don't forget to look at the stars, sometimes

All of these fanfics have a VERY special place in my heart. I love them all sooo much! I have read each of these stories probably more then twice. I recommend every single one on them. (No smut) These have high quality too. All of these are COMPLETE by the way. I am still reading unfinished fanfics and WILL post them here once they are complete. The fanfics listed here are my ULTIMATE FAVES so be sure to check out my other favorites here! Prepare to laugh, cry, and fangirl!!! THIS LIST WAS LAST UPDATED ON (11/15/13)

Rhythm of the Rain by DamageCtrl Rebuilding a nation requires sacrifices. Knowing that the Fire Nation would never accept a Waterbender as it’s Lord’s wife, Katara removes herself from her fledgling romance with Zuko and encourages him to find greatness with Fire Nation noble Mai.

Dancing in the Dark by DamageCtrl AUPWP: Having heard a rumor about two tea servers in the lower tiers of Ba Sing Se, Katara and Toph sneak away go to investigate only to have their suspicions confirmed. ZutaraBlutara

In the Same Candlelight by Like A Dove Zutara AU. In a world where there is no war, Zuko and Katara spend their summers together. Growing up is messy, embarrassing, and at times sad, but they think it might be okay because they have each other.

Dangerous Ground by wilderness-writer Ready for a Zutara fic filled with action, romance, and a new plot? Then come, tread on Dangerous Ground and see what happens when water and fire collide. Can the two exist peacefully, or will they both be destroyed? The fate of the world may hang on it.

Butterflies and Hurricanes by Rebirth of the Phoenix  "You may find yourself capturing hearts that you are forbidden to keep.“ She is a servant. He is a Prince. Together they are about to go against everything that keeps the world at peace. 

Lotus Lake by Rebirth of the Phoenix Zutara AU. An orphaned Katara and her brother find themselves at boardnig school. Katara’s first thoughts are that her life will now be filled with boredom. How wrong she was!

Eventualities are Inevitable by Meeoko Despite their differences, Katara and Zuko are going to have to get along whilst training the Avatar. But when they are both captured in the woods by a new mysterious and dangerous enemy, will they get more than they bargained for? A Zutara fan fiction.

I’ll Follow You Home by Meeoko Sequel to Eventualities are Inevitable. After being captured by a group of Fire Nation radicals and uncovering a plot to destroy the Avatar Cycle, Zuko and Katara must work together to stop the Sila Vatra before Sozin’s Comet arrives. But are they ready to face the Spirit World?

Five by YinYangSisters One-shot. Everyone thought that the prospect of them was a joke; destined only to be told in comedic plays and such. But it was real; what they had was real. It’s just that the world didn’t know about it; they still wonder, even now, if it is better that way.

The Sword and the Shield by YinYangSisters ONE SHOT. Sokka remembers the day she was born like it was yesterday. They’re a team, their parents had told them - she was the sword, the great power they had been waiting for. And he is the shield, because there’s no point in fighting unless you have something to protect. A sibling fic, dedicated to my own older brothers - mild pairings - Tokka, Zutara - strong language in parts.

Blood by Chibi-Ra-Chan AU Katara is sick. He could handle that. It was the "Katara’s dying” part that Zuko just can’t handle or seem to accept. For Zutara Week. One-shot

Acquiescence by Lady Flick Zuko, Katara and Sokka go under cover into the Fire Nation.

The Black Games by Mrs. Pettyfer Once bound by ice, now bound by fire. 12 provinces. 24 tributes. 1 winner. Let the games begin. Complete

Fire Behind Blue Eyes Zuko’s temper is legendary, but his new prisoner is beating him at his own game. What will happen when he is outmatched by a stupid waterbender? 

Eclipse by Sandra Evans It is an act of nature: the sun and moon are drawn to one another like moths to a flame. When they finally touch, there is nothing. No heat, no cold. Just an Eclipse. Zutara. Complete.

Varedha by Sandra Evans In a world where the Fire Nation rules supreme, where allies are really foes and trust is obsolete, where family is a liability and war is known as peace, how will a fragile, fledgling love survive? Sequel to Eclipse.

Ozai’s Vengeance by Fandomme Twelve years after the final battle, Zuko summons Katara to heal the victims of an epidemic spreading throughout the Fire Nation. Katara Zuko

Stormbenders by Fandomme S3 AU from FBM. Deep in the Fire Nation jungle, the Gaang meets a group of rogue water ninja who send Zuko and Katara on a mission to retrieve Ozai’s secret battle plans.

The Hunter and the Prey by RedNovember [ZK] The Prince of the Fire Nation will do anything to find the legendary Avatar, but what if the bait he captures to lure the Avatar decides to fight back and gains his attention in more ways than one? My take on an overused plotline. [COMPLETED]

Love Thy Enemy by RedNovember [ZK AU] The mighty Fire Empire rules the entire world, after they conquered it a century ago. Now, almost a hundred years later, a tiny tribe of rebels have sent Katara, an undercover assassin, to kill the Fire Emperor Zuko.

Sanctuary by momothelemur Two years after the fateful invasion, Katara learns that she must marry the Fire Nation Prince if any sort of peace is to return to the world. She soon learns that living with Zuko isn’t easy, particularly with a powerful new threat looming… Zutara

Fall of the White Lotus by Boo-82 Grandmaster Iroh sends Katara and Zuko on a quest to prevent the fall of the Order of the White Lotus. They’ll have to find Zuko’s mother, before autumn turns to winter. An epic story about legendary love.

i love zutara & i hold a special place in my heart for my favourite zutara fics. i’m usually very picky when it comes to fanfiction - i love fics where the language flows beautifully and where the gaang is all in character. there are more, but here are just some of my favourites:

multi-chapter:

once around the sun || (my favourite)

Later, Katara can see how it all fell apart. Azula in her cell, growing roses; Zuko surrounded by enemies, slowly dying; their friends in the Earth Kingdom, safely escaping. And herself at the centre of it, saving lives and breaking promises. Set after finale, eventual Zutara.

tempest in a teacup || 

Fate puts Katara in the Fire Nation to grow up in the company of a Dragon, a prince, and a lot of good tea. AU Zutara…of a sort.

the black games || 

Once bound by ice, now bound by fire. 12 provinces. 24 tributes. 1 winner. Let the games begin.

begin the end ||

The moment the chains are secure around Azula’s wrists, Katara breaks out into a run. Her boots slap against the stones and each step echoes mockingly in the empty plaza: too late, too late. Panic squeezes her heart as she sees him lying crumpled on the ground, and she wishes for just that moment that she were an airbender so that she might get to him faster…

clothe me in seasons, dress me in snow ||

“It is not the memorial she deserves, nor the one she would want. But it can’t be helped. He owns no property in the other nations, and he needed to keep her close. Closer than she was in life, anyway.” Zuko’s reflections on a life lived and a life that could have been. Told in four arcs: melancholy, slow dancing, unrequited, and cobalt blue/vigil.

drabbles/one-shots:

sokka’s field guide series || 

Sokka schools Zuko on the ladies.

through the looking glass and unrequited || 

A collection of Zutara drabbles and story arcs.

and other fairly stupid tales || 

A collection of humorous and crack-tastic oneshots corresponding to the days of Zutara Month.

we hold our hearts in silence ||

Seventy years later, Korra tries to figure out Zuko and Katara. — zutara, canon compliant.

falling || 

The ceiling collapsed, and he sprinted to push her away. Suki was safe, but Katara just stood there. And then she was gone. He hadn’t been fast enough. An AU from the beginning of TSR through just after EIP. 

as time passes by || 

“The dawn of your new nation will come as quickly as the sun has set on your father’s empire.” Zuko’s first year as Fire Lord does not go as he expects.

tremors || 

She’s free to choose- if she goes back to the Poles, if she travels, if she stays in the Fire Nation just a little bit longer. She can choose to go back to the life she would have led if she’d never revived the Avatar, or she can choose to forge a new path. And she chooses him.

beyond lost ||

It’s the end, isn’t it? — Zutara. Pre-Season III.

as if death itself was undone ||

Z/K Finale AU “‘It’s not right to linger like this,’ says the Death Spirit. 'I don’t want to leave her,’ Zuko says. 'They never do.’” After being struck by Azula’s lighting, Zuko rejects death.

death by a thousand cuts ||

Oh man, this is going to be tough…

A Master of Appearances (oneshot): Zuko and Katara serve tea at Iroh’s shop, which leads to Zuko and Katara getting shamelessly hit on. Their solution to their pervert woes? Pretend to be a jealous couple in order to scare off the grab-happy folks of Ba Sing Se. *Complete*

Butterflies and Hurricanes: “You may find yourself capturing hearts that you are forbidden to keep.” She is a servant. He is a Prince. Together they are about to go against everything that keeps the world at peace. Zutara. *Complete*

Closet Negotiations: Empty closets are good for lots of things. As Katara is going to find out, hiding is just one of them. *Complete*

Dancing in the Dark : AUPWP: Having heard a rumor about two tea servers in the lower tiers of Ba Sing Se, Katara and Toph sneak away go to investigate only to have their suspicions confirmed. ZutaraBlutara. *Complete*

Eyes of Agni: They were part of his favorite story, the one his mother would tell him every night. When she was gone and he was too old for bedtime stories, they were a reminder for the lost young man he had been that he could make his own destiny. Post finale, eventual Zutara. *Incomplete*

Following Blue: One waterbender, one masked swordsman, and an ostrich-horse named Scratch. They didn’t seem to have much in common, but circumstance changes everything, and sometimes new friendships will be formed whether you want them to or not. Just ask the Blue Spirit. *Complete*

In the Same Candlelight: In a world where there is no war, Zuko and Katara spend their summers together. Growing up is messy, embarrassing, and at times sad, but they think it might be okay because they have each other. Edited summary. *Complete*

Matchmeddling (oneshot): Nothing resolves sexual tension quite like getting locked in a freezer together. Zutara. *Complete*

Naughty Benders (oneshot): Katara and Zuko are acting suspicious. Toph thinks they may be up to some naughty things. Rated T for some sexual reference. Oneshot. *Complete*

Rescue Me: “Because they’re going to arrest me for earthbending.” And they did, but things didn’t go according to plan. In fact, failure had never even crossed her mind. A capture!fic…of sorts. Muahahaha! Zutara. *Complete*

Sometimes I Really Wanna Kick You (oneshot): A/U Zutara: Katara may be the youngest intern Azulon Agencies has ever taken on, but that doesn’t stop her from yelling at the CEO’s son… and then… falling in love with him? *Complete*

Sun and Moon: One rises with the sun, the other with the moon. It was a great divide that could not be crossed, but the landscape of the heart knows no boundaries. Her soul had whispered to his; there was no going back. A Zutara collection. Genres will vary. *Incomplete*

The Confrontational Approach:  In which Prince Zuko can’t catch a break. “Wait, you tied Katara to a tree? Wow, that’s… I mean… that just explains so much.” “I was desperate!” “Whoa! Way too much information there, Sparky.” Zutara *Incomplete*

Warmth: Katara becomes envious, greedy, and eventually completely addicted to Zuko’s ability to change his body temperature. Complete Zutara. Set between Firebending Masters and Boiling Rock. *Incomplete but still complete (I think)*

hi anon! i’m assuming you mean zutara fics and to be honest with you, i don’t read that much fanfiction anymore. but, there are a few that i did really enjoy back when i was more of a reader:

the black games by mrs pettyfer: [summary: once bound by ice, now bound by fire. 12 provinces. 24 tributes. 1 winner. let the games begin. rated: m. status: complete.] it’s like a zutara hunger games spin off, but it’s so much better. if i had to choose between suzanne collin’s original work and this, i would cast aside collin’s in a heart beat. it’s angsty and heartbreaking and the dynamic between zuko and katara is so realistically built it makes my heart soar. definitely recommend reading this, though i feel like this is a zutarian fan favourite, so chances are you’ve already read it. it’s a trilogy so the second installment is the rise of one and the final installment is the phoenix queen

the confrontational approach by advocaat: [summary: in which zuko can’t catch a break. “wait, you tied katara to a tree? wow, that’s… i mean… that just explains so much.” “i was desperate!” “whoa! way too much information there, sparky.” rated: t. status: incomplete.] this is the first zutara fanfic i ever read and it is a personal favourite i absolutely adore it. it’s set after the boiling rock episodes and before the southern raiders. zuko is a dork throughout it and just wants katara’s forgiveness. so many great moments between the gaang. toph teasing zuko, suki teasing katara, sokka being a lame but protective older brother. i won’t spoil how it continues but ugh i was so disappointed when i realised in was unfinished but it’s one hundred percent still worth the read

his majesty prefers blue by shamelessliar: [summary: a year after the war’s end, the gaang returns to the fire nation for a week of diplomatic meetings. there, they hear rumours about a vigilante who wears a blue mask and katara finds herself digging deeper into his identity and motives. rated: m. status: complete.] it follows from canon from what i can remember. katara is a swt ambassador and fire lord zuko needs a wife, but it’s not a forced relationship either. honestly i’ve forgotten most of what happens during the story, but it has some pretty awesome blue spirit scenes and who doesn’t love that? i remember enjoying reading it

stormbenders by fandomme: [summary: s3 au from fbm. deep in the fire nation jungle, the gaang meets a group of rogue water ninja who send zuko and katara on a mission to retrieve ozai’s secret battle plans. rated: t. status: complete.] this one’s set after the firebending masters and zuko is again a loveable dork and katara doesn’t trust him yet. they’re forced to train and do missions together which causes them to have to get to know each other and it has a nice build up. again i can’t really remember what happens but zuko is a tea shop boy again and that gladdens me. i thoroughly enjoyed it

these are some other fics i’ve seen many zutarians praise but haven’t gotten around to reading myself:

tempest in a teacup by akavertigo

butterflies and hurricanes by rebirth of the phoenix

welcome heat by cowlicklesschick

the sparrowkeet series by audreyii-fic

i was not magnificent by like a dove

stalking zuko by emletish

clothe me in seasons, dress me in snow by sadladybug

i’m actually working on a zutara fic rec post! i started watching a:tla back in 2006, so i’ve been practically inhaling zutara fics for almost ten years now. i’m just gonna rattle off the fics that immediately come to mind:

the black games (183k), the rise of one (163k), the phoenix queen (39k, incomplete). a:tla meets the hunger games, but it isn’t really formulaic. the stories change a lot around and it just works. solid characterization, it’s hilarious, the romance is so subtle and it’s a slow burn and. i just. i cannot say enough amazing things about this series.

another brother (198k). au where zuko joins the water tribe. i honestly don’t remember a whole lot about this one, other than i enjoyed it.

his majesty prefers blue (212k). characterization!!! smut!!!! /rolls over and dies

ozai’s vengeance (103k). takes place a dozen years after the last a:tla episode, again i sadly don’t remember much but i loved this fic.

love thy enemy (136k). sort of a mulan take on a:tla, basically katara is sent undercover to infiltrate the fire nation army and kill the fire lord aka zuko. iirc, it ends kind of … suddenly and without a whole lot of resolution? but i think i’ve read it a good three or four times now and i just love it.

the fifth column (144k). i remember really loving this one, but note the fic is rated m and has a scene of two of dubious consent.

and in hindsight, dangerous ground (107k) probably isn’t the best fic, and i feel like the author kind of warps the characters a teeny bit to further her religion, but honestly that is so easily overlooked to me. mostly because this was the first zutara fic i ever read. i obsessed over this fic. i printed it out, made a binder for it, like legit i’ve probably read it twelve times. at least. but the author started writing it in 2005, so it doesn’t follow the series at all past season one. zuko and katara get kidnapped by a rebel group of earthbenders and then they ~fall in lub~.

also: half asleep (86k) is definitely worth checking out. five years after the war, zuko falls into a coma of supernatural origins and katara has to travel to the spirit world to save him. every ship i have ever loved is in this fic and it’s such a gradual build-up and it’s just wonderful. wonderful.

there’s a lot more out there that i’d love to rec, but a) my mind is blanking and b) i wanted to just rec you a few above 100k. i hope at least one of these was new to you, but iirc they’re all staples in the fandom.

hi!!! I’m so sorry for replying late but in any case THANK YOU FOR ASKING BECAUSE BOI DO I EVER

FLUFFY ZUTARA FIC RECS!!!!!!!!!!!11

1.) The Stalking Zuko Series by emletish

thoughts: My absolute favorite fluffy fic in this fandom. It’s written in an unconventional albeit REAAAALLY astounding style (read: First POV Katara writing in a journal hooo boy). Features drunk!Zuko, ticklish!Zuko, and overall #1FuckingDorkinTheWorld!Zuko, but also angsty!Zuko and dumbshit!Zuko who just wants to set everything on fire bc he’s a dumbshit sometimes tbh. You will laugh and cry and laugh and laugh and cry over and over again and I just cannot recommend this fic enough please go read it now edhsujsa.

pt. 1: Stalking Zuko

pt. 2: Not Stalking Zuko

pt. 3: Not Stalking Fire Lord Zuko

Accompanying Oneshots if you’re up to it (you will be trust me):

the collected lists of zuko - a comprehensive list of things that annoy Katara and why Katara is the most impossible girl in the history of ever (which is why you love her Zuko. we all know. WE ALL. KNOW.), according to our favorite fire lord 

the crooked thing - they’re trying to keep this thing they have a secret; a.k.a. in which things are perfectly imperfect.

snuggling dysfunctional cats - all of this shit from Toph’s POV brb im fucking screaming .

2.) i didn’t know i was lonely (’til I saw your face) by raisindeatre

thoughts: Listen. LISTEN. @raisindeatre​ / Atia is an absolute GODDESS. Her writing style is one of the best I’ve seen in this fandom, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. She just blows my mind on a regular tbh. This fic is genius and stunningly weaves canon into a modern AU, and one that actually works (and there’s very few of those imho). Slow burn but worth it. Every word of this is golden (also please read all of raisindeatre’s work, she’s amazing I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH).

3.) Bones by sadladybug

thoughts: Zuko and Katara on the night of their wedding. I absolutely love it when authors weave in Fire Nation/Water Tribe/any kind of avatar lore into their stories (it amazes me moreso when it comes sTRAIGHT FROM THE AUTHOR’S OWN RESEARCH AND IMAGINATION) and I’m overall just a sucker for this kinda shit. This fic also achieves the perfect balance of smut and fluff, and is written so beautifully it just makes me wanna cry go read it pls. 

4.) Scars by Em Dixon

thoughts: “Katara is the only one with scar-touching privileges. Very quick read but beautiful all throughout. 

5. What Little She Can Do by chromeknickers

thoughts:

this is from chromeknickers’ collection of drabbles and ficlets (they’re very short, but they’re so well-written and they make me want to cry tbh). Not all of the entries are fluffy, so I’ve listed the ones that are!

Dangerous Games

Smile Lines

Stay With Me

From the same author’s Through the Looking Glass Series:

Desired

Intimacy

Light

Special Mention:swing and a miss by stellatiate, for beanaroony

Currently in the middle of reading this AND I CANNOT STOP FLAILING. It has some angst in it but the in-between fluff is where it’s at, fam. The writing style is very unique and i’ve never read anythign quite like it. It’s genius. Thank you so much to @babyfairybaekhyun for reccing this iufdhsuijhn

–

i havent been active in the fandom very much so this has been such a nice refresher! Plus i’m an absolute sucker for fluff. Anyhow, I miss you guys lots, so please accept this as a sort of gift from the bottom of this MIA zutarian’s heart. Enjoy and feel free to add more!!!

For you commuters out there, there is almost always a discounted student pass for your bus, train, or subway route. I’d Google the company of the transport (Amtrak, STA, NJ transit) with student pass (i.e. NJ transit student pass). Lots of colleges also have the info on there site and it can be like over a 25% discount!

Entertainment

AMC theaters off a discounted price if yall flash a student ID on Thursdays

Select Regal Cinemas offer discounts (check out your local one for more info)

Select Cinemark theaters give student discounts (here’s the list)

Museums often have student discounts (literally all NYC museums do, as well with other large cities). For more info look on their websites. 

Technology

On Apple products you can save nearly $200! 

Here’s a link to Dell University - Dell’s discounted website for students

Check out HP Academy where you can get ink, laptops, and other tech stuff for up to 50% off!

The Microsoft Store for Education offers a 10% discount on everything and large discounts on Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. for students.

Sony’s Education Store offers up to 10% off products and discounted warranty plans.

Adobe has student discounts for literally up to 60% (including photoshop, etc)

Cell phone provider student discounts: AT&T, Sprint, and T-mobile

Car Insurance

Farmers insurance- discounts available for students under 25

Geico- students under 25 are eligible for a 15% discount

State Farm- up to 25% for students

Allstate- full-time students under 25 can can get a 20% student discount

Stores

here’s some master posts with 100s of stores that offer students discounts (including online stores, restaurants, clothing, wholesale stores, etc): one | two | three | four | five

Student Rate has discounts on literally everything and even giveaways

Miscellaneous

Subscriptions: NY Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist  

*** NOTE: THIS ISN’T ALL THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND, BUT WHAT I HAD TIME TO JOT DOWN FOR THIS POST– THERE WILL BE MORE IN THE FUTURE AND IF YOU CANNOT WAIT, MESSAGE ME DIRECTLY AND I’LL SEND SOME YOUR WAY***

(this is especially for yell-allons-y, damonsbonbon and hyperspacemashmallow, hope this helps :D  )

I’ve included lil summaries that may or may not reveal spoilers cuz sometimes the author descriptions don’t do it for me. Warning there, you can skip over these and read only the bolded, italicized author summaries if you so wish.

Generally, if anything has an M rating, you can skip through the explicit stuff.

Anything with  *** are favorite stories of mine right now.

Many of the authors listed have profiles full of other great stories not listed on here, so I have linked all of their profile links as well so you can check those out too :)

Finally, most important for everyone to do, REVIEW THE STORIES! So many awesome authors stop writing because there is no feedback from the readers. I have found that even if an author hasn’t updated in years (I’m talking several), as long as you try to review every chapter letting the writer know what you did and didn’t like about the characterization, plot, and writing itself, it is enough encouragement to get them motivated and updating again. So once again, REVIEW!!!

- The Last Waterbender*** by Haikoui (Rated T, 56k+ words, WIP) 

The Southern Raiders found the last waterbender, leaving her mother alive, and took the child with them to the Fire Nation as a prisoner. Zutara AU. The avatar has not been found yet, and Zuko has not been banished yet, either. Rated T (and maybe M at some point… maybe!) for later chapters. 

Slow to develop relationship (they’ve just started interacting due to certain circumstances), both learning things, unlearning prejudices and propaganda, very IC, very good OC’s too.  The plot is super interesting as the author manages to include both things from the show as well as their own very original ideas. I like how even though this isn’t  a canon story line, the characters are still IC, something I cannot say for even those who write stories that coordinate with canon. The suspense and surprises are very well thought out, too, as the author has an endless supply of creative villains and an interesting plot. Overall, super awesome.

- Jasmine*** by Yorushike (Rated T, 140k+ words, WIP) 

AU, Katara, traveling companion of the Avatar, had always dreamed of the day the war would end, but she had never thought that she would be forced to marry Firelord Zuko, who was said to have killed his own father, for this to happen. Zuko had no other goal than to repent for his sins and bring peace to the world, even if both his allies and enemies feared and hated him. Zutara,

While Katara is travelling with Gaang for training, Chief Hakoda is captured by a cold and distant Fire Lord Zuko, who has killed off his own family to become ruler and is feared by pretty much everyone, even his own citizens. Instead of torturing or killing Hakoda, he asks for Katara’s hand in marriage as a symbol of peace, to which she reluctantly agrees. She finds out things, like he’s actually trying to atone for his sins and those of the Fire Nation, and that he is a genuinely good but tortured man. Everyone is so IC, with a “I’m not deserving of love or anything good, imma just brood over here in this dark corner while trying to heal wounds i’ve inflicted on world” pre-Gaang Zuko and a “STFU, ZUKO, YOU ARE ACTUALLY A BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY CREATURE AND A PRETTY CHILL GUY WHY DON’T YOU GET YOUR ANGSTY HEAD OUT OF YOUR LILY WHITE BEHIND AND SEE THAT i pet ur face now k frand?” motherly Katara. The author also keeps Gaang in character. You will laugh out loud, if not let out one of those ugly laugh snorts every time the whole Gaang is present, especially seeing awkward ass Zuko interacting with them. You will cry at a couple of points in the story (especially one chapter in particular but i’m not telling cuz i’m a cruel person and want your heart completely unprepared for the pain WOOOOOOOOAH HOHOOOOooOooooOo). It is a bit slow at first, but that adds to strong development between Katara and Zuko, as well as setting up a good plot with interesting politics and culture. At this point, shit is going down but you have no idea what it is yet so SUPER SCARY but good yes. Occasional spelling errors, but not super present. 

- Butterflies and Hurricanes by Rebirth of the Phoenix (Rated T, 103k+ words, Complete)

“You may find yourself capturing hearts that you are forbidden to keep.” She is a servant. He is a Prince. Together they are about to go against everything that keeps the world at peace. Zutara

AU, This one is already pretty popular. Katara is bought taken as little girl to Fire Nation, becomes servant to Mai, later to Royal Family, becomes friendly with Zuko, whole tiime she has little memory of her family, Zuko puts pieces together and they face shit. Pretty IC for the most part (I just wish Katara was a little bit more outspoken but at the same time it was understandable considering her station for a large portion of the story), good OC’s that you’ll like too.

- Fortress *** by SilverLining33  (Rated  T, 69+ words, WIP)

As a child, I was blind to the tragedies of the world. I chose not to understand. I chose not to acknowledge. I chose not to act. But now, things are different. This war has taken everything from me: my home, my family, my freedom. No more waiting for rescue. No more sitting by and relying on hope and faith. It’s time for me to take action. It’s time for me to fight back. AU. 

 WOW. this story. this story. THIS STORY. ohmygaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhHHhHhHh

I cannot begin to tell you all how great this story is and how much I think you’ll enjoy it too. 

Anyway

AU, Fire Nation has pretty much taken over and colonized the whole world, including the Southern Water Tribe. Covers all that shitty shit that colonized people would go through like unfair and harsh government and brutality. Fetus Katara meets Fetus Zuko, son of mean governor Ozai who rules over South Pole at this point in the story. Shit happens, big stuff too, but I won’t reveal what. Fast forward several years, Ozai has long left with family in tow to Fire Nation, Katara thinks she’s done with them (hehe WRONG). The Water tribe and Katara suffer horribly, she’s left with no family (they’re gone for different important reasons), she’s depressed and filled with anger, has to hide waterbending or risk imprisonment and death, all while dealing with a fire nation soldier who is stationed in the South Pole and has the hots for her (hehe… pun… i’m sorry.) that she can’t stand… and then A LOT OF STUFF HAPPENS SHIT HITS THE FAN OHMYGAHD AND SHE HAS TO  GO SOMEWHERE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING BIG AND I WON’T SAY TOO MUCH BUT BAM, SHE MEETS LIL ASSHOLE KID SHE MET AS A CHILD THAT WAS THE GOVERNOR’S SON ONLY HE IS NOW AN ADULT ASSHOLE AND HAS A SCAR AND I CAN’T SAY ANYTHING ELSE BUT THERE IS MORE THAN THAT GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME TOO.

Basically awesome story. This author obviously took the time to not only research their stuff, but also spent time diving into the characters to portray very raw and realistic emotions and reactions. This gives very awesome, IC people, which is what I want from my fics but don’t always find. To add on to that, even the authors OC’s were well developed. I was surprised by the quality of these characters– even people who appeared for no more than one chapter made a big impact on me and the story. And the plot itself is very nice. The romance isn’t what drives it– there are outside factors like a freaking war and people fighting that move the plot along which adds to the realism. This also throws in the suspense, because while it may be safe for the mean time, there are people on the other side of the world who could be planning some shit.

Anyway, good story. Really, really good story. It has lots of potential and I hope to see it grow to a 200k fic complete with the main seasons covered in ATLA as the author’s interpretation is fun to read.

- Dancing in the Dark by DamageCtrl (Rated T, 64k+ Words, Complete)

AUPWP: Having heard a rumor about two tea servers in the lower tiers of Ba Sing Se, Katara and Toph sneak away go to investigate only to have their suspicions confirmed. ZutaraBlutara 

Another pretty popular one. For anyone who likes season 2 Zutara or Blutara, this is for you. It’s pretty cute. Zuko disguises himself as the Blue Spirit to get information on Gaang, Toph and Katara sneak around and find out Zuko and Iroh are working in teashop, Blue Spirit realizes Katara is a freaking idiot at dancing, he gives lessons to her cuz Zuko knows fancy royal dances, she falls in love with Blue Spirit, Zuko falls in love with her, stuff happens, OH NO WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF KATARA FINDS OUT WHO THE BLUE SPIRIT REALLY IS, on top of EVERYTHING else happening??!?1!?! Anyway, cutesy cute fic. 

- Time and Time Again*** by Dra323 (Rated T, 36k+ words, WIP)

A sigh of relief barely escaped her lips before rough hands grabbed her body and pushed her back against the tree. Katara screamed and attempted to claw at the body of the person holding her, only to have her hands captured. “Well, doesn’t this seem familiar?” He hissed. 

Starts off at Waterbending Scroll episode, goes different direction. Zuko is pretty much the insane, reckless, violent, angsty lil shit we see in Season 1. Katara is super sassy and coolio and tough and if bad stuff happens to her, she doesn’t do any of that stupid “cowering in fear but falls in love with mean guy cuz yay Stockholm Syndrome!” shit, instead she does the “imma be awful to you if you’re awful to me, and the fact that you’re fire nation doesn’t help you at all you asshat little brat.” I like the frustrated, crazy Zuko, I like how smart, sneaky, and resourceful Katara is in this story as well. 

Lots of shit happens from the moment Katara is taken to his ship. Right now, where I’m at in the story, they’re on a deserted island and have to depend on each other and Zuko is starting to realize “wow, I’ve been a big asshat to Katara, and she’s my only means of survival right now, I should be nice and appreciate what she has done for me so far”, kinda hinting at the beginning of a redemption arc, while Katara is like “he can go shove a coconut up his ass I’m not messing with that tool ffs I hate his stupid angry ass byyyyye”. Jet has also just been introduced and is as insane as ever, a big wild card right now and no one knows what’s going to happen with this guy walking around. 

Right now it’s heading in a very awesome direction, the emotions are there and you will get tense while reading. The action scenes are well written and you’ll be freaking out  when you get to them. I’m hoping that the author will write this as a 200k fic that covers the whole show to the end (and maybe beyond??) because I am liking how the author is writing not only the characters, but their relationship development too. It would be cool to see them interacting to different situations introduced throughout the show. There is the occasional spelling error, but not so obvious that it takes away from the story. Really good though so far, you should definitely check this out.

- In the Same Candlelight by Like a Dove (Rated T, 76+ words, Complete)

In a world where there is no war, Zuko and Katara spend their summers together. Growing up is messy, embarrassing, and at times sad, but they think it might be okay because they have each other. Edited summary. 

 AU, no war. Aang stopped Fire Nation from messing world up, he’s now a pretty old guy who is still adorable af. Water Tribe siblings and Fire Nation siblings spend vacations with each other and pretty much grow up with each other. More cutesy stuff. 

- I Was Not Magnficent by Like a Dove (Rated M, 53k+ words, Complete)

When Zuko first meets the waterbender with the scars, he’s fascinated by her. His fascination quickly turns into something much more. Soon Zuko will have to confront his greatest enemy - himself. AU. 

 AU, No Aang found from iceberg, Zuko didn’t speak out against general at war meeting and is still a prince in the Fire Nation, Fire Nation has pretty much taken over the whole world with Sozin’s Comet. Because of problems with little rebellions, Fire Nation starts messed up breeding program so they can raise their own earthbenders and waterbenders to enforce Fire Nation rule around world. They finally bring in a scarred waterbender for the program, shit goes down. Pretty good. Zuko is a snotty little dick who you kinda wanna slap (Katara actually does this, so no worries there) but grows into a more honorable guy. Katara is pretty cool too. My only complaint is that I didn’t like how quickly they immediately fell in love with each other. It felt a little rushed considering that they really didn’t confront many obstacles and personal beliefs that would keep them from wanting to suck face, but otherwise pretty cool story.

- Resting in a Raze (Sequel to I Was Not Magnificent) by Like a Dove (Rated M, 24k+ words, WIP) 

Zuko and Sokka go searching for a waterbender who has been long lost. Slowly but surely their world begins to erupt around them. Sequel to ‘I Was Not Magnificent’. 

To be honest, I haven’t kept up too much with this, but I figured people might want to know that there’s a sequel so BAM here it is 

- Tempest in a Teacup*** by AkaVertigo (Rated T, 34k+ words, IDK if it’s supposed to be complete, it felt like there was supposed to be more to me…) 

Fate puts Katara in the Fire Nation to grow up in the company of a Dragon, a prince, and a lot of good tea. AU Zutara…of a sort. 

 I’m pretty sure this is one of the most famous Zutara fics out there. AU, Iroh finds Katara as a little girl, raises her, she and Zuko grow close. This is really beautifully written. It manages to deliver strong emotions, humor, great dialogue, and an overall good plot through gorgeous passages. It’s set up like poetry at times but it is awesome. Pretty good stuff here.

- The Chief and I *** by jassmarie19 (Rated T, 21k+ words, WIP)

100 years after the War started the Fire Nation has managed to add on all of the four nations as Provinces, except the Southern Water Tribe. It is Zuko’s duty to travel to this land of people that shut themselves away from the world at the onset of the War and convince them to surrender. The King and I inspired AU. Rating may change.

This story is super awesome. I’m not gonna lie, the first chapter had me thinking that there wouldn’t be much to expect from the story but I WAS A FOOL AND HAVE SEEN THE ERROR IN MY WAYS. The plot is super cool.  There is much tension between the accomplished asshole Prince Zuko and a proud and sassy Chief Katara. Katara has some struggles she must face before and during the Fire Nation’s unexpected and very much unwanted arrival, such as just wanting her dad and bro home to take over. She and Zuko constantly butt heads as the arrogant (and very ignorant) Zuko tries to force Katara to surrender the Southern Water Tribe to the Fire Nation (or empire, at this point). Where I am right now, it looks like Zuko will be pulling in man power to take over the Water Tribe through force as he is getting frustrated (in more than one way, tbh, which is entertaining cuz Katara is just like GUHhhHhHHHHROSS GET YOUR WEIRD ASS TYRANNICAL SELF AWAY FROM ME). I can’t wait for the next update as shit just went down cuz Zuko is an impulsive dumbass who “doesn’t think things through” so suspense is there and very strong. Definitely worth reading.

- Polar Nights by crystalline talisman (Rated T, 72k+ words, WIP)

In order to arrange a treaty for the long standing war between the Water Tribe and Fire Nation, Prince Zuko is sent to the South Pole to arrange a truce by Fire Lord Lu Ten, where he is greeted by subzero temperatures, sea prunes, and quirky customs. This of course, is a cake walk compared to the revelation he’ll be marrying the stubborn spiritual leader, Katara. AU. Zutara.

Kind of a challenge to the idea of Katara being the one to leave her homeland for a political marriage. This is really entertaining, with spot on characters and interactions, an interesting look at South Water Tribe and Fire Nation cultures, and a fun plot overall. It shouldn’t be so entertaining seeing Zuko have a hard time, but with so many funny components to the many challenges he has to face in order to be seen as “proper husband material”, you can’t help but hope for more. Katara is also very awesome. She is a priestess with a stubborn personality, trying to face her own fate and what is expected of her in her position. She that takes quite a bit of joy out of jostling Zuko around. Fun. They are growing to at least see each other as possible friends where I am at in the story, with the prospect of heading back to the Fire Nation for another ceremonial process there. Humorous with great drama, this one is a pretty great read.

-Water Wench *** by Meeknchic (Rated M, 3k+ words, WIP)

“What is your idea of justice, Prince Zuko?” she asked through the fixed smirk. The woman sauntered closer. “Would you throw me in your dungeon?”

This is such a funny fic. I’m not sure if I should label it as “humor” or cracktastic. Poor Zuko is just trying his hardest and then he has to deal with a dumbass military friend, Chang, (who is bae tbh if he isn’t at first he will be later) and a snarky waterbender that just won’t give him the Avatar. The thing is, she doesn’t know that she’s giving shelter to the master of four elements. Each chapter so far has basically been Zuko’s failed attempts at getting the Avatar, persuading Katara to hand him over, ignoring his attraction for the uninterested Katara, while his stupid ass friend is laughing at Zuko when he is on fire when butt naked (this actually happens). The dialogue is witty and hilarious, the characters are quite on point as far as sticking to their canon selves goes. The author’s main OC (Chang the bae) has so much personality considering that he isn’t in the fic as often as Z and K. Where I am at, Katara has just been apprehended and is pissed. 

Anyway, super fun, quick read, so you READ AND FINISH IT WHILE TAKING A SHIT. 

-Down in Flames *** by sjdboom (Rated M, 80k+ words, WIP)

As Katara battles to protect the Avatar and restore balance to the world, she struggles to ignore the one major, golden-eyed confliction who keeps getting in her way. Rated M for chapters 22 & 26 ;)

THIS FIC. YES.

YOU WANT BLUTARA?! YOU GET BLUTARA!! YOU WANT FLUFF?!! YOU GET FLUFF!!! YOU WANT PRE-GAANG ZUKO?!?! YOU GET PRE-GAANG ZUKO!! YOU WANT GAANG ZUKO??!? YOU GET A GAANG ZUKO!!! YOU WANT SOME ANGST YOU GONNA GET SOME OF THAT TOO!!! THIS AUTHOR IS LIKE THE FREAKING OPRAH OF ZUTARA AUTHOR HANDING OUT EVERY LITTLE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT ZUTARA FICS IN ONE STORY.

like damn this fic has the best of everything and the things I listed above only scratch the surface. you get a reasonably paced development between Zuko and Katara, you get betrayal, you get a sneaky Zuko with inner turmoil, you get a smart and independent katara, you get a capture where SHE DON’T FALL IN LOVE PLS STOP THIS AWFUL TROPE DON’T DO THIS PLS. you also get an awesome plot that has you hopping all over the world, the Gaang present or working in background of story (you know, like what they would do in their situations, instead of fangirling over z and k…. they gonna do stuff with the war), Katara and Zuko having to face each other and themselves, just so much happens in this fic for how short it is and it is handled so well. I am praying for the next update.

Super awesome, you’ll immediately get hooked. 

-Facets*** by balai (Rated T, 61k+ words, WIP)

It was unfathomable. Imagine the rumours, the scandal that would spread at the idea of the Fire Lord sneaking about under the cover of darkness, donning the mask of the Blue Spirit. But he would do it. He knew the risks he took. Still, he would do it for her.

Oh you want a punch to the heart? read this fic then and feel you insides cry. like damn this fic is so good and you will be filled with emotions so no mascara while reading this one. basically post war Zuko and Katara dealing with external and internal forces, growing closer as they overcome many obstacles in efforts to help the world get back on its feet. Very nice.

-The Plan*** by Sisters-From-Hell (Rated T, 53k+ words, WIP)

Katara was captured after trying to save Haru. Now she is a concubine in the Fire Lord’s Palace and she must find a way to save her tribe and the world. AU based on the movie “One Night With the King”

YES THIS ONE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST I READ AND IT’S STILL ONE OF THE BEST. AU, older, no avatar (yet…. wink wink)

GTFO with all those weird “KAtaara is a concubine to PRinc no FIRE LORD ZUko but they fall into luv <3” shit cuz that is not what would happen and YOU know it and thankfully this author knows it too.

Katara, being Katara, isn’t just gonna sit around all doe eyed while the world goes up in flames (pun), and she gets captured by the Fire Nation while causing shit for the nation. Sent to its capital, about to be given to old creepy guys for “personal use” a certain angel comes to her in the form of a tea loving uncle of the freaking Fire Lord. Iroh is basically a sneaky little shit but you know that’s Iroh and we love him for it. Zuko and Katara meet, it goes BADLY, and they hate each other (at worst) or ignore and look down on each other (at best). Does a pretty good job of subtly acknowledging stuff like the prejudices one would see in a colonizing, warring country, and doesn’t have Katara and Zuko falling in love immediately. There’s an incredible amount of tension and contempt between the two, and when they aren’t making the other’s life shitty, they’re creating plans. For Zuko, to use Katara as a tool for the war to “persuade” the Water Tribes to surrender to Fire Nation rule. With Katara, she takes advantage of living in the palace to soak up every bit of information at her disposal, with the hopes of using it later to give to the resistance groups or to take out the Fire Lord himself. She so far has kept her bending abilities hidden, and she has attracted the eye of certain Fire Nation men that Zuko is to deal with. Right now, it seems like Zuko is beginning to find her attractive (not admitting that to himself, though) and she is literally puking at the thought of being romantic with him, even if it is for her benefit in the long run. Also, a certain tribesman may have just cracked open the iceberg…

Super awesome, definitely should read if you want a break from the never-ending “katara-gets-captured-and-instead-of-working-to-end-war-or-to-acknowledge-and-fight-back-against-oppressive-nation-and-people-that-have-messed-up-her-life-she-gonna-fall-for-a-dude’s-diq-while-he-ignores-years-of-propoganda-and-shitty-parenting-and-decides-he-suddenly-likes-katara-too” stories. 

-Fallacy by BloomRay (Rated T, 15k+ words, WIP)

Three years have passed since the Avatar’s defeat and the Fire Nation’s victory in the war. Katara and a handful of survivors have sought refuge amongst the ruins of the Western Air Temple. That is, until someone shows up. A very unwelcome someone, as it so happens. AU.

Not gonna lie, when I first read this, I was like “no”. I didn’t want to see Zuko regress back into his Season 1 personality as it would have been out of character, and I don’t like “Aang died…. okay anyway Zuko and Katara now suck face happy happy ending yes!” stories

This doesn’t do that wow I don’t know why I thought it would thank Jesus that’s not what we readers will have in this story. There were plot twists and major surprises and it’s only the beginning of the story. Very good so far, it has lots of potential.

-The Prophecy by XrhiaX (Rated T, 19k+ words, WIP)

AU. The Avatar lives in chains. The Earth Kingdom has fallen. Prince Zuko is a prisoner within the palace for his traitorous actions. And a Prophecy foretells of how the Last Southern Waterbender pertains to the Fire Nation’s ultimate victory.

To be honest I have no idea what’s happening right now and I mean that in a good way. Basically, you have a different plot running with the idea of Zuko still suffering punishment, but now he has a new “cell mate” (will make sense once you read). There’s still a search for the Avatar, and a confused and pissed Katara is taken to the Fire Nation to live in a gold cage, for reasons she doesn’t know either. There is obviously something keeping her there, as characters like Lu Ten are acting strangely while visiting a lonely Zuko, and there are talks of a prophecy. I can’t wait to see what will happen next, as the author already shows they have something planned with the way they are setting up everything so far. Since it is told from Zuko’s and Katara’s limited points of view, we only see so much, adding to the suspense. Pretty cool fic.

-Aerials*** by Bravada (Rated M, 28k+ words, WIP)

AU. One hundred years ago, the Avatar was killed, and the benders were no more. But now that the Fire Lord has merged with a demon, the Spirits are going to have to set things straight. Zutara, Taang, Sukka.

I love this fic. Zuko and Uncle washed up on SWT shore, taking on aliases to avoid death (confrontation, though, is something they do face and face often). Zuko slowly bonds with STW, in particular the two children of Chief Hakoda. Right when it seems like everything is going well, BAM SHIT GOES DOWN, IDENTITIES EXPOSED, and that’s just the beginning. Where I am right now, Zuko, Katara, Sokka, and Iroh left for the Southern Air Temples in search for people similar to Zuko and Katara. I love how in character everyone is, how fun the dialogues are as they always seem to grow a bit after a conversation, and the writing overall flows well. Every little interaction adds so much to the story. I enjoyed how Zuko grows from awkward and angry to awkward and nice, along with how Katara is strong, but also affectionate. The little events that help them to grow together are super fun and exciting. The other characters so far, such as Hakoda, Iroh, Sokka, and Zhao also make big impressions.

Great, fun read.

-The Spirit’s Beauty: A Fairy Tale of Sorts by NonsensicalLyrics  (Rated T, 28k+ words, Complete)

When Sokka and Aang go snooping around a seemingly abandoned ship only to discover it’s cursed, Katara must sacrifice herself in exchange for the Avatar’s freedom. Based loosely on the traditional fairy tale, “Beauty and the Beast”. Bluetara/Zutara.

This follows pretty closely to the original Disney story while remaining true to ATLA, I was surprised that this could be accomplished and done well. Zuko as the beast is endearing and Katara is pretty cool. I loved the whole mythos set up for the story as it added much to the story without taking away the charm ATLA has. It pretty much works like an episode of ATLA as they immediately go along with the main plot there. Pretty nice stuff.

-Reflections Dire by Jadely (Rated K+, 7k+ words, Complete)

News of the Painted Lady’s return spreads all the way to the Fire Nation capital, birthing festivities among the people. And who could happen to stumble into the middle of it with a keen curiosity other than the unsettled prince Zuko, who decides who decides to take up the face of the Blue Spirit one last time to meet the fabled woman himself. But who is who under the moonlight?

Zuko and Katara have to face their demons. Pretty cool, will make you sad for actual Painted Lady and Blue Spirit. Katara’s and Zuko’s interactions are pretty realistic too. Very nice short read. 

-Even So*** by lewilder (Rated T, 7k+ words, Complete)

A hundred years after Avatar Roku stops the Fire Nation’s attempts to take over the world, uprisings begin again in the Fire court. After the battles, the new Fire Lord, Zuko, seeks to reaffirm old alliances and looks for a bride from the Southern Water Tribe. Zutara, AU. Oneshot. 

THIS FIC KILLS ME WITH THE BEAUTY AND SIMPLICITY AND THE SET UP BOTH IN TERMS OF PLOT AND THE WRITING STYLE ITSELF  GOSH IT’S SO PERFECT THIS IS WHAT I WANT FROM MY ARRANGED MARRIAGE STORIES

Zuko and Katara marry, Katara is stubborn and won’t learn his language, he is still a shy little sweety anyway, they grow close while learning each others languages and the amount of affection between the two is so sweet but believable and not too much. It kinda follows them throughout their married years together (a little bit before for Katara). Very beautiful, can also read while in bathroom stall so double awesome.

-Beneath the Alder Tree by Harky21 (Rated M, 27k+ words, WIP)

“I’ve experienced many things in my time. I’ve seen storms brew and felt the earth quake. But there’s one thing that I’d only ever heard of in the whistling of the wind and on the dying breaths of men.” Beneath the branches of an alder tree a boy and a girl from enemy clans meet and learn that they may not be as different from each other as they thought. Rated M for later chapters.

Really great, set up almost poetically and from the point of a tree. It may sound weird, but it works so well. Katara and Zuko live in neighboring clans at war with each other, but grow very close through out the years in a field between their homes. The tree is a sort of narrator and I read it for the most part in Gandalf’s voice so there’s that. Super nice story with lots of surprises, tension, and great character growth.

-Burn to Ashes by beanaroony (Rated T, 21k+ words, WIP)

This is what the blood of betrayal tastes like, when its claws dig into your chest and tear at your throat and you palate nothing but sorrow and distrust again and again, again and again. S3 finale AU.

Well if you’re up for more angst cuz you just couldn’t get enough from earlier fics, here is this one for you. While heading over to take down Azula during Sozin’s comet, Zuko turns on Katara, believing it was for the best. They have to deal with much tension as Katara is sooooo done at this point and Zuko, being Zuko, just wanted to help but keeps screwing up instead. While they’re interacting, there’s lots going on in the background, mainly with everyone’s favorite batshit crazy royal, Azula. Pretty good so far. Where I’m at in the story, there is a major build up to something big about to happen so yes suspense is there, too.

check out some of these writers on tumblr as well

pearlynn59 somuttersthesea bulletproofteacup astaroffire

Once again, when I have time I will finish this list and organize it. I know that I’m missing a ton from this post, so if you want more before I have time to update this list, message me and I’ll send you some quick links. If there’s something you guys think I forgot, message me and I’ll see that it’s changed. Have fun :)

Cover poster for shamelessliarkickapow’s Call Me Katto:

So I’ve gone through a LOT of Zutara fanfiction, probably too much if I’m being honest, and finding good fics can be really hard. When looking up fic rec lists I’ve noticed that a lot of the lists are just the same select fanfictions recommended over and over (We get it, everyone and their mother loves ‘His Majesty Prefers Blue’ and ‘Stormbenders’ [I never finished HMPB, sue me]). 

So this list is for all of you who are in my shoes and can’t seem to find anything besides the same ten or fifteen stories recommended and are desperate for something new. Everything listed is complete! (If I listed the incompletes/abandoned stories I’d have a lot more chaptered stories listed… RIP ‘The Confrontational Approach’…) 

I have a lot of bookmarked stories that I have yet to read and am in the middle of (Almost caught up on @firelordandlady ‘s ‘Say Anything’!), so I’ll try to update this when I finish something I think deserves a recommendation. 

Chaptered

In the Same Candlelight by Like a Dove

In a world where there is no war, Zuko and Katara spend their summers together. Growing up is messy, embarrassing, and at times sad, but they think it might be okay because they have each other. Edited summary.

I know. I KNOW. I LITERALLY JUST SAID I WASN’T GOING TO RECOMMEND FANFICS THAT ARE ON EVERYONE’S LIST. But I NEED to mention this one. I spent so long not interested in this fic. I don’t like drastic AU’s, or modern AU’s. My taste is strictly canon divergence, so I didn’t think I would like this. I WAS SO WRONG. Trust me, if you are like me and don’t like big AU’s, read this anyway. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Characterization is still so spot on, even with such a different take. Aang is precious. There is nothing but fluff, fluff, and fluff. It will melt you. You will probably die and your spirit will rise up smiling and beaming out rainbows and sunshine. That’s what happened to me. 

Lilacs and Lily Pads by sadladybug

A tale of clumsy courtship and calamitous court weddings, featuring awkward family encounters, floral mishaps, cultural complications, and good old fashioned fluff and conflict. Takes place in the five years following war’s end. For Zutara Week 2016. A prequel to Bones.

Clothe Me in Seasons, Dress Me in Snow is a very commonly recommended Zutara fic (And for good reason, I shed many tears reading it). But this two-shot (A companion to Bones, a smut one shot) by the same author is really underrated and beautifully written. It follows Zuko and Katara as they try to plan their wedding, as well as shows two scenes from before they got engaged that solidified the relationship to be one they knew would last. Just really well done overall and very very sweet. 

EDIT: I talked with the author and apparently it isn’t finished?? But they are apparently working on the next chapters so yay!! And each chapter is independent so it doesn’t feel unfinished.  

The Slow Path by Tazainian Devil

Eight years after the fall of Ozai, Aang returns to the friends he left behind - Taang, Zutara, Sukka

This is technically a Taang fic, and if I’m being honest I kind of just skimmed through the non-zutara chapters, but the Zutara storyline was good enough that I think it’s definitely worth the read. And the overall plot has a great premise. Be warned, it has a sequel that was never finished. 

Another Word For Alchemy by FanPanda13

Five years have passed since the Avatar defeated Fire Lord Ozai, and the members of the Gaang have all gone in their own direction. But when Aang invites them all to a Peace Summit at the North Pole and tells them of his new project, for which he will need their support, the group comes together again for adventure, fun and romance. AU. Zutara. COMPLETE.

So this fic is crazy for me. At first, it started as just really good natured fluff. The writing wasn’t anything fantastic (Although I loved how it broke the 4th wall and didn’t take itself seriously), and there were some definite OOC moments. But I had so much FUN with it. The plot (while definitely not the focus as everyone is more concerned about when Zuko and Katara will get together) was interesting, and there were some really sweet moments. It was also HILARIOUS and I had multiple moments where I genuinely laughed out loud. But then about five chapters before the end, the quality SKY ROCKETED. As the plot and mystery come together, the characters all come together in a moment that truly feels like it came from the show. Even the writing quality increases by a lot and I was genuinely shocked and impressed. Definitely recommend. 

Kyoshi Hold ‘Em by cupid-painted-blind

When a blizzard shuts down the fourth annual Peace Summit, the group has to find some way to pass the time. /Zutara, Taang, Jet/Mai, Jet/Everyone, Sukka

If you’re looking for a good crack fic, look no further. It’s post war and utter nonsense. Jet is alive for some reason??? No one questions it and he’s shipped with pretty much everyone. It’s funny, it’s decently written, there are drinking and sexy time shenanigans, and overall just lighthearted. Also, it does a great job of being a crack fic without crossing the line and becoming unfunny and just a trash fic. A lot struggle to find the balance and resort to going over the top and ridiculous, but this one does a really good job. 

Come With Me by Steamboat Ghost

Coauthored by fuzzytomato. Troubled over his newly restored honor, Zuko finds solace in the familiar guise of the Blue Spirit. In a chance meeting with the Painted Lady, a friendship is forged as the two heroes seek to help the Fire Nation’s neglected.

I’ll admit it: I’ve never gotten into Blutara fanfictions. I only read the first couple chapters of HMPB and dropped it after the tree scene. I don’t know, it felt really OOC for me and I may go back and read it again just because EVERYONE raves about it, but IDK. I’ve never been a huge Blutara fan because while I love the concept, I’d much rather see the Painted Lady and the Blue Spirit come together as equals. Most fics present Zuko behind his mask to Katara, and it feels imbalanced. There aren’t a lot of stories where we see their alter persona’s come together even though that’s the entire point of the parallel between the two. Insert this fic. I only wish there was a sequel dealing with Zuko in the Gaang after these events. Hey, a girl can dream. 

A Zutara Story Anastasia by LastSunset

Katara, the only suviving waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe, joins two con men, Zuko and Iroh, while a fearful admiral chases for her death. A Zutara Story. Based on the movie Anastasia.

So this isn’t so much a retelling of Anastasia but with Katara and Zuko as it is a fanfic version of the movie but with the characters names and world changed. It takes a lot of lines from the movie. But WHO CARES? It’s Anastasia and Zutara!!! What more do you need??? 

Oneshot

this burden you bear by cowlicklesschick

Word travels, and war stories will be told round campfires and on freighter ships until every person in the world knows what Master Katara did for the new Fire Lord. She fights the burning in her throat at the thought of people knowing why she had to heal him in the first place. Post-war Zutara.

This is an angst-with-a-happy-ending, which I say is the absolute BEST type of angst. Katara deals with the guilt of what Zuko did for her as the Fire Nation celebrates what she did to save his life during the Agni Kai. The two come together beautifully while struggling to see the feelings they both share. Really well written and like I said, it has a happy ending, which we all need. 

The Best of Me by Laririn-Shadow

The night before his eighteenth birthday Zuko wraps a bandage around his left wrist. He has a country to run and no time for frivolous things. It will make everything easier if he waits. Zutara Soulmates AU

Soulmate AU’s usually aren’t my thing (With the glaring exception of one Until Dawn Soulmate AU, but that’s besides the point), but I really enjoyed this oneshot. It isn’t sweeping or insanely romantic and the reveal isn’t “OMG I’VE LOVED YOU THIS WHOLE TIME” But it’s a subtle love that grows, which I really like.  

my salvation, he’s not anything by sarsaparillia

Let’s run away and start another war. — Zuko/Katara.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What can I say? I love the ‘Let’s run away together, consequences be damned’ trope. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The Time is Ripe by Casa Circe

ZUTARA WEEK 2012 Day Seven: Seasons. There are many stages that a heart goes through before it can finally be ready for the love it was meant to have. The road is often a rocky one but eventually, it leads you home.

A oneshot for the Zutara Week 2012 prompt ‘Seasons’. Not too much to say about it. Short, sweet, and well written. What more do you need? 

Serendipity by Boriqua-chan

Iroh goes hunting for tea leaves and finds something…interesting. /Zutara week, day 1/

Secret relationships! Fluff! Happiness! And all from Uncle Iroh’s perspective!! Everything I love in one great oneshot! 

Too Close for Comfort also by Casa Circe

ZUTARA WEEK 2010 Day Three: Pain. After watching “The Ember Island Players”, no one is in the mood for teasing. But a little slip of the tongue leads to the painful realization that the play was more accurate than they were willing to admit.

There are two Zutara plots/tropes that I am a complete and utter SLUT for. The first is the ‘Let’s talk about that EIP show’ trope. This is one of my favorites. 

The Color of Truth is Red by Mrs. Pettyfer

Written for Zutara Week prompt “awkward.” Zuko and Katara discuss the Ember Island Players.

Another post EIP oneshot

Enlightenment by Blade Quill

Choices are made on the day of Zuko’s coronation, and sometimes, enlightenment is just the simple truth at hand. Zutara. AU of the final moments of the Book 3 Finale

The OTHER plot/trope I’m a slut for is finale rewrites. LET ME SEE THEM COME TOGETHER AFTER HE TAKES LIGHTNING FOR HER. Ugh, I love it. 

Framework by profoundlycan

What if in “Sozin’s Comet” Katara had come into the room instead of Mai? Zuko/Katara. Prequel to Schema.

 Another finale rewrite! Let’s just get Mai out of the picture here… 

Lightning Shocks the Heart by drunkzutarafeels

Why do our hearts remain dormant until a climactic moment makes time stand still?

And here’s yet another finale rewrite. There is a really popular Zutara gifset that someone animated of the Agni Kai ‘Thank you’ scene, but Katara kisses Zuko after she hugs him. This is the fanfiction equivalent of that gif set. 

Sunrise by lewilder

The days go on and on, and even if she feels more comfort from the moon, Katara learns to cherish the promise of each new sunrise. Zutara AU, largely finale-centric. Oneshot.

LAST FINALE AU I PROMISE. Really sweet, starts right after The Southern Raiders and goes past canon. 

all the ghosts we cannot kill (we learn to love) by raisindeatre

Zuko and Katara; the moments we didn’t see. Or: Maybe we are all somebody’s ghost. And maybe sometimes we can be more than that.

“…My quarrel has only ever been with you, Zuko,” she says, his name sharp on her tongue. “This has only ever been about me and you.”

“You’re wrong,” he rasps, his voice rough in the late afternoon sunlight that falls around them, tangles them in golden nets. “This has only ever been about me and the Avatar. Not you and me. What we hold between us has nothing to do with it.”

This is a really beautiful one-shot that follows a battered, war torn and hardened Zuko and Katara through the scenes we DIDN’T see throughout the entire show. A Zutara must-read.

Drabble Collection/Series

And Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Advocaat

A collection of humorous and crack-tastic oneshots corresponding to the days of Zutara Month

Really great Zutara Month themed drabbles, and it contains the only body swapping plot that I’ve read and really enjoyed. Also the chapters ‘Potential’ and ‘Festival’ are some of my all time favorites. 

Zuko Was No Coward by hootowl

Zuko was many things, but a coward he was not. A collection of Zutara100 prompts. Title may change.

Definitely some heartbreakers and angsty drabbles in here, but all well written and thoroughly enjoyable. If you read ANYTHING from this list, read chapter two of this drabble collection. I MELTED when I read it. It’s perfection. Aunt Wu’s prediction has always been a plotline I’ve loved in Zutara fanfiction, and this one just does it PERFECTLY. 

Zutara Week 2012 by ichilover3

A collection of oneshots inspired by the prompts for Zutara Week

Not much more to say. The first, third, and fourth prompts are my favorite from this series. 

Zutara Week 2015 by bianca_anna

It started at a tea shop and ended with forever. My entries for Zutara Week 2015. I hope you enjoy them.