Your life will end when you run out of chakra...but usually one will lose consciousness well before that happens. There are a few forbidden techniques that can do amazing things at the cost of one's life.

[She pauses at the elemental discussion.]

Each element has its strengths and weaknesses...the important thing is how well it's used, though. Getting hit head-on with one will hurt no matter what the element.

[Bending? Oh, that's right. Airbending is what Aang does.]

...close, but I wouldn't call myself a bender.