[identity profile] -cherrywolf-.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] ship_manifesto
Subject Line: Avatar: The Last Airbender/ZukoxKatara
Title: Burning in Water; Drowning in Flame
Author: CherryWolfChan [livejournal.com profile] _cherrywolf_
Spoilers: Some Season Two spoilers


Burning in Water; Drowning in Flame
A Zuko/Katara Manifesto

When I first thought about doing this, I thought to myself… everyone was doing it, why not me? I also realized there were no Avatar entries in the memories so I decided I would be the first to write up a Zuko/Katara Manifesto and maybe inspire other Avatar lovers to do the same with other shippings, because lord knows I’d love to read them. So let’s get started, huh?


About a Boy


Zuko

When we first meet Zuko, most people probably thought “wow, what a jerk.” He was hell bent on getting the Avatar and returning home. For a little while we were unaware of why Zuko wants the Avatar, but it was revealed that he needs Aang to restore his honor and his place on the thrown as a crowned prince, not a prince in exile. That(the exile) would probably explain the small fleet and the older ship he has. Zuko didn’t start out so bad, but he never really felt that much of family love, other than from his mother. In order to spare the lives of a battalion *unit?* of green recruits he challenged a general to an “agni kai,” a battle of honor between two firebenders, but on the date of the battle he discovered he would be facing his father instead. He begged for mercy, but his father branded him with a scar on the left side of his face and exiled him in disgrace. Throughout all of this, it seems likely that the poor boy would have lost his sanity, but Zuko was very lucky when he was banished: his uncle Iroh went with him. A devoted uncle to Zuko, it appears that Uncle Iroh is what keeps the prince together through out the first season of Avatar. Now in Season Two, it is unknown if Zuko still wants to restore his honor or if he has accepted his place and the things that have happened to him and the fact that his father is never going to accept him. Lately, it seems Zuko has definitely mellowed out from the self-centered prince he once was.



About a Girl


Katara

Katara was one of the first people we actually see when the series opens up. Katara was the one who got the gears moving; without her and her temper, who’s to say when the Avatar would have woken from his icy tomb? Katara grew up in the Southern Water Tribe. The Tribe itself was small since it was hit much harder during the war than its sister tribe, the Northern Water Tribe. Her mother was killed by the Fire Nation, and her father left to help in the war against it. She became a motherly-like figure in her village, helping out the other women with almost all the chores. She is understanding and sweet, but there are times were she lets her temper get the best of her. Usually this happens with her brother Sokka, or any sexist males that automatically demote women as weak and unable to fight for themselves. Katara is vehemently bent on mastering water bending, even running off with the scroll to learn all by herself, eventually going so far as challenging the Master Waterbender at the North Pole to a battle in order to convince him to teach her. She has become a great bender, with a blend of good fighting skills and healing abilities. It makes her a tough opponent. Her personality helps everyone else in the team as well; she calms people down most of the time and pulls them in together. She is the motherly figure of the group, watching over them and making sure they’re all right, but she also is an independent, determined young woman with strong leadership skills.

When Worlds Collide


I’ll save you from the pirates.

Upon discovering the Avatar world, many people will encounter various and sundry (and oftimes cracky, too) shippings, and they will be encouraged to take up a ship’s flag as their own. Zuko/Katara, known as Zutara in the A:TLA fandom, is one of the biggest ones (alongside Kataang) for a Katara romance. But why? What is attractive about Zuko and Katara being together when they “obviously” don’t like each other?

I’m not too sure who came up with the whole ‘opposites attract’ [1] statement, but when they created it, I don’t think they realize how many people would be using it to defend their favorite pairing in a certain cartoon series. But it does apply to Zuko and Katara, in more ways than one.

Zuko is a Firebender, and Katara is a Waterbender. In the Avatar world, these are opposing elements. As opposing elements, the two would naturally clash. Water is a soothing element; it’s flowing and full of life. Fire brings destruction and death. Just that alone would make them extremely different. Their differences go on… Zuko is a prince to the Fire Nation; Katara is just a member of the Southern Water Tribe. Zuko has been taught the ways of royalty, while Katara has only been a commoner all her life. Zuko viewed Katara as a peasant throughout the first season and as we are in the second season, we see Zuko dressing like a peasant himself, maybe it will humble him a bit. Unfortunately, the differences don’t stop there… Katara has been surrounded by loved ones all her life. She had lost one, but she has always had someone by her side that has loved her dearly. Zuko has not. Zuko’s father, and assuming grandfather, both didn’t see much in him, they favored Azula, Zuko’s sister, who was a prodigy at fire bending. Ozai, Zuko and Azula’s father, even said that Azula was born lucky and Zuko was lucky to have even been born. The only two people in Zuko’s life that had ever really cared about him was his mom, Ursa, and his Uncle Iroh. No one knows where Ursa is, or if she’s even still alive. But Iroh has stayed by Zuko so far.

Am I saying that Zuko and Katara would be a flop if they ever got in a relationship? No. Though Zuko and Katara are opposites on some levels, they also have many similarities as well. They are both stubborn, both passionate when they have a goal, and they are both hotheaded. If they both want to be together, being stubborn, they would do it eventually, and being passionate when they want to, they would definitely fight for their stance together.

Though the similarities aren’t all necessarily good, the opposite affects they would have on each other, would be pleasantly surprising. Katara’s motherly concern and ‘healing’ attributes could help calm Zuko’s roughness and his temper, moderate his angst and anger, but she will also keep the flame alive. Katara’s personality wouldn’t bore him either—she’s strong-willed and has a temper to match his. Zuko has the capacity to be a great man; he needs a woman to support him and also challenge him to be one. Katara needs a guy that will not just worship her and let her do whatever she wants. She would more than likely benefit from a man that can handle her and her temper, able to match her move for move. Katara is a strong woman; she’ll need a strong man. This plays into another important concept of the show: yin and yang. The differences and similarities in Zuko and Katara’s personalities balance each other.

Another dimension to Zutara that is interesting is the theory that their love wouldn’t be accepted at first, especially as of right now. The Souzen War is going on, pitting the Fire Nation and Water Tribes against each other. If Katara were to fall in love with Zuko, many people on both sides would frown upon the relationship. The forbidden feeling of that kind of relationship seductive and adds a level of angst. Although during this period the romance would be frowned upon, when the war ends, it could also bring peace. It could seal peace treaties between the nations if Zuko assumed the throne and married Katara. During the current Avatar, the "gaang" probably wouldn’t approve of the relationship, and even after the war ended, ancient prejudices would ensure that many disapproved. They’d have to fight for their relationship, which only makes it stronger.

To Prove You Wrong, and Scare You Away


Let me help you…

Now that we know a little bit about Zuko, Katara, and the possibilities of Zutara, we must ask: are there any hints in the series at all that this is a possibility? Well, first off I’d like to remind everyone that Katara’s romance is still up in the air. Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and Aaron Ehasz all have noticed the shippings and have noticed the Zutara community, but in terms of the outcome, we’ll just have to wait and see.

But other then the staff taking notice, are there any hints within the series that Zutara could be a possibility? I’d have to answer Yes--- and no. The biggest “hint” the Avatar crew has sent us was in episode nine, The Waterbending Scroll. Zuko acted quite suave around Katara, offering the return of her mother’s necklace (which we later on learn is a “wedding proposal necklace, Culture Clash fic by Rashka). Although Zuko was using bribery, it was enough to stir minds and think "What if…" Then the almighty episode nineteen, Siege of the North Pt. 1. Siege of the North Pt. 1 had the awesome Zuko vs. Katara fight. It showed that Katara had learned a lot from Master Pakku and it showed that some bending gets weaker or stronger with natural accruing events, and (in the esteemed tradition of Zutaran (Zutaran? Zutarian?) symbology), made for fantastic symbolic sex/whatever…nevermind the fact that who knows how many hours they spent there?...alone… .


You rise with the moon… I rise with the sun

Season Two… A lot of Zutarians were threatened by the "Kataangness" of The Cave of Two Lovers and the introduction of Song, which was no surprise. The number one Zutara scene was in The Chase, when Katara offered to help Iroh, showing that she is willing to overcome prejudices and fear in order to help someone. Of course, if he weren’t so stubborn, Iroh would have been healed faster, but Zuko’s stubbornness wins. The other very subliminal hint was during Bitter Work. Iroh is telling Zuko about the elements and nations. When he mentions the Water Tribe, it’s the only time we see Zuko’s face contort in a weird emotional way. His face does the same twist when Iroh tell him that he learned a move to deflect lightening by studying the Water Benders. The episode The Library brought up the yin-yang theory once more when they were in the mechanical planetarium. It seems to me that the concept of yin and yang are present throughout the series and Zutara could be a good example of yin and yang… hmm… makes you think, doesn’t? Finally, season two still has around six episodes left…anything can happen!

Although not specifically "canon," the Avatar magazine had plenty of Zutara hints: the quotation used for Zuko ("you rise with the moon, I rise with the sun" going back to the yin-yang theory), Katara’s destiny taking a possible "fiery" turn, and most of all, the word association game.

Finally, the winning entry for the Secret of the Fire Nation create-a-scene. It had Zutara in it… even if it may have been making fun of Zutara, the fact remains that it had a "Zutaraness" in it. They were giving the Zutara fans something to squee about, or maybe they were foreshadowing future episodes. It is all unclear at this moment. There is a discrepancy among the Zutar(i)an community as to whether or not this scene should be counted as evidence in Zutara’s favor, due to the mocking content of the secret scene.
Who Can Say Where The Road Goes…


In conclusion, Zuko and Katara make an interesting couple, regardless of it being canon or not. The two elements that govern them are opposites, but they share enough similar personality traits that it creates a good balance between them. There are slight hints at the couple, but only if you really look and use an open mind and notice things that seem a bit symbolic. Zutara… is it in the future of Avatar? Who knows… we’ll just have to wait and see.

What the Fans Have Said…

The fun thing about Zuko/Katara is that it's a pairing that has gained massive online support within the fandom when it's based on pure principle more than anything else. The principle that here are two characters, and if they could spend more than three minutes in each other's presense they'd be really freakin' great. And look how much fanwork has come out of that! Canon be damned. Whether they have a future or not, the pairing is fun on its own, in the series, in our imaginations. -[livejournal.com profile] rashaka


In fandom, Zutara is really all about potential. I think our fandom has proven MANY times how awesome this coupling could be, but even though it would be satisfying to see the pairing fulfilled in canon... it's not necessary. Not anymore, now that the fandom is so huge and so alive. Kataang is on the edge of canon, yes, but I still DON'T find it appealing ((unless it gets angsty and tragic... Star Wars, anyone?)). So hopefully your enjoyment of Zutara won't diminish because of its lack of canon support; unless canon warps their already-established personalities, Zutara's appeal won't change. -[livejournal.com profile] rasielle

We see their faces inches apart, their bodies even closer - Zutara Essay Pimpage by [livejournal.com profile] littlebrat


Notes:
Thank you to the following-
Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and the rest of the crew, for creating Avatar
Nickelodeon, for airing Avatar
Avatar Spirit, for the images and some research.
[livejournal.com profile] jade_sabre_301, for being a beta reader for this
[livejournal.com profile] katara_zuko, for all the inspirational fanfics, helpful quotes, and just being an awesome community with awesome people in it.
HIM and Enya, for the lyrics I used from each of their songs Under the Rose(HIM) and Only Time(Enya) respectively.



[1] I placed a number by this cause I was really unsure if the person who made this up was even talking about relationships at all. I think the person, whoever you are, was talking about magnets and scientific stuff… it just happened to apply to relationships a little bit and people took it that way.



This was done for my own entertainment and those of the Zutara fandom's. I don't expect you to feel like you are under obligation to change your OTP because I posted this. I was just merely making a small essay to observe the Zutara fandom and the small, delicate hints that people catch... either by blatantly being out there or actually have to think outside of the box and not having it thrown right us. Also, if you are not a Zutara shipper, and read this, I'm sorry if I have somehow offended you. If you post a manifesto on any other Avatar relationship, I'd love to read it.

This was also done before the airing of Tales of Ba Sing Se, I was going to include Jin in this, but I thought it may mess with what I’ve already written, so I will speak a little about Jin now… many of us Zutara fans did not find Jin a threat. We actually liked her for the most part and it opened up a side of Zuko that was interesting to see on the television and a good step for him in the emotional department. Also, the kiss scene is good for manips.

Another small note... I would have added the time where Katara defends Zuko's ponytail, but I didn't see it fitting in anywhere else but the notes. She defends his ponytail when Sokka calls says something about him being 'a crazy teenager with ponytail', or something like that.


Thank you for reading.


Date: 2006-10-03 10:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] xxoathkeeperxx.livejournal.com
Umm...I love you. But it's probably better that I read this later rather than 6:30 in the morning XDD I SHALL BE BACK!

Date: 2006-10-03 11:34 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stardreemer.livejournal.com
I was just checking this community out the other day for Zuko/Katara and was disappointed when I didn't find anything. Now this! This is great! Thanks!

Date: 2006-10-03 03:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fuzzy-ninja.livejournal.com
Under The Rose =


Lovely to read, thank you for sharing (I'd love to see what other ships people will write about).

Date: 2006-10-03 03:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jade-sabre-301.livejournal.com
It appears my elemental symbolic sex line somehow stayed in here...eh heh heh heh...*shifty eyes*

Oh, this looks wonderful! You did a fantastic job. *more hugs*

Date: 2006-10-03 04:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] phrenic-entropy.livejournal.com
You bring us teary-eyed pride.

Many, many kudos are in order.

That is all (for now).

(Shockingly.)

ag

Date: 2006-10-03 08:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] romanitas.livejournal.com
*salutes her ship*

Nicely done. :D

Date: 2006-10-06 10:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] romanitas.livejournal.com
Welcomes! ^_^

Date: 2006-10-03 09:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] erikomyoujin.livejournal.com
Okaaay, so I guess I can give this ship a bit more credit than before. =P Nicely written.

Date: 2006-10-03 11:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] psychodeathwish.livejournal.com
You forgot to mention they're both shameless thieves.
They are way too similar to be complete opposites. In another time, they'd be best of friends, but now they're smexy lovers.
Distraction. Fun.

Date: 2006-10-04 12:04 am (UTC)
ext_10182: Anzo-Berrega Desert (Naruto - Thursday's child)
From: [identity profile] rashaka.livejournal.com
You forgot to mention they're both shameless thieves.

Totally. :D

And obsessive about getting people to acknowledge and appreciate them after years of being told they're not strong enough (Katara as a girl, Zuko as the weaker bender.)

And then there's the fact that they've both lost their mothers at a young age...

Date: 2006-10-04 12:00 am (UTC)
ext_10182: Anzo-Berrega Desert (Katara/Zuko - shooting star)
From: [identity profile] rashaka.livejournal.com
Great essay! Not too long, not too short. Though I'm surprised you didn't include the fortuneteller's prediction... even though controversial with regards to both ships, that scene was what first gave me the idea of putting these two charaters together.

Thanks for the rec, too!

Date: 2006-10-04 12:05 am (UTC)
ext_97775: (Default)
From: [identity profile] renuki.livejournal.com
Very good job!

*ponders if she could do a Toph/Aang manifesto*

Date: 2006-10-07 10:39 pm (UTC)
ext_97775: (Default)
From: [identity profile] renuki.livejournal.com
You are welcome!

...Er...

..Maybe. >.>

Date: 2006-10-04 02:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] crzysheelf.livejournal.com
Joyous, oh so joyous!! You have described our fandom oh so well!!!!

Date: 2006-10-06 12:23 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sunshinebabe415.livejournal.com
This is really good. :) I loved it!! Nice job.

Date: 2009-10-11 06:57 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] greenifyme1.livejournal.com
omg is your icon haruhi/hikaru? i love you.

Date: 2009-10-11 04:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sunshinebabe415.livejournal.com
Lol it actually isn't. It's from a manga called Kaichou Wa Mai-Sama! You should check it out, I love it.

Date: 2006-10-10 06:39 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stace-s.livejournal.com
Nicely done.

Zuko and Katara has always made a great deal more sense in my mind than Aang and Katara mostly because of the age disparity in the latter one. I don't know about you, but when I was 15 the thought of picking up on 12 year olds disgusted me something major.

Date: 2006-10-12 11:24 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-naked-city.livejournal.com
Nice! I think this pairing has lots of possibilities not just because there's the whole (somewhat cliche) forbidden aspect to it, but as you pointed out, their personalities would mesh well together. Although Katara has many good qualities, the one thing that I don't like about her as a character (and in a pairing with Aang) is her tendency to over-mother. Aang certainly needs that right now since he's so young and has no family or tribe; however, I think that as he gets older, gains more friends, and grows into his role of being the Avatar, being mothered will be the last thing that he needs. On the other hand, as you pointed out, her motherly qualities would be quite good for Zuko since his need for support is not a result of his age but rather because of all the rejection he has faced in his life. Having a strong supporter like Katara (since Iroh can't do it forever) would be really good for Zuko. So while I, personally, see the mothering aspect of her personality to be a slightly negative quality, with Zuko, it would actually be a great strength. And that's what I think makes for a good pairing--when it doesn't take away from a character's coolness, but instead adds to it! ^_^

Date: 2006-12-07 03:23 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] vivi-kitty.livejournal.com
initially I didn't even like the show, but the more I heard about the possible pairing of Zuko and Katara, the more it intrigued me. Great job on the essay. Too bad season two was still going when you wrote this, because did you SEE that look of longing Katara gave Zuko when she left the cave with Aang in that last episode? Not to mention the whole conversation the two had about her healing his scar before they were so RUDELY interrupted... honestly, I'm not at all bitter... *grumble*

Oh, and something I thought was cute, the voice actors of both Zuko and Katara are the same ones who voice Jake Long and Rose from American Dragon: Jake Long...another star-crossed couple that come from two rival clans. I know it's not solid proof, but I couldn't suppress my fangirl glee when I discovered that. ^_^

PHAIL

Date: 2007-05-19 06:55 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Now
this
is
the
story
all
about
how
my
life
got
flipped
and
turned
upside
down
and
i'd
like
to
take
a
minute
just
sit
right
there
and
I'll
tell
you
how
I
became
the
prince
of
a
town
called
Bel-Air.

In
west
philidepha
born
and
raised,
outside
on
the
playground
is
where
I
spent
most
of
my
days
chewin
out
relaxin
all
cool
shootin
some
b-ball
outside
of
the
school
when
a
couple
of
guys
who
were
up
to
no
good
started
making
trouble
in
my
neighborhood.
I
got
In
one
little
fight
and
my
mom
got
scared
she
said
"Your
moving
with
your
antie
and
uncle
in
bel-air."

I
whistled
for
a
cab
and
when
it
came
near
the
Licenseplate
said
"fresh"
and
had
a
dice
in
the
mirror
If
anything
I
could
say
that
this
cab
was
rare
But
I
thought
"naw
forget
it,
yo
home
to
bel-air"

I
pulled
up
to
a
house
about
seven
or
eight
And
I
yelled
to
the
"cabby
yo,
home
smell
you
later"
Looked
at
my
kingdom
I
was
finally
there
To
settle
my
throne
as
the
prince
of
bel-air!

Date: 2007-12-31 06:37 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] netbug009.livejournal.com
"Katara’s destiny taking a possible "fiery" turn"

Woah woah woah, the magazine said what now?!

How any of you guys can stick with an OTP is beyond me. The fandom keeps getting hints and it's crazy. I'm just sitting and watching you guys while I hope for Tokka. XD

yaaaaay~

Date: 2008-02-10 09:20 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jj-chan.livejournal.com
VERY LATE, but oh well. <3 Zutara is my Avatar OTP. I love them so much, better than Kataang though I still think a three-way would solve those pesky pairing problems and I'm glad there IS an essay on them. XDD

And I can't wait to see what'll happen next, now that Zuko's with the troupe.

Date: 2008-03-04 07:15 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] pseudo_tsuga.livejournal.com
I actually like Kataang better, but I liked the ship manifesto very much. I feel like I understand why people ship this a lot better now.

Profile

ship_manifesto: (Default)
ship_manifesto

January 2012

S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
222324 25262728
293031    

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jul. 23rd, 2025 06:21 pm
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios