Who had the best relationship on Avatar: The Last Airbender? From the enduring love of Aang and Katara, whose bond grows from childhood friendship to a lifelong partnership, to the mature and supportive connection between Sokka and Suki, the series offers a variety of romances that feel genuine and impactful. But which couple truly stands out as the ultimate pairing in this beloved fantasy world? Let’s dive into the heartfelt, complex, and sometimes unexpected relationships that shaped the story and captured fans’ hearts.
The thing is, fans do not agree on whether or not those are the right pairings. The battle between shippers has calmed, somewhat, in the years since the show went off the air. But these are still deeply held beliefs about how AtLA should’ve paired people off – after all, each pairing brings out a different shade in the characters. With that in mind (and the live-action show due later this month), we’ve cataloged the Major Ships – canon or not – of the Last Airbender universe, and are here to weigh in: When all the dust of the Ozai battle has settled, who should’ve ended up with whom?
[Ed. note: This post contains some spoilers for the end of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Additionally, we weren’t foolhardy enough to think we could possibly cover every single possible ship in the AtLA universe, so if we missed your favorite, we’d love to hear why you love them in the comments.]
Sokka/Suki
Sokka and Suki’s relationship in Avatar: The Last Airbender is a compelling blend of growth, respect, and mutual inspiration. Initially marked by Sokka’s chauvinism and their rivalry, their dynamic evolves when Suki bests Sokka in combat and he humbly asks her to train him, sparking significant personal growth for him. Suki challenges Sokka’s narrow-minded views and helps him become more open and mature, while Sokka’s determination inspires Suki to take a more active role in the war effort beyond her island. Their relationship is built on equality and trust, with both looking out for each other in battle and life. Though their time together on screen is limited and they face separations, their bond remains meaningful and realistic, reflecting both their individual strengths and complementary personalities. Suki is not just a love interest but a strong, independent warrior with her own story, making their relationship one of the most authentic and beloved in the series.
Ana: I don’t have much to say other than these two just fit each other. Suki helps Sokka grow as a person and challenges his ideas of who can be strong and what strength looks like. Also, I’d like to think that Suki shows him how you don’t need to be a bender to be a true team player.
Petrana: Out of every canonical endgame ship, this one makes the most sense! They clearly inspire one another, and they’re similar enough to have some common ground, but different enough to challenge one another. Plus, I am always here for a relationship where the girl could beat up the guy.
Zosha: Sokka is instantly a better character once Suki knocks him on his ass (literally and metaphorically). There are few better examples in this universe of people bringing out and encouraging the best parts of the other, and a badass fighter supporting her smartass inventor boyfriend is an indelible dynamic.
Mai/Zuko
Mai and Zuko’s relationship in Avatar: The Last Airbender is marked by a mix of deep affection, complexity, and teenage turbulence. They share a history of childhood crushes and reconnect as teenagers, with their bond enduring challenges such as jealousy, misunderstandings, and breakups. Mai’s quiet, reserved demeanor contrasts with Zuko’s passionate and often conflicted nature, leading to both tension and moments of profound loyalty, like when Mai betrays Azula to save Zuko’s life. While their relationship is not without flaws and struggles, it reflects the realistic ups and downs of young love, making them one of the more relatable couples in the series. Despite their breakups, their connection remains strong, culminating in a heartfelt reconciliation by the series’ end.
Ana: Mai’s decision to save the “jerk” who dumped her is an all-time-great moment in the series. It stands out as an example where we can see Zuko’s change affect those around him and, to me, represents a real turning point in the series since it shows two members of Fire Nation high society turn against the empire. I love that Mai is able to see the importance of Zuko’s decision – even if it meant him dumping her.
Petrana: I normally like relationships where couples have something similar that grounds them, but I feel like this one came out of nowhere. I just do not believe that these two edgelords had the emotional capacity to profess their feelings for each other in that short of a time span! That being said, with a little more pining and buildup I could be totally on board.
Zosha: In a very real way, this relationship allows both of them to contextualize Azula’s cruelty and feel a little less alone in this world. But in a different, fluffier way: Emos need love, too.
Roku/Sozin
Roku and Sozin shared a close friendship in their youth, bonded by their shared birthday and many celebrations together. However, their relationship deteriorated dramatically when Roku became the Avatar and Sozin ascended as Fire Lord. Sozin’s envy and ambition led him to betray Roku, driven by a desire to prove himself and leave a lasting impact on the world, even at the cost of starting the Hundred Year War. This betrayal not only ended their friendship but also set the stage for much of the conflict in Avatar: The Last Airbender, highlighting a tragic dynamic of friendship turned rivalry fueled by power and jealousy.
Ana: Did the hundred-year war happen because bro was too shy to come out and say his feelings?
Petrana: This is Bad Ending Catradora, old-man yaoi edition. (Complimentary.)
Zosha: Sozin doesn’t really show any remorse for leaving Roku to die – I just don’t see it for them.
Zuko/Sokka (also known as “Zukka”)
Zuko and Sokka’s relationship, affectionately dubbed “Zukka” by fans, stands out as one of the most dynamic and beloved bonds in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Though their personalities seem at odds-Zuko’s brooding seriousness contrasting with Sokka’s quick wit-they share strikingly similar backgrounds, including complicated family dynamics, the loss of their mothers, and living in the shadow of their bending-prodigy sisters. Their journey from adversaries to allies is marked by mutual growth: both learn discipline from mentors and overcome personal shortcomings, which forges a deep understanding between them. Their chemistry is especially evident during the “Boiling Rock” episodes, where their teamwork, banter, and willingness to risk everything for each other cement their place as an iconic duo. While their relationship is not romantic in canon, the Zukka pairing remains a fan favorite for its blend of heartfelt camaraderie, shared struggles, and memorable comedic moments.
Petrana: If Zuko is going to get with one of the Southern Water Tribe siblings, I think Sokka is the best bet. Zuko needs some levity in his life, and Sokka with his big plans, passion for (bad) art, and goofy jokes is exactly that. I feel like Zuko respects Sokka in a way that a lot of the other members of the Gaang don’t, especially after seeing him in action at Boiling Rock. It’s just a fun dynamic, and one that I’m glad people are sparking to instead of Zutara!
Zosha: I do think Zuko (perhaps because of his militant background) appreciates Sokka’s ingenuity a lot more genuinely than everyone else. That’s nice!
Ana: I also think they both can relate to the feeling of not living up to certain standards of masculinity. Sokka learns how to value his own contributions despite not having bending. Zuko needs to choose his own path and help create a Fire Nation that values love and peace, instead of embracing an angry, militaristic culture.
Zosha: Oh, that’s a great point. In a way, they have two sides of the same arc, and I love how they come together through that, both skeptical but open. Like some other ships on this list: certainly a pairing that makes so much immediate sense to me that I wish I got more time of them together. I will say every bit of headcanon that comes across my Tumblr dash on this just innately makes sense to me.
Ana: It is definitely one of those ships that didn’t make immediate sense to me, but the more I think about it, the more it works!
Petrana: Yes! Thematically, they just make a lot of sense, and I feel like unlike most other Zuko pairings, this one has them both bring out the best in each other. I also love their little two-episode side quest to save Suki and Sokka’s dad, and I wish we had more of them together! That’s OK, because as Zosha says, that’s what Tumblr headcanons are for.
Sokka/Yue
Sokka and Princess Yue’s relationship in Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the series’ most poignant yet brief romances. When Sokka arrives at the Northern Water Tribe, he quickly becomes smitten with Yue, who reciprocates his affection. Their bond is deepened by Yue’s backstory as a princess who was saved by the Moon Spirit, adding a layer of destiny and sacrifice to their connection. However, their romance is tragically cut short when Yue sacrifices herself to restore the Moon Spirit, a selfless act that saves her people but leaves Sokka heartbroken. While their relationship is touching, some fans and critics feel it was rushed and lacked the emotional depth seen in other relationships in the series, making Yue’s sacrifice feel somewhat underdeveloped in the live-action adaptation compared to the original cartoon.
Ana: Look, I’m just going to ask the question on everyone’s mind for this one: Does Yue have to see everything that happens between Sokka and Suki at night?
Petrana: It’s sweet, and I think it’s fitting for a sweet, sad first love. However, I’m not raring to read an AU where Yue comes back, actually.
Zosha: Yue is nice, but when it comes to her and Sokka, she’s mostly there to help him grow. Zuko said it best: “That’s rough, buddy.”
Ty Lee/Azula
Azula and Ty Lee’s relationship in Avatar: The Last Airbender is complex and layered, marked by a blend of childhood friendship, loyalty, and underlying tension. They met as aristocratic classmates at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls and developed a bond that was often overshadowed by Azula’s domineering and sometimes jealous behavior. Despite Azula’s bullying tendencies, Ty Lee remained devoted, though her loyalty was more out of fear and obligation than genuine equality, reflecting a toxic dynamic where Azula held most of the power. Over time, Ty Lee’s growing resentment culminated in her betrayal of Azula during the Boiling Rock prison escape, choosing friendship and morality over blind allegiance. Their relationship illustrates the complicated nature of forced friendships and the struggle to break free from manipulation, with moments of real affection occasionally shining through Azula’s otherwise cold exterior.
Ana: Out of the three, Ty Lee and Azula appear to be the closest, but I have trouble seeing this one! It’s not that they’re competitive, it’s that Azula bullies Ty Lee constantly! I just can’t imagine putting such a sweet person down so much.
Petrana: Listen. I love a sapphic mean girl x sweetheart ship as much as the next person, but Ty Lee is TOO GOOD for Azula. (And clearly has obvious chemistry with someone else.)
Zosha: I can see the She-Ra appeal of this one, but I think ultimately Azula doesn’t deserve Ty Lee.
Mai/Ty Lee
Mai and Ty Lee share one of the healthiest and most genuine platonic relationships in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Despite their contrasting personalities-Mai’s stoic and reserved nature versus Ty Lee’s bubbly and energetic demeanor-they complement each other beautifully, showing deep care and support throughout the series. Their friendship, forged since childhood and strengthened through shared hardships under Azula’s rule, ultimately leads them to betray Azula together to protect each other, highlighting their loyalty and courage. After the war, Ty Lee joins the Kyoshi Warriors, while Mai’s story continues with complex ties to Zuko, but their bond remains a standout example of true friendship in the series.
Petrana: I cannot tell which dynamic I prefer: Mai pining after Ty Lee but thinking they’re incompatible because Ty Lee is so golden and girly, or Ty Lee pining after Mai but thinking that she’s too much of a mess for Mai.
Ana: At first I didn’t know what to make of this ship, but after thinking about it, I love it so much. For starters, it’s a classic pairing between a sunny golden retriever type (Ty Lee) and a gloomy type (Mai). The scene where Ty Lee hastily saves Mai from the rage of Azula at Boiling Rock is an all-time-great dramatic moment for me. And while it might be interpreted more as a rejection of Azula’s tyranny than a love of Mai, I think there’s plenty of great fodder here as far as ships go.
Zosha: Yes! I think in a show full of ships that are very intentional (non-derogatory!), this one feels like the kind of natural camaraderie between the two that feels like the best kind of celebrity couple pairing: They are both made more interesting just by the thought of them being into each other.
They just instantly feel like they make a prism out of the other’s facets just by nature of appreciating each other from such polar opposites.
Petrana: Never underestimate the bond of the two not-so-mean girls being bossed around by a toxic friend. Especially with that toxic friend. That shit transcends decades.
Ana: Yup! The only hesitation I’d have with this ship is that I could also 100,000% see Ty Lee dating another Kyoshi warrior.
Jin/Zuko (Petrana waves her little flag)
Jin and Zuko’s relationship in Avatar: The Last Airbender is often seen as a sweet and genuine connection that offered a glimpse of normalcy for Zuko during his time as a refugee in Ba Sing Se. Jin, a down-to-earth and proactive young woman, brought out a softer, more awkwardly endearing side of Zuko, contrasting sharply with his usual intense and brooding demeanor. Their date in “The Tales of Ba Sing Se” showcased a tender and playful dynamic, with Jin encouraging Zuko to open up and enjoy simple moments, while Zuko’s rare thoughtful gestures, like using firebending to light their date spot, highlighted his affection for her. Many fans argue that their relationship had more authentic chemistry and emotional growth potential than Zuko’s later pairing with Mai, making Jin a compelling and beloved figure in Zuko’s romantic story arc.
Petrana: THIS IS MY ZUKO SHIP OF CHOICE! I made everyone put this one-episode appearance on here because I just love it! I love that she doesn’t know who she is. I love that he turns the lights on for her, and does his best on their date, even if he’s totally out of his depth. Yes, sure you could read it as him doing it to make Iroh happy, but I like to think part of him did find Jin cute but didn’t know how to deal with that because Zuko is just totally unfit for dealing with the real world. I love that they almost kissed but he RAN AWAY BECAUSE HE IS A SAD PATHETIC LOSER WHO DOESN’T LET HIMSELF BE HAPPY! ARGH!!!!
Anyway, in my head, they run into each other after the war ends and she doesn’t recognize him because he is, like, Zuko™ and not Lee, but he immediately recognizes her and they get a happy ending and she’s actually the mother of his children. There is nothing in canon to prove that this is wrong, actually.
Zosha: She’s cute, and I like how she charms Zuko just by being open about her affection. Mostly I’m just here to support Petrana.
Ana: I’m not going to lie, I had to look up who Jin was for this one. However, Petrana has convinced me that their romance is a sweet moment for Zuko in the series.
Toph/Aang
Toph and Aang’s relationship in Avatar: The Last Airbender is a compelling dynamic of opposites that complement each other. As Aang’s earthbending mentor and close friend, Toph brought a tough, grounded presence to Aang’s gentle and airy nature. Despite some rocky moments caused by their clashing personalities, their friendship was built on mutual respect and care, with Toph often giving Aang tough love out of genuine affection. Their bond highlighted the balance between earth and air elements, making their connection one of the most memorable in the series, celebrated both for its depth and the way it enriched Aang’s journey as the Avatar.
Ana: I think if they would ever end up together, it would be because Toph would just want even more time beating up the Avatar.
Petrana: I get that this mostly exists to give Aang (1) a love interest more obviously his age and (2) a pairing for people’s Zutara ships. However, Toph Beifong canonically has two baby daddies and settled down with no one, so I just do not think she has the time, patience, or interest in dealing with Aang.
Zosha: Toph in this scenario, honest to god:
Zuko/Sokka/Suki
Zuko, Sokka, and Suki each share distinct and meaningful relationships that add depth to Avatar: The Last Airbender. Sokka and Suki’s relationship is characterized by mutual respect and support, though some fans feel their connection was underdeveloped and question its longevity beyond the series, as Suki’s role often leaned more toward a love interest than a fully integrated Team Avatar member. Meanwhile, Zuko and Suki share a more ambiguous bond, with some fan theories and comic moments hinting at a possible romantic connection after the series, especially following Zuko’s breakup with Mai, though this remains unconfirmed canon and largely speculative. Sokka and Zuko, on the other hand, have a strong friendship built on shared experiences and personal growth, with their relationship offering valuable lessons about family, honor, and maturity, making it one of the most compelling bonds in the series. Together, these relationships highlight different facets of connection-romantic, platonic, and supportive-that enrich the narrative of Avatar.
Ana: For this one, I’m going to invoke an old Water Nation saying that I just made up: “A boomerang can swing both ways depending on how you throw it.”
Petrana: Sokka has two hands.
Zosha: Life is about balance, and these three have it.
Azula/Katara
Katara and Azula serve as compelling foils in Avatar: The Last Airbender, their parallel yet contrasting lives highlighting the impact of family and trauma. Both lost their mothers at a young age and grew up with complicated relationships with their fathers and older brothers. Katara was raised with love and support, deeply influenced by her mother’s sacrifice, which shaped her compassionate and strong character. In contrast, Azula was emotionally manipulated by her father Ozai, encouraged to distrust and hate her mother, leading to her eventual psychological unraveling. Their differing upbringings and ways of coping with loss culminate in their final confrontation, where Katara’s emotional resilience and empathy triumph over Azula’s instability and isolation, underscoring the profound narrative of how trauma can either heal or destroy.
Ana: I don’t think even Katara’s healing abilities could fix whatever would happen between these two.
Petrana: Everything about Zutara but a little more fucked up. Honestly. I could get into it.
Zosha: They can both do better.
Zuko/Katara (also known as “Zutara”)
Zuko/Katara (also known as “Zutara”)
Zuko and Katara’s relationship, dubbed “Zutara” by fans, is one of the most debated and dynamic in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Starting as enemies-Zuko, the exiled Fire Nation prince, relentlessly pursued Katara and her friends, leading to frequent clashes and deep mistrust. Over time, however, their relationship evolved dramatically: they bonded over shared trauma in the Crystal Catacombs, and Zuko later earned Katara’s forgiveness by helping her confront her mother’s killer. While early drafts and some behind-the-scenes commentary hinted at the possibility of a romance, the creators ultimately chose not to make Zutara canon, instead focusing on their journey toward mutual trust and understanding. Their complex dynamic and strong on-screen chemistry continue to fuel fan debates, with many appreciating how their interactions highlighted themes of forgiveness, redemption, and growth-even if romance was never meant to be their endgame.
Ana: God, Zutara is such an all-time-great ship. In one sense, this ship is just so simple-minded, like, I want to see the two most attractive characters be together, but I think I love them because their dynamic really animates the latter half the final season of the show. Like Zuko isn’t fully part of the crew until Katara accepts him and also, Katara doesn’t find closure on her mom until she goes on her journey with Zuko. It’s so ahhhhhh – like, I get in a logical sense why Katara makes way more sense when paired with Aang, but I love Zutara.
Petrana: I think the writers really shot Kataang in the foot when they sent Katara and Zuko off together to confront Azula in the Fire Nation in the finale, while Aang went off and did his solo mission thing. If I had watched this show when I was younger, I think I would’ve been so into it. That being said, I do think long-term they would not be good for each other. However, man, they have so many Moments™ of push and pull with each other that neither Kataang or Mei/Zuko has.
Zosha: I did watch this show when I was younger, so I will be the hothead hotman to say: I am fully against Zutara!
I totally agree with what you guys say here, but I don’t think there’s enough on their adventure to actually bring them together. “Friend” is a pretty good reward (and underrated ship) for the guy who’s still unlearning his Fire Nation colonialism!
Ana: Oh god, no, I know! That’s the thing. I think I have a split between watching this show now and when I watched it as a kid. Now that I have a fully developed prefrontal cortex, I’d never want to push Katara into a relationship with Zuko, and this doesn’t even get into what it would functionally be like for Katara to be with the literal emperor of the nation who killed her mother and the Southern Water Tribe benders.
Petrana: I think the fact that Katara comes along for Zuko’s endgame side quest instead of going along with Aang does a lot of heavy lifting for Zutara shippers. I think they’re both too intense, though, and while that makes for a good ally by your side, I don’t think it spells out an actual functional romance.
Zosha: That’s exactly how I feel; I find the energies and features they bring out in each other just sort of toxic. And I think – particularly in a show like Avatar: The Last Airbender that’s so careful to give space to characters learning to nurture the mundane kindness in themselves and the world – the way Zuko tries to help Katara is actually them indulging their worst impulses. It’s a lesson she has to learn, and one probably best learned alongside him. But it’s never felt romantic to me, and if it turned that way I would have serious qualms!
But (just like with my Gilmore Girls fave) I understand because I feel the same way about the actual ship that comes out of here for me.
Katara/Aang (also known as “Kataang”)
Katara and Aang, affectionately known as “Kataang,” form the heart of Avatar: The Last Airbender’s most iconic romance. From the moment Aang emerged from the iceberg, his affection for Katara was clear, while Katara’s feelings developed more gradually as their friendship deepened through shared adventures and hardships. Their relationship faced challenges-from the pressures of Aang’s destiny as the Avatar to the emotional risks of young love-but ultimately blossomed into a partnership built on mutual trust and growth. The series finale cemented their bond with a memorable kiss, and their legacy continued into The Legend of Korra, which revealed they married and raised a family together, shaping the world’s future for generations. While some fans debate the pacing and dynamics of their romance, Kataang remains a beloved pairing that captures the journey from friendship to enduring love.
Zosha: Look, I get the problems with this one – most notably that I think that the show took for granted that these two would get together, and kind of pushed Katara past a real genuine consideration of Aang as a romantic partner that the arc was due. But also this is exactly the sort of culmination I want to see for both of them: They both really appreciate and see each other, while still pushing the other to be better than they are. I think the sweetness and kindness of the pairing really speaks to me, and is the sort of easy loveliness that makes for the best love stories (if not the best torrid ships).
Petrana: Not to insert another popular fandom ship war in here, but: Aang is the Peeta, in that he represents the worldview that Katara should grow toward.
I do wish Aang was a smidge older, though, because it does give Anakin-Padme Phantom Menace vibes, especially in the first season.
Ana: I agree with Petrana and I think part of the problem is that we only see Aang as such a young child. So maybe it’s not the age gap, but Aang’s age.
Along these lines, I think the show writers didn’t do Katara any favors by writing her to be such a motherly character. Aang definitely sees her and appreciates her resilience and strength, but it can be hard to see her as a motherly type and then see her interact with Aang, who isn’t even a teen yet. While I think Zuko brings out a toxic side in Katara, we do see a sort of passion of sorts we don’t see with Aang. But similar to what Zosha said earlier, sometimes the right and most loving ship might not be the most exciting one.
Zosha: Yeah, and truly I get that. Because of their ages, the fact it’s a kids’ show, and the fact the show is about Bigger Important Things they are dealing with, I don’t think (rightly) this romance is foregrounded in a particularly inspiring way. Often that kind of young crush energy can feel like it’s just there to be there.
But also I think weirdly the things people don’t like with this ship are the things I find most interesting about it. I don’t think Katara’s journey should be about bucking some maternal energy; it’s about finding ways to embrace it without tamping down on the sides of herself that also deserve to be unfurled. And I think Aang – or who Aang could grow into, as a really thoughtful, fun-loving kid who’s at once goofy and wise beyond his 12 (or 112) years – affords her a space to be as strong or weak as she needs to be. So while I wouldn’t say I see this as an OTP, I think it’s the sort of pairing that feels more built to last than a sort of hot/cold dynamic that big love stories are often afforded.
Ana: Oh, for sure! And just to affirm all your points above, I do think Aang and Katara’s love does embody the values and themes of the entire show itself because their relationship is so sweet and genuine.
Who had the most emotionally impactful relationship in Avatar
The most emotionally impactful relationship in Avatar: The Last Airbender is arguably the complex and evolving bond between Aang and Zuko. Starting as fierce enemies, their journey from antagonism to deep friendship and mutual respect highlights themes of redemption, forgiveness, and personal growth. Their final reconciliation after the war, where they plan to rebuild the world together, stands out as one of the series’ most heartwarming and meaningful moments.
Additionally, the tragic and twisted sibling rivalry between Zuko and Azula carries significant emotional weight, showcasing the devastating effects of family dysfunction and manipulation.
While romantic relationships like Sokka and Suki’s steady love and Korra and Asami’s groundbreaking LGBTQ+ romance are beloved, the emotional core of Avatar often lies in these profound, layered connections between characters like Aang and Zuko.
Why is Korra and Asami’s relationship considered more impactful than others in Avatar
Korra and Asami’s relationship is considered more emotionally impactful than others in the Avatar universe because it transcends traditional romance by being deeply rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and personal growth. Unlike many quick teenage romances, their bond develops gradually, starting from rivalry and evolving into a profound companionship that supports each other through intense challenges and emotional struggles.
Their relationship is unique in that it begins in the Spirit World, symbolizing a connection that goes beyond the physical and touches on spiritual and emotional depth, highlighting the fragility and strength of their bond as they navigate real-world difficulties together. Both are strong, independent individuals who complement each other: Asami’s tactical mind balances Korra’s warrior spirit, and they cover each other’s weaknesses while respecting each other as equals.
Moreover, Korra and Asami’s romance broke new ground as a prominent LGBTQ+ relationship in a major animated series, adding cultural significance and emotional resonance for many fans. Their journey from best friends to lovers, marked by honest communication and unwavering support, makes their relationship stand out as a powerful, mature portrayal of love and partnership in the Avatar franchise.
