#atla notes

When Aang meets Toph the first time 

I remember when first seen this setting & I instantly loved it, loved how they used such contrast to emphasize both characters’ personality & their situation -even venture to say their future. Dont you find the look of it familiar? Here some hints: Aang been set in a light background, wearing a dark outfit, while Toph seen in a dark background, wearing a bright outfit, & the stairs cuts the frame diagonally, no to mention that there’s an up & down positioning...

“I’m never happy.”

Hope you don’t mind if we don’t believe this :) I’ve tried to collect those moments where we could see his genuine smile (w/o any ulterior motive). But for a special note: check his eyes when he sees Katara’s (& Sokka’s happiness when they reunited w their father :) & when hears June’s remark about Katara being his girlfriend.....  Eyes widened... which basically sign of surprise but also happiness (315)... & excitement (319)....

Katara teasing Zuko 

Is that chemistry what I see there?! BTW, I like her snarky remarks, which soften by the time :) & love his dorky face in the 3rd set ^^  & in the 5th, & in the 6th! Bonus: June teasing them! ;D 

Their Awakening

There’s already a post about Katara’s crown w the two dragons when she was ill in b1e13 (was that a hint about her crown chakra, & maybe about her future?), later in b2e18 we seen Zuko having very intense visions while he was (also) ill, & if Iroh’s statement isn’t enough proof to some that his fever wasn’t a regular one...

“You're going through a metamorphosis, my nephew. It will not be a pleasant experience, but when you come out of it, you will be the beautiful Prince you were always meant to be.”

...then please check again the capture of that scene: there is a vase w colourful flowers... Considering the poor luminous intensity what that single lamp can generate those petals have pretty vibrant colours despite being in a semi-shaded place.... Furthermore check their colours: red, orange, yellow, little green, light & dark blues, plus purple.... Familiar? 

Water & Fire Chakra

Next is the Water chakra. This chakra deals with pleasure, and is blocked by guilt. Now, look at all the guilt which burdens you so. What do you blame yourself for? Accept the reality that these things happened, but do not let them cloud and poison your energy. If you are to be a positive influence on the world, you need to forgive yourself.

Skydiving 

Our boys just trying out some extreme sports :P In both cases Aang “driving” Appa toward them, & Katara giving her hand to catch the falling teammates. (The possibility of a foreshadow she’s rescuing a family member... ahem.) 

Without Air there’s no Water & Fire.   

And going by this logic, also take into consideration @peacockarehot​‘s metas, especially the Zutara soulmates one, my view is Aang destined to be The Link between the two (not an obstacle I used to think :s nor a third wheel in a love triangle). I see his role now rather as someone who should have to help to reconnect Katara (Oma) & Zuko (Shu): 

- I know it’s my destiny to capture the Avatar.  - I know it’s meant to be this way.

In Book 1 we’ve learned Aang means hope for both Katara (b1e01 intro) & Zuko (b1e12 when Iroh tells his story to the crew). They left their home to achieve fulfillment: Katara wanted not just the end of the war, but evolve her bending skills & help bringing peace to the world. Zuko wanted his honor back, but call it what it was really about: acceptance for who he is really - this wasnt about pleasing his father (as in the beginning he thought), but rather accepting himself & finding his place. Later when Zuko allowed to join to the team, there are couple of scenes where he & Katara were set in a kinda triangle w Aang, who most of the times was placed in the middle for the viewers’ eyes. 

b3e18 - When Zuko saying ‘How to redirect lightning’ his right hand like pointing towards Katara.... Was that a foreshadow? :O

Sir, your face!

Just check Zuko’s expression to Toph’s comment: while Sokka & Suki showing a surprised one - Sokka like ‘eww’, Suki like ‘wow, really?!’ -, Zuko’s reaction more like a ‘WAIT, with whom?’ w a kinda disappointed vibe… And then all 3 leaning forward waiting for her answer………