That's why I prefer futurefics when it comes to Kataang; they're both too young for me to really take it seriously. I feel the same way about Zutara, too, but fourteen's still a better dating age than twelve.
Aang does challenge Katara, in a way . . . by teaching him, she was able to get in more practise with waterbending, not to mention finding a master of her own. But there's also a problem in that he's so far ahead of her that . . . well, as I've said before, in any other show, The Waterbending Scroll would give the message of "Jealousy is bad!" whereas Avatar makes me go "Damn straight she's jealous!"
Zuko is someone she can spar with; they're beyond the average, but they're close to the same level -- and by fighting each other, they both become stronger.
Seriously, could you see the showdown in Siege of the North lasting anywhere near as long as it did if either one had been replaced by . . . well, any character who hasn't reached 'renowned master' level?
Re: ...Because Sokka has good taste.
Aang does challenge Katara, in a way . . . by teaching him, she was able to get in more practise with waterbending, not to mention finding a master of her own. But there's also a problem in that he's so far ahead of her that . . . well, as I've said before, in any other show, The Waterbending Scroll would give the message of "Jealousy is bad!" whereas Avatar makes me go "Damn straight she's jealous!"
Zuko is someone she can spar with; they're beyond the average, but they're close to the same level -- and by fighting each other, they both become stronger.
Seriously, could you see the showdown in Siege of the North lasting anywhere near as long as it did if either one had been replaced by . . . well, any character who hasn't reached 'renowned master' level?