was repeatedly manipulated by the princess.
History
Early life and starting to attend the Royal Fire Academy
Hong was born into a Fire Nation noble family on one of the Fire Islands. She had an older brother whom she adored. He eventually joined the Fire Army, though General Iroh promised Hong's parents that their son would be stationed far from the frontlines. As a young girl, Hong was allowed to attend the prestigious Royal Fire Academy for Girls. She eventually became best friends with another student named Peijing.[1]
During Hong's time at the Royal Fire Academy, the school was also attended by Princess Azula. Both Hong as well as Peijing eventually became part of Azula's circle of friends, though the latter repeatedly abused and manipulated them. Hong would often follow the princess around alongside others such as Ty Lee.[1]
One day, Hong disagreed with one of Azula's arguments in debate class, leaving the princess furious. After class, the princess slyly remarked that she had heard about Hong's brother being sent to the frontline, an unfortunate development considering that the recent fighting had been especially deadly. Hong was horrified by this comment, pointing out General Iroh's promise, but Azula claimed that Iroh often could not keep promises whereas her father Ozai could. Understanding the implied threat, Hong crumbled and bowed, begging Azula to protect her brother and promising to always agree with her arguments in future debate classes.[1]
Agni Kai
Despite Azula's claim, Hong's brother was eventually sent to the frontlines due to the Fire Army's growing manpower demands. She was left deeply insecure and shaken after being informed, fearing for his life. In this time of vulnerability, she was approached by Azula who claimed that Peijing was actually a Fire Nation colonist who secretly supported the Earth Kingdom and supported rebels. Confused and angry as she was, Hong promptly stormed off and got into a heated argument with her best friend, eventually challenging Peijing to an Agni Kai. As they entered the Academy's Agni Kai arena, the two greeted Headmistress Pearl who asked about their intentions. Despite Pejing's protests, Hong accused her friend of being a traitor; this kind of public claim could not go unopposed, resulting in the duel being allowed to go on.[1]
Hong initiated the Agni Kai with a furious firebending strike, but Peijing calmly deflected the attack and jumped closer to attack with fire daggers. Hong evaded and managed to get behind the other girl, again attempting to land a punch. Yet Hong fought emotionally charged, while Peijing had adopted a precise as well as determined style. The latter thus managed to turn, duck away, and directly hit Hong with a non-lethal, but painful fire punch into the chest. Hong fell to the ground in great pain, whereupon Headmistress Pearl dismissively ordered her to "stop whimpering". Hong was carried away by Peijing to receive medical treatment.[1]
Appearances
Graphic novels
- Ashes of the Academy (flashback)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Hicks, Faith Erin (writer), Wartman, Peter (artist), Matera, Adele (colorist), Betancourt, Jimmy (letterer). Ashes of the Academy (2025), Dark Horse Comics.