Ok. Where to start?

I LOVE Zutara. Because I love Zuko. And I love Katara. And they need to love each other. lol

But really, they've been doing the Aang/Katara thing since the very beginning. I mean, ever since episode one Aang has been doting on her and blushing and making goo-goo eyes, and as cute as that was and as much as I loved it then, I think that just because it's been drawn out so long that it won't happen. It's like they're playing with our emotions, only to violently rip that hope from us. For another thing, Aang was definately too childish to get into a relationship. I think it was Suyami whose avatar said "Because Aang wouldn't know what to do with a woman." Man, did she hit the truth.

And all right, I'll admit, now that we're in the third season Aang has definately grown up a lot, and I love it. But so has Katara. And so has Zuko, and Sokka. And another thing you have to put into account is How will book three end? More importantly, Is someone going to die? I really really don't want anyone to die, but you have to admit it will definately make things 'deeper' and more emotional/exciting/depressing at the end. I want the finale to be good, even if I hate what happens, as long as it is good. But how can Kataang or Zutara exist if...let's say...Katara dies as she tries to help Aang kill the firelord? It's a possibility.

So yeah. I luffs Zutara. ;D

Oh my reasons for not shipping Zutara? There are many. But the main reason I was turned off from that pairing was because the Zutarians are INSANE!? Like all of them are freakin insane (okay that's an exaggeration. But seriously.)

Believe it or not, I liked Zutara at one point. Mostly because I was new to the fandom and it was (and still is) the most popular ship. But then I met a lot of the Zutarians who bashed Aang and the Kataang ship. That's when I really started to turn against the ship, Because I love Aang! I was converted completely to Kataang when there was a flame war between some Maiko and Zurtara shippers on LJ.

I know I'm probably jaded by only seeing the bad parts of the Zutarian fandom. I mean I've seen some pretty horrible Kataangers. But for some reason, it was never as bad as the Zutarians.

I love the Kataang ship. I think it's ridiculously cute and I think Aang and Katara look very cute together. They match each other and compliment each other. Just watch them when they waterbend together. Not only that, the dance in The Headband just solidified this relationship for me. ^_^

Whether it ends up canon or not, I'm a Kataanger till the end.

Let me say this right now: I'm a fan of BOTH Kataang and Zutara. How can this be? Well, I simply like the idea of either happening.

However, if it came down to making a split decision, I would have to side with the Zutara ship. Mostly because of the repetition, and there's just too much Kataang flowing around in the show. I probably like Zutara more because of it's lack of depth, and what not. I also agree with what Achiro said that Suyami's avatar said. XD

Sadly though, I'm in denial. I know that it won't happen, because come on, Zuko betrayed Katara. Look how she treated Jet! She'll never forgive him... Which strangely makes me even more excited. Another reason it wouldn't happen is the fact of it being Nick. I say that, because if Aang didn't get Katara, he'd be all mopey and it would end sadly and I don't think Nick can do that.

But I can always be prooved wrong.

On to the discussion. I actually favor neither of the ships for various reasons. They both just don't seem right. And I could honestly care less about which of them Katara stays with in the end, but I still think neither of them seem like katara's "type".

I know Kataang/Aangtara has been pretty much a default ship from all the evidence in the episodes. Like Achiro said, it's been happening from the beginning, and it's even in Season 3 already. Alright it is a cute ship I'll admit, but it just seems a little out of place. Aang is what now.. 13? And Katara is probably 15 by now. My point is that two years in a HUGE difference when you're a teenager as far as maturity goes. It would just be weird if they got together before they both grew older at-least. But it's not just the facts. I believe that no matter how old and how much more mature Aang gets, he's still going to have that little boy attitude and a sense of immatureness. It's just my opinion on that though.

As for Zutara, it is what is considered to be a "hot" ship, but there is very little evidence in the show that states Zuko will have a chance with Katara. The only time they really had a real conversation was when they were in that cave Azula stuck them both in. Also, I think Katara and Zuko would fight a lot in their relationship if they ever had one. Zuko doesn't seem that affectionate, and doesn't like to always show his emotions. Katara sounds like the type where she needs the affection. In some ways they are the same, but in most ways they are completely different.

That's just my two cents in. Like I said I find flaws in both ships and I think Katara needs some one in the middle of those two. ;D

*snorts* You act like Zuko is some kind of suave Cassanova. No, he's not. He's an awkward (not to mention angsty) teenage boy. He doesn't know what to "do with a woman" either.

And for that matter, when did we start considering 14 being a woman? Last time I checked, 14 was still considered a child, barely a teenager.

But in either event, Zuko would be just as awkward around Katara as Aang would. (though I firmly believe that Aang has a better grasp on how to act around the opposite sex than Zuko does).

Zuko has poor people skills. Seriously, which is probably why half the fandom hates (and loves) him.

;D ;D ;D ;D

Heh. I love how I'm just mentioned here.... ;D And yes, 'twas my lovely avatar that said that.... XD

Do you have general proof from the show to support it or do you just ship it because you think it's hot?: Okay, are you talking about proof that it will happen, or proof that there's a chance? Heh, lemme tell you, I have my messed up ways of proving Zutara.

Have you seen that personality thing about Katara on Nick Mag? It says something around the lines of "will she stay with the avatar (not sure how that part goes...) or will her destiny take her in a more fiery direction?"

The fiery is in italics, I swear to god.

For another dorkish moment, I'll give you this thing:

Heh. Zuko and Katara's heart shaped fiery and watery things of love. ^___^

I really, really detest it when people ask if Zutara shippers only like Zutara because it's "hot". We don't. At least, I don't. Zutara is a ship that creates chemistry, that creates a bond between water and fire, nation and nation... It's a pairing of opposites.

Oh, and another reason (sort of, not really) is that Zutara makes better fanfiction. I'm a FANON shipper, and though I'd LIKE if it was canon, I won't cry when it's NOT. Give me a really good touching Aangtara/Kataang fic that made you cry when you read it. Ever read Tempest in a Teacup? The Hunter and the Prey? Since most of you are Kataang fans, I doubt you have, though.... TT_TT

On the other hand, why do you NOT support Aangtara? I did, if you remember way back then, use to AVIDLY support Kataang. In the relationship threads, I was appalled at the mere presence of fans that supported Zutara. It just seemed so... strange.

Then, later on, I got into Zutara when I realized that... well, Kataang is (no offense, no offense) boring to me... It has no spark, no life. It's dead. (just like Maiko..... )

Remember, this is JUST TO ME! I do think that Kataang would be a sweet pairing, and I am happier that if it does happen, Aang will at least be a bit more aangsty.... Heh.

Well, I told you my views.... Sorry, they were not meant to offend. I have other reasons why I ship Zutara, but right now, this post has gone on long enough!!! ^_^

I sort of resent the fact that you say Zutarians produce better fanfiction. That's simply not true. Fanfiction should be based on the skill of the writer, not the pairing. Besides, check fanfiction.net. The Zutara fics are mostly badly written smut and OOC capture fics. Of course they're on The Pit, so that's not saying a whole lot.

I have read some good Zutara fiction. (It just doesn't appeal to me.) But I think because Zutara is so prevalent, the bad slips through more than the good does and no one bothers to sift through it to find the good (heavens knows I don't). There's some VERY good Kataang fiction. And with that said, you should try Kataang100.

But that's off topic. You speak of that Nick Mag. If you mean the most recent one, it says Kataang fans and Zutara supporters. Just pointing that out ;D

*headdesk*

Okay, I was not clear, my mistake.

For writers who have aptitude, Zutara provides a more interesting fanfiction. At least in my opinion. For me, when I think of Zutara, it just gets the creative juices flowing!

I'll TOTALLY admit that some of the worst fics are Zutara *wince*, and ugh, the capture scene is overused, as is the Painted Spirit scenes. (or, at least, they are becoming overused). I have read quite excellent Kataangst, and it is very touching, and poetic. Kataang fanfiction is GOOD. I have seen kataang100 (the community), and it does have amazing fanfiction, along with amazing writers. ^__^

I do not hate Kataang. I just like Zutara much better. *shrug* To each her own! ^_^

I'm sure, Saami, that you and I could battle to the death over which one was better, but I figure we should just not bash each others ships.

I'm sorry I offended you, I didn't mean too... Btw, I like your icon. Though most Zutara shippers support Taang, I myself do not ship it. -_-* Tokka FTW!!

I don't quite understand the Painted Spirit ship. I mean the Painted Lady was an actual spirit. The Blue Spirit is just...Zuko...in a mask. I understand the whole "alter ego" angle. But seriously, I think it would be different if the Blue Spirit was an actual spirit. And not just Zuko.

And you've been to Kataang100. SQUEE, that community is MY BABY (mostly cause it's mine :3)

But that too is prolly off topic :3

I can debate just fine without bashing, so if a discussion is what you want, then I'm all for it. Who knows, maybe you'll convince me of something and change my opinion of Zutara in general.

Phew... I need to take a few deep breaths before I start this
(I'll admit I've given a few [very] nasty reviews about O+A stories but that’s behind me)

I am an absolute fanatic about character couplings on any show that I watch, so naturally I am even worse about shows that I love!

I am defiantly a Katang lover (I think that saying K+A is easier and better but when in Rome...) the biggest reason? Zuko and Katara don't mix, Period. They've actually had one maybe two real conversations, wow... that’s a lot to build a relationship on.

I'm not trying to offend anyone Sarcasm is in my nature.

Aang has been around Katara tons in the past what... two years? They have a much better chance of working out, sure Aangs a little immature and shy about his feelings but he'll get over that. I mean Avatar Roku did. There is no doubt that Aang loves Katara, so what about Katara loving Aang? Well a big point is the dance in The Headband Katara got a little more than just jealous about Aang dancing with that other girl, no way around that. Also there is the episode the fortune teller in the end, well you know what that’s all about. Though I guess you could say Zukes a powerful bender but I dunno. I'm sure there’s plenty more episodes but I'm too lazy to remember them all.

Oh well, I guess this turned into a rant; sorry it wasn't meant to be. But still, there are some good points in there.

No, I completely understand your views....

Let me explain my reasons for my ship.(btw, love your avatar, it's very pretty! XD)
I like Zutara because it just... works for me. I believe that opposites attract (if any of you kataangers say "birds of a feather flock together" I may have to glare at you), and that's just me. Let me say again (have I said this before?) that I am a FANON shipper. I'd like my ship to become canon, but if it doesn't..... I'm not going to cry. It's obvious A:tLA is going in Kataang direction, as it is going to the Maiko direction.

The only real reason there leaving Zutara hints is probably cause they don't want to lose a good half of their fans. ^_^ I'm not blind, like some other Zutara fans who insist that Zutara will happen. I just support the ship. A lot. >.<

Hey thanks, it means quite a bit not to get flamed for saying stuff Like that, it's happened more thaan once. I was wondering if you peeps could give me links to those awsome rad stories and communities? I looked but I can't find them (jeez the story of my life). Anyway thats all I wanted to say,cor rather ask. Hope I made my charecter limit.

There are tons of awesome communities on Livejournal, though I do believe you have to be a member to post on them. I'll link you to my personal favorites since you are a Kataang shipper.

aang x katara
capslock kataang (though if you're not at least 16 or thereabouts, I'd recommend staying away from that one.)
kataang 100 that comm is my baby. It's a writing community for Kataang fanfiction. <333

Anyway, I was thinking I have no problem with fanon!Zutara. It's the fans of canon!Zutara that are annoying. People who look for the deeper meaning of everything. I'm not saying Zutara doesn't have chance. I mean I suppose it has as good a chance as any other pairing. But seriously, Avatar is geared toward 8-11 year olds, right? They're not going to be looking for the deeper meaning to anything. If you have to look that hard to find something, it probably wasn't there to begin with.

That's what we have to remember, Saami. Exactly. This show is aimed towards my friends little brother, not towards this older age group. Though Zutara fans would love for Zutara for happen, it's not like the ten year olds are crossing their fingers and praying to God for Zuko and Katara to make out. Don't get me wrong, I love my ship... *points at various icons* canon!Zutara shippers piss me off. Mostly because they're usually the ones going around bashing Kataang and Maiko. Think of it this way... when a Zutara fan bashes you, it's probably because they're just jealous that Kataang is canon. *is killed by fellow fangirls for blasphemy*

I used to be a Zutara shipper - I will admit that. At first I thought the age was closer, that they made a "cuter" couple, and that since Katara seemed (to me at that point) to be one of the girls who has broken-wing syndrome (broken wing syndrome - a girl that needs a guy with issues to "fix" to make her feel like she's important in his life), Zuko seemed like the logical choice.

However, since time has gone on, I've shifted support from Zutara to Aangara, primarily because of Canon evidence:

1) Episode: The Fortune Teller - Katara was told "you will marry a powerful bender." While Zuko is powerful, there are five more benders Katara knows at this point in time that are more powerful than he — Pakku, Iroh, Azula, Toph, and Aang. I'm ruling out Azula and Toph based on gender, and ruling out Pakku and Iroh based on age. That leaves Aang.

2) Episode: The Cave of Two Lovers - Katara and Aang both wanted to kiss each other. (And either did when the torch went out, or were about to when the rocks began to glow)

3) Likelihood - A relationship is built on not just physical attraction, but time and effort. Not only is there a lack of evidence of physical attraction between Katara and Zuko -and plenty between her and Aang - but there's no way, at least as far as we can see in the three seasons, that a Zuko and Katara relationship would have time to blossom. Even if Katara and Zuko are physically attracted to each other, how can a relationship between them grow if Katara is (1) A peasant, and it would never be allowed by his father, who is very important to Zuko, as we've all seen, (2) A waterbender, which again, would probably not be allowed by Daddy Dearest, and (3) working with the Avatar to destroy and/or ruin the most important man in Zuko's life at this point - his father. Additionally, not only would Ozai not be welcoming of Katara, but Azula wouldn't either. At this point, the only way I can see a Zutara ship blossoming is if Iroh breaks out of jail, joints the gAang, and Zuko goes with... which, at this point, the last item seems quite unlikely.

EDIT: Also, I agree with whomever said that Zuko isn't very good about expressing his emotions, which is something that Katara would want in a relationship.

I think the only reason I'm a Zutara shipper is because the relationship would make so much more drama than the Kataang. Don't get me wrong, Aang and Katara just seem to make sense. It is the natural choice.

However, that is the exact reason I think Zuko and Katara are more likely to end up together at some point. (I don't think they'll stay together.) The reason is, I'm a writer. I know how stories work, I know how writers think. The point of any story is to get a reaction. The stronger the action the stronger the reaction. Which one would get a stronger reaction? Zutara.

When it comes to those two, its sort of the opposite attracks theory. They're both passionate. They're both strong willed. They're both extremely strong benders. They're opposite elements too. This makes for SO much interesting drama and directions.

Although, and not to compare to another cliched couple, they also did this with Elizabeth Swan and Jack Sparrow. Opposite ends, strong personalities, major passion... super blow out. Yeah, I was a supporter of that one too.

I guess I'm attracted to the stronger passion when it comes to ships. The easy relationship is no fun to watch. I wanna see the intensity and I just feel like Aang doesn't have that intensity. He's got the googly eyes and the cutesy crush.

(To defend the Kataangs, they will probably end up together in the end of it all. I mean, Elizabeth and Will did get married in the end.)

PS/Side note: I'm a Tokka shipper more than a Zutara shipper.

My theory right now is that they'll have some Zutara moments in upcoming episodes after DOBS. (find out why on Fri.) I think that they'll have a little Zutara in there, but then it won't work out, and somehow it'll make Katara realize her true affections lie with Aang. I truly think that's what going to happen.

The writers know that if they kill Zutara completely, they'll lose a good part of their fandom (I've said this before, I know) so they'll keep us hoping, give us a little, and then go back to Kataang. That's whats probably going to happen.

I completely agree with all that you said up there. Zutara is bound to have its moment and ultimately will fail in a tragic ball of fire and water. haha, ok that was lame, but seriously.

I just like the chemistry between them. They are so on fire against each other that you just wish they would get together and get it over with! Its like watching Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. They are totally aching for each other while they want to beat each other up.

Though, I must say, Zuko is kind of irritating sometimes and I just wish he would wise up and stop being so selfish. Of course, that's part of his character arch, so I can't say it is completely pointless.

I'm rambling now, but I really just wanted to let you know that I completely agree. Us Zutara shippers will get our fifteen minutes of fame before it runs out.