One of the things I love about the Ember Island Players is that by trying to make fun of the possibility of romance between Zuko and Katara in the play-within-a-play, the show actually introduces Zutara as text into the world of the show, particularly in Fire Nation pop culture.
Like, there's this widely-advertised production that shows the Fire Prince and the Southern waterbending master falling in love. Then, probably the next thing the gen pop hears about their future Fire Lord is that he's jumped in front of his sister's lightning to save this same girl's life, doing absolutely nothing to beat those allegations.
There's just no way the gossip mill isn't churning. It's too juicy.
Not to mention, a lot of people would probably assume he left during DOBS to be with Katara. They’d turn it into some kind of Romeo and Juliet narrative—how he just couldn’t stay away any longer and had to go back to her.
Poor Mai likely heard those rumors too, which could explain why she was especially pissed during The Boiling Rock. After all, Zuko’s literally risking everything to break that girl’s father out of prison.
Whether they mean to or not, Zuko and Katara’s actions only add fuel to the fire throughout the show. The servants and guards also probably heard about the Agni Kai and the scar he got on his chest, expecting he would die, and the rumors just went wild from there.
And what’s worse! They can’t even deny it because it’s objectively all true.
Reporter: Fire Lord! The people want to know, is it true you have a scar on your chest from jumping in front of lightning to save Southern Water Tribe Princess Katara during the Agni Kai with your sister?
Zuko: Yes…
Reporter: Follow up, how long have you been in love with her?
Zuko: What?!?!
Reporter: We’ve heard reports you broke into Boiling Rock Prison with the express purpose of freeing her father from wrongful imprisonment. Is that true?
Zuko: Yes… Wait-
His lack of social competence doesn’t help…
Wait, that part about people thinking that Zuko went with Katara after DOBS is so cool!
Thank you! I think it would be totally in character for Zuko to only realize his feelings through others.
Zuko: All of these things are completely untrue! Just because I (insert all events because I’m too lazy to write out all of them because there are just that many) doesn’t mean… Holy shit! I’m in love with Katara!
Toph: Was this news?
Holy crap this idea is awesome



















