How We Quit The Forest

[redbrunja]

So, on atla_unspoiled, there was a poster talking about how, typically, Zutara shippers ship Suki/Sokka, and Kataang shippers ship Toph/Sokka. (Which I think is true, based on my totally unscientific experiences). She then suggested that this was because of the shippers looking for 'viability.' (Which doesn't make sense to me.) I think it's more likely the that similarity in character interactions and relationship dynamics is what makes it more likely for a Zutara shipper to like Suki/Sokka, and for a Kataanger to like Toph/Sokka.

(And of course, there all the various permutations of who ships what as a primary ship, and I KNOW that there are people who like Suki/Sokka and Kataang, and Zutara shippers who like Toph/Sokka, to name just two.)

Your thoughts?

Comments

Re: ...Because Sokka has good taste.

[fairest1.livejournal.com]

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Seriously, could you see the showdown in Siege of the North lasting anywhere near as long as it did if either one had been replaced by .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.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

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 . . .

I would say that that's not Aang, himself, challenging her - that's just what happens when you teach. And I actually don't think Aang is a better WATERbender than she is, post season 1 - if he won in a fight between them, it would be because he has other elements he can use.

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?

Absolutely not.

On reason I love Zuko/Katara is how they trade off with who's stronger, and no matter who wins, it's a victory that is worked for.

Re: ...Because Sokka has good taste.

[fairest1.livejournal.com]

I'll grant you that teaching alone would help, but it was teaching a student who had a natural talent that made her push herself that extra step (and steal that extra scroll).

True; once Aang reached a point that he needed to pick up other elements, waterbending really fell by the wayside. And nine times out of ten, he still relies on airbending in a fight.

I think Zuko and Katara are fully equal. The victor in any given fight will inevitably rest on outside factors -- the sun or moon is dominant at a critical point, one of them gets distracted, backup arrives, what have you.

I hope we get to see them sparring friendly-like on the show; it takes fighting someone on your own level to make a good fight. If they're below you, it's too easy. If they're above you, you get pinned too soon.

Re: ...Because Sokka has good taste.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

I would adore seeing some UST bending between Katara and Zuko.