Din Din!

My fellow zutara trash peeps, come get y’all crumbs, crusts, croissants, and cutlets. This is really just a collection, a shrine of sorts if you’d like, to my #1 otp Zutara as well as any and Everything else pertaining to the Avatar franchise that I like a lot or even a little. Credit for the beautiful art in my avi goes to @zephirias who obviously bleeds talent

[risemaclay]

She's very cozy there

[id in alt text]

[perfectlypanda]

This will never not be funny to me. Like… yes Aang, tell us more about how you forgave the people who murdered the Air Nomads and the people who stole Appa.

I’m tagging this anti-Aang, even though I don’t think of it as really being anti-Aang as a character as being against some of the writing choices made on the show. It makes sense for Aang to hold this view about forgiveness, and it fits with his characterization. However, it was poor writing because the creators wanted to give examples that showed Aang experiencing trauma, and then forgiving the perpetrator of the trauma - and these examples don’t do that.

If Aang came face to face with the perpetrators of the Air Nomad genocide (impossible because they’re all long dead, but hypothetically), or the sandbenders who stole Appa, Aang would not be able to greet them completely neutrally. Aang might not choose to take revenge on them, but that’s not the same as forgiveness. The parallel also falls apart because Aang is in a different place from Katara; in Aang’s situation revenge would be impossible or unnecessary. As mentioned, those responsible for the Air Nomad genocide are long dead, so Aang can’t do anything to them. Aang may not forgive the sandbenders, but there is no purpose in seeking revenge because the main source of hurt (losing Appa) has been resolved. In Katara’s case the hurt can’t be fixed (her mother is dead), and her mother’s murderer is still alive. 

This scene also spectacularly fails to recognize the very real harm that Aang did cause with his anger. From demolishing part of a building, and nearly blowing his two friends off a mountain, to killing a buzzard-wasp, destroying a sandbender boat, and creating an environment so dangerous that his friend (Sokka) feels like he needs to evacuate himself, Toph, and everyone else from the area for their safety.

If the examples Aang gave Katara were later questioned and a longer discussion about what forgiveness means were had (or perhaps the creators gave Aang the motive that he feels guilty for the harm he caused when he was angry and that he wants Katara to avoid that same guilt), then these examples maybe could have worked. However, without such a moment the creators imply that Aang and Katara’s situations are parallels (they’re not), and conflate forgiveness (what Aang is suggesting) with making the choice to move forward from trauma not for the perpetrator but for yourself (what Katara ultimately chooses). This leaves a big inconsistency between the interpretation that the creators wanted for “The Southern Raiders” and what actually happens in it. Unfortunately this dissonance is never resolved, leaving Aang seemingly unable to understand or support Katara at her darkest.

[flameo-hotman]

Imagine how the show would have changed if Gyatso ended up in the ice with Aang. Like they have a whole ass adult and he and Iroh enjoy playing Pai Sho while the kids fight.

[electronswrites]

Gyatso @ Aang: This is very exciting, pupil. We are entering the Northern Water Tribe. Now, we must remember that we are guests here. The ways of the Northern Water Tribe are not our ways. We must be respectful to our hosts and their customs. Some of their beliefs might be strange to us, but some of our beliefs will be strange to them. We must go in with open minds and humble hearts. As long as we are not asked to do anything that violates our beliefs, we should be respectful and silent on any topic that unsettles us.

Aang: Yes, Sifu.

Pakku: *exists*

Gyatso: Well, this is very unfortunate.

[newbieineverything]

I like this, I really really like this, but the only thing I can think of is what Gyatso would do about Loser lord Ozai? Because we have seen that Gyatso would kill to defend people but he wouldn't encourage Aang to kill so what would happen? Would he just go instead of Aang and try to kill Ozai?

[electronswrites]

Zuko: *Joins the Gaang.*

Gyatso: This is a wonderful reminder that no one is inherently good or evil. If the young Fire Prince can be enlightened, perhaps Ozai can as well. Zuko, perhaps you can tell us some things about your father, so we can better understand him as a person.

Zuko: Um.... Okay. What do you want to know?

Gyatso: What does he value most?

Zuko: Power, I think. I mean, he forced my mom to murder his dad by threatening to kill me so he could become Firelord. Power is a big thing for him.

Gyatso: Nevermind. Fuck that guy.

Zuko: He also gave me this scar on my face because I disrespected him.

Gyatso: I gotta go. Be back later.

*** later ***

Gyatso: Good news! Ozai is dead. Anyone want a fruit pie?

[thein273]

@rynnaaurelia​ You’ll love this.

[marauders4evr]

Okay, I see all of this, I respect all of this, but I raise you: Gyatso in Omashu, knowing damn well who Bumi is, but standing there like:

because he knows it'll be a good prank lesson for Aang.

[gentlemanbones]

Bumi, quickly understanding that someone else is playing the game with him:

[pure]

Monthly reminder that Azula only lost to Katara because of plot armor

[fatfreefiddlefaddle-deactivated]

This Katara libel on my dash?

[trapcard]

the entire gaang jumped azula and she was fine and she damn near killed aang while he was in the avatar state AND even iroh didn’t wanna go against her….do you legitimately think azula couldn’t take on katara 1v1 and most likely kill her if it wasn’t for her lil plot forwarding breakdown….

[awkwordalex]

Azula was always unstable and didnt like loss. We see that through her entire character arc where anything less than perfection isn’t good enough, to the point where perfection didn’t even satisfy her. The bitch was strong but she was crazy, and let her guard down.

It’s hubris sis, they’ve been doing this since ancient Greece dont act high and mighty because you dont understand Hamartia.

[awkwordalex]

Also let’s not forget that Katara is an insanely powerful waterbender. Like her skill is unique at her age. She stops rain out to like 20 feet away from her and mastered blood ending after only working with internal water for about a day. We see Zuko even be scared of her power and impressed by her restraint.

There is only one bitch who matched Azula’s raw bending power and her name is Katara so gtfo.

[awkwordalex]

Also in that scene where Azula got a (lucky) shot at Aang in his avatar state, someone was kind enough to bring up that Katara was going to to toe with Azula and nearly ran her into the ground until Zuko came to help her ass. So no, if anyone could beat Azula it was Katara

[the3rdjp]

Bitch, Katara was about to fuck up LEAGUES of Dai Li agents when Aang went into the avatar state in the Earth Kingdom. Zuko knew he couldn’t face Azula alone on her best day so who did he ask to come with him? Katara. This is a girl who went up against a waterbending master and held her own so well that it made a culture change their values and customs. Don’t you EVER disrespect queen Katara like that.

[theadamantdaughter-deactivated2]

fuck off with ur Katara disrespect. not in my house.

[fortunatelychaoticphantom]

So, everyone has discussed this to death and Katara is more than proven within the show to be able to take down Azula, mentally stable or not. But OP made a very serious accusation that I feel I have to address.

“…Azula only lost to Katara because of plot armor”

You know what? I’m gonna let Piandao have the stage from here:

“…your weapon is an extension of yourself. You must think of it as another part of your own body.”

“…You must learn to use your sword to stamp your identity on a battlefield. Remember, you cannot take back a stroke of the brush, or a stroke of the sword.”

Oh, and look at Katara, all sparing Azula’s life without spending 5 episodes of preachiness about it! She could have let her drown. She could have stabbed her with an ice dagger. But she didn’t. Do people talk about this? No. It’s all about Aang and his lack of character development.

“Landscape painting teaches a warrior to hold the lay of the land in his mind. In battle, you only have an instant to take everything in.”

“Rock gardening teaches the warrior to manipulate his surroundings and use them to his advantage”

Katara uses her element like an extension of her own body, she is able to quickly survey her surroundings and take advantage of them, all the while considering the implications of her actions and choosing whether to take a life or not.

@trapcard, everything is a plot forwarding device. This isn’t real life. Not a single stroke of color in the show is there by accident. Every element, every word, every decision anyone makes through 61 episodes is intentional and there to further the plot. Azula has a mental breakdown. That is her character, that is her arc. Katara has canonically bested her twice, both when she was stable and when she wasn’t. In this fight, we see Katara being the epitome of a warrior the way Piandao has framed it - fluid, creative, fast thinking. And more importantly than anything else - she makes her own decisions, taking into account her surroundings and options. She doesn’t let them make the decisions for her.

You know what a plot armor actually looks like?

this:

[hyperfixationwho]

Katara didn’t need to use bloodbending on azula

Because she’s more powerful

[barelyaware]

Katara would’ve won even faster if it wasn’t for the comet but y’all aren’t ready for that conversation

[jerkbend]

just read a fic where zuko describes jumping in front of the lighting for katara was “the easiest decision [he’s] ever made in [his] life.”

And like, fuck, canonically, zuko has absolutely struggled with making the right decision, and doing the right thing in the past—katara even says that when she threatens him in the western air temple. He struggled so badly with the decision to free appa it literally made him sick. zuko suffered two whole seasons of moral dilemma battling loyalty to his country and doing the right thing and joining the avatar. But in the finale when azula aims her lightning at katara, zuko just fucking leaps in front of it without a second thought or breath of hesitation like it absolutely was the easiest decision he’s ever made.

[lotustiled]

got asked to upload the firelord zuko art separately! here he is️‍🔥

[pineapple-frenzy]

Zutara Week Day 2: Disguised

Some paintedblue for today! Really I just wanted to draw them looking cool but they kinda look like they're judging you lol pov: you're at the mercy of the blue spirit and the painted lady and they're deciding your fate skfudjkdjfjf

[theotherace]

so, she’s just … punching the air, huh?

[creativheroann]

Airbenders: Be the Leaf.

Korra:

[janadoesstuffwrong]

You ever just feel kinda bad for K/As when the only thing they can say in defense of their ship is "iTs CaNoN"

[mandaisgone-deactivated20170429]

I love battle couples ok.

Fighting side by side. Trusting each other completely. Trying to protect each other. Casual banter in the middle of a fight. Their teamwork. Sparring each other to keep their skills sharp. Getting uncontrollably angry if the other gets hurt. Kissing each other when they’re victorious.

I seriously have a thing for battle couples.

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Hand-holding

The purest form of human connection.

tiny hands in big hands

calloused hands in soft hands

cold hands in warm hands

hands with the perfect ratio to each other for hand-holding

platonic hand-holding

running their thumb over the other’s hand

dancing with their hands holding onto each other

squeezing hand for comfort and encouragement

holding hands across the table

happily doing everything with just one hand, if it means they don’t have to let go

not wanting to lose each other in a big crowd

possessive hand-holding

linking hands together during sex

grabbing hand to show them something

loosely holding onto each other’s hands, laying in one’s lap

only linking the pinkies together, not ready to let go completely

holding hands while skating

excitedly grabbing each other’s hands during a concert, jumping up and down together

playing with each other’s fingers

pressing the other’s hand against their cheek

holding hands while one is balancing on a small wall

grabbing the other’s hand to pull them back from something

holding hands under the table

only realizing it when they have to let go

standing in front of each other, holding both their hands

holding their hands above their head, fingers linked together

passionate hand-holding

grabbing the other’s hand so they don’t fall

holding hands while running through the rain

brushing against each other, linking fingers together for a second

grabbing their hand to grab their attention

not really paying attention, both doing something else, but still holding hands

bandaging the other’s hand and not quite letting go

holding hands while driving

grabbing the other’s hand to pull them back to them

unconsciously searching out each other’s hand while sleeping

not realizing they’re holding hands till someone points it out

swinging hands back and forth, skipping like children

holding hands in a museum to pull them to the next exhibition

letting go when there is an obstacle in their way and immediately grabbing each other’s hand again when they pass it

loosely holding onto each other’s hand

dragging the other with them, holding their hand

raising the other’s hand to their lips to kiss it softly

holding hands while jumping down from somewhere together

comparing hand sizes, then linking fingers together

Hugs|Kisses|Touching

[gemgirl28]

FINALLY finished writing my zk week so why not?

I’ll leave these open for a week? Or so? Send me a prompt and an atla pair!!

[mylittleredgirl]

my dad–also a writer–came to visit, and i mentioned that the best thing to come out of the layoff is that i’m writing again. he asked what i was writing about, and i said what i always do: “oh, just fanfic,” which is code for “let’s not look at this too deeply because i’m basically just making action figures kiss in text form” and “this awkward follow-up question is exactly why i don’t call myself a writer in public.”

he said, “you have to stop doing that.”

“i know, i know,” because it’s even more embarrassing to be embarrassed about writing fanfic, considering how many posts i’ve reblogged in its defense.

but i misunderstood his original question: “fanfic is just the genre. i asked what you’re writing about.” 

i did the conversational equivalent of a spinning wheel cursor for at least a minute. i started peeling back the setting and the characters, the fic challenge and the specific episode the story jumps off from, and it was one of those slow-dawning light bulb moments. “i’m writing about loneliness, and who we are in the absence of purpose.”

as, i imagine, are a lot of people right now, who probably also don’t realize they’re writing an existential diary in the guise of getting television characters to fuck. 

“that’s what you’re writing. the rest is just how you get there, and how you get it out into the world. was richard iii really about richard the third? would shakespeare have gotten as many people to see it if it wasn’t a story they knew?”

so, my friends: what are you writing about?

[passionofthesith]

Well….. fuck…now that you put it that way….

[charlottemadison42]

i almost finished 300,000 words before i realized i was essentially writing about how hard it is to make friends after age 35. and how much i need to.

[linnoya-writes]

I’m writing about the complexities of romantic relationships in your mid-20s and how sometimes the person that you thought you always wanted in your youth is not the person you’re meant to be with.  Sometimes, you meet someone as an adult and build a strong foundation as you live your individual lives, and they become the person you never thought you needed as a life partner.

[momsopposed2theoccult-deactivat]

Okay, guys. I ship Zutara as much as the next person, but Zuko and Katara are not yin and yang. Zuko and Aang are yin and yang.

[firelxdykatara]

Actually, they both are, imo.

You can find a lot of the elements of yin and yang in both Zuko’s dynamic with Katara and his dynamic with Aang, it doesn’t have to be either or!

[sokkastyles]

Agree, it can be both. I also think that one doesn’t have to be all yin and one all yang, which is kinda the point.

[theotterpenguin]

I agree with both points!

Something I’ve noticed a lot in the atla fandom (not directed towards op, just in general) - especially with regard to shipping - is how insistent people are on forcing labels on one character to be “yin” and the other to be “yang.” But I think what’s more important is how those two characters come together to balance each other.

Yin cannot exist without yang in the same way that yang cannot exist without yin, if that makes sense? It’s not yin or yang on their own that matters, but what happens when they come together to create a harmonious whole.

At first glance, you would expect Katara to embody yin with the  water/moon/feminine imagery and you would expect Zuko to be yang with the fire/sun/masculine imagery. But then if you actually look deeper into their personalities, that isn’t strictly true - Katara also exhibits elements of yang and Zuko exhibits elements of yin. Because they are complex, complicated characters and they can’t just be pinned down into one “type” of personality.

What actually matters is their dynamic together and how their personalities complement each other. That doesn’t mean they’re complete opposites because yin and yang aren’t about being polar opposites (which I feel like is a common misconception), but the similarities brought out in each other to strike a compatible balance.

In The Southern Raiders, for example, this balance can be seen in the way Zuko and Katara work together. Zuko takes on a more passive role in the background, giving Katara the support she needs to make the right choice but never choosing for her, while Katara takes on a more active role in this deeply personal journey for her. In contrast, their “roles” reverse in the final agni kai with Zuko being more confrontational in what is also a deeply personal fight for him, while Katara trusts in his decisions but is ready to jump in to provide support if he needs it.

So on their own? They might be expected to clash because of their similarities (or their differences, I’ve seen antis argue both). But when they’re actually together? They form a mutually supportive dynamic. A “push and pull” type of relationship, if you will. Zuko and Katara are both two sides of the same coin.

(And of course Aang and Zuko symbolize yin and yang as well, but many other people have written about it in much better words than I ever could so I won’t be elaborating on that.)

[mmnemi]

[waterbenderkat]

‪Friendly reminder that Katara’s “hair loopies” are not a made up creation or a joke they are an actual traditional Inuit hairstyle that should be respected. ‬

[addictofreading]

Zutara Week 2021 Day 3: Glowing

Happy Zutara Week Everyone!

I have this whole scene expanded in my head with a conversation with Suki and everything, but it turned out to be bigger than I’m able to make at the moment and would sort of move away from today’s theme. So I’m saving it for another day when I have the wherewithal to give it the attention it needs to be good. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy this comic! <3

[katarablossoms]

“She hates me and a I don’t know why, but I do care of what she thinks of me”

People are acting as if zuko doesn’t know why katara hates him when in fact he is saying that he doesn’t know why he cares so much about her opinion about him, zuko is totally aware of why katara is angry at him, seriously stop distorting his lines to make him look like a jerk

[sokkastyles]

Yeah, it’s fairly obvious that he knows why she’s so angry at him by his expression of guilt when she tells him that he betrayed her a scene before. What he doesn’t understand is why he cares so much, because he could have just shrugged her opinion of him off and said “well, I didn’t promise her anything, and I’m different now.” He doesn’t do that because he’s not a jerk, and actually cares about her feelings. He’s also realized that he lost her trust and that having her trust is important to him, and that’s a new thing for him so he doesn’t quite understand it on an intellectual level. He’s having feelings and it’s hard, y’all.