During the three seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang and Katara’s friendship blossoms into romance. Barely teenagers, the two benders at times have a childlike approach to their feelings for each other. This is not a bad thing. Aang and Katara treat each other ideally. They are open and honest with each other and treat each other with the utmost respect.
However, there are other aspects of their relationship as well. Because they are so young, they struggle with connecting. Avatar: The Last Airbender portrays this relationship in a relatable way, where sometimes their relationship is sweet, and sometimes Aang and Katara struggle with all the things real couples do.
Unconditionally Supportive
Katara is always principled, even if sometimes that makes her the worst Avatar character. From moment one, she scolds Sokka on his ignorance when it comes to gender roles. While young, Katara always knows the difference between right and wrong. This is how her friendship with Aang begins. She defends him and supports him. Not only because it is the right thing to do, but because they have a strong connection.
After Aang emerges from the ice, it takes him a while to come to terms with his new reality. In season one, episode 12 "The Storm," a local fisherman accuses Aang abandoning his people. Katara doesn’t let him get away with it and defends Aang defiantly. While Aang feels the guilt of letting the world down, Katara comforts him and tells him that is what needed to happen.
Aang Has To Endure Her Family
Many couples sometimes struggle when it comes to family. For Aang, he has no choice but to ultimately be related to Sokka. Aang is a generous person who does not automatically dislike anyone. But Sokka is the type of person to put this to the test. They are polar opposites, and sometimes it is a question of if Katara or Sokka is the better sibling.
Aang sees Sokka as a real friend, but his future brother-in-law does not always do what’s best. Aang tries to woo Katara during the episode "The Fortunate Teller." Sokka gives him well-intentioned but ultimately faulty advice. He tells Aang to be aloof and leave Katara wanting more. This falls flat and Katara has no idea about Aang’s intentions.
Their Animals Are Part Of The Family
Aang and Appa have always been a package deal. When Katara breaks Aang out of the ice, Appa is floating next to him. Though Sokka initially disbelieves that Appa can fly, it becomes apparent that there is no Aang without his flying bison.
Appa has a unique personality. Katara immediately accepts this and adopts Appa and later Momo was her own. When Appa is kidnapped by sandbenders in "The Library," Katara is just as devastated as Aang. They spend the rest of the season trying to find him Flying bison are part of an Air Nomad’s culture and caring for these animals is a precursor to the children Aang and Katara eventually have.
They Grow Into Their Love
Not all couples have a perfect start to their relationship. Some people move at different paces. For Aang, his feelings for Katara are immediate, and as soon as he comes out of the ice, he falls for her. Katara is slower to realize their connection, though. At first, Katara only sees him as a little brother.
What makes them have such a strong connection is how their relationship grows from friendship to romance. There are moments where they show affection for each other. Katara catches Aang after Azula zaps him in "The Crossroads of Destiny." She uses the last of her healing water on his back. Even though there is a clear connection, they do not officially get together until the series finale when the war is over. The battles they have been through bond them together for life.
They Can Be Awkward
As young people, Aang and Katara’s relationship is not always seamless. They struggle with timing and the right things to say to each other. After Katara admits her feelings to herself, she tries to pursue them with subtlety in "The Cave of Two Lovers." When Katara and Aang are trying to find their way out of the secret love tunnel, Katara suggests they try to kiss.
Aang had been waiting for this moment for a long time. But he became embarrassed and was afraid of rejection. Aang overcorrects and accidentally rebuffs her. Katara storms off due to this miscommunication. She thinks that Aang doesn’t see her that way, even though that isn’t the case.
They Bring Out The Best In Each Other
Many relationships on film and television lean into being dramatic. Couples go through love triangles and forced conflict to stay interesting. This is not the case with Aang and Katara. Instead of drama, they bring the best out in each other. When Aang goes to the Southern Air Temple, he is heartbroken to learn of the Air Nomad genocide. Unable to contain himself, he goes into the Avatar State. Katara is the only one that can soothe and calm him down. This is one of Katara's greatest strengths.
Because of Aang’s presence in her life, Katara discovered her potential to be a powerful waterbender. He supports her when Master Pakku won't train her because she's a girl. Aang knows that she is one of the best waterbenders in the world. Both characters are separate people with power in their own right. But when they are put together, they are even better.
Katara Needs A Push
It takes Katara some time to admit how much Aang means to her. Romance had not always been on Katara’s mind until she asked a fortune teller about her future. Aunt Wu tells her that Katara will love a powerful bender. While many fans miss Zuko and Katara, Katara's feelings were for Aang.
Katara realizes her feelings all along when she sees Aang save the town from an erupting volcano. Not only does Aunt Wu unpack many residual feelings, but there is a clear attraction to Aang’s abilities. He is the most powerful bender in the world. Aang also respects and appreciates Katara’s immense abilities as well.
Aang Puts Katara First
Aang has more responsibilities than an adolescent should have. He constantly worries about the fate of the world. Even so, he cares about people more. He is a caring partner and always puts Katara first. While training to open his chakras with a guru, Aang must make a choice to save Katara instead of continuing his training.
Even though what he is doing is important, Katara means more to him. Katara is imprisoned in Ba Sing Se and Aang cannot help but go and save her. Because he abandons his training, Aang sacrifices his ability to go into the Avatar State. Instead, he locks his chakra to save Katara.
Communicate Honestly
Communication is the most important thing in any relationship. At first, Aang is concerned with being vulnerable and afraid to tell Katara how he truly feels. But once that is out and in the open, he becomes strong and confident. This is especially important when Appa is taken.
This shakes Aang to his core. Initially, he pushes Katara away. But Aang comes to terms with his grief and comes to terms with his relationship with Katara. He tells her outright how he feels about her. From that moment, they are open and honest with each other.
Katara Takes The Relationship Seriously
Aang and Katara struggle to get together for the three seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender. They have a push and pull dynamic. Even after they kiss before the Day of Black Sun, their relationship remains up in the air. Aang confronts Katara about this, questioning why they aren’t together.
Katara admits that she is confused. There are some things that she must prioritize. While her feelings for Aang are real, they must save the world first. She can’t focus on their relationship when they are in the middle of a war. Once Aang defeats Ozai, Katara gives into her feelings as there is nothing left to worry about.