Avatar: The Last Airbender/Recap/Book 1/02 The Avatar Returns

""You're the Avatar? You're just a kid!" "Yeah, well, you're just a teenager.""

When Aang and Katara return to the tribe's village, only the children are happy to see them. The two are chatised for going into the derilict ship, and Sokku reiterates his accusation that Aang is a Fire Nation spy. Despite Katara's attempts to defend Aang, Gran-Gran makes it clear that the young airbender has worn out his welcome. Upset, Katara declares that she and Aang are going to the North Pole, but Aang, not wanting to cause a rift between her and her family, leaves her behind on Appa. While lamenting the loss of this new friend, Aang spots a Fire Nation ship going towards the village.

Both Sokka and Prince Zuko make preparations for battle, but the Water Tribe boy's attempt to fight off the frebender is futile. Zuko demands that the village hand over the Avatar, but none of them know what he is talking about. Sokka makes another charge at Zuko, but only hits with his boomerang by accident. This only annoys Zuko, but before he can show Sokka what he does to people who annoy him, Aang arrives to save the day!

"Aang: Looking for me? Zuko: (incredulous) You're the airbender? You're the Avatar? Katara: Aang? Sokka: No way."

Aang and Zuko fight, and though the young monk can defend himself from Zuko and his squad, he realizes that the villagers are in danger from the crossfire. He surrenders, and Zuko takes him prisoner. On to the Fire Nation.

As the rest of the tribe recover from the attack, Katara decides that she and Sokka should go save Aang. After all, Aang gave himself up to save the village! Luckily, Sokka may be hard-headed, but not hard-hearted, having prepared a canoe to chase after the warship. Gran-Gran gives the two her blessing, saying that their finding the Avatar means their fates are intwined with his. However, there's no way the siblings can catch up with the warship by canoe. Luckily, Appa appears to give them a lift.

On Zuko's ship, the prince takes Aang's staff, intending to give it to his father as a gift. Aang is taken to the ship's prison hold, but at the first opportunity, Aang uses his airbending to escape from his bonds and the guards. Time for his great escape!

Meanwhile, Katara and Sokka are crossing the ocean on Appa. Katara tries to get Appa to fly, trusting Aang's words, but Sokka's skeptical. Absentmindly thinking back to what Aang tried, Sokka says "Yip-yip." Much to his shock and amazement, Appa takes this as his cue and takes to the air!

Meanwhile, Aang's running rampant around Zuko's ship, trying to find his staff. He finds it- in Zuko's room, along with its occupant. The two fight again, but Aang is able to throw him off balance with some airbending and escape. Once out on the deck, Aang prepares to glide off, only to be caught by Zuko. Just then, a familiar shape appears in the sky. It's Appa!

Unfortunately, Zuko doesn't let up on his attack. Sending fireball after fireball, the prince forces the Avatar back, knocking him off the ship and into the water! As Aang begins to sink, something happens. His eyes and tattoos start to glow. A monstrous, heaving tornado of water appears from the sea, with Aang at the center. Landing on the deck, Aang knocks Zuko and his men away with the water. With that done, Aang stops glowing and he falls to his feet, winded. Appa lands and Katara and Sokka run to help Aang. While Katara goes to Aang, Sokka goes for his staff, giving Zuko a few good knocks in doing so. As the heroes fly away on Appa, Iroh appears on the deck to see what all the fuss is about. On Zuko's orders, the uncle and nephew send a giant blast of fire at Appa, which Aang redirects with his staff and airbending. The blast hits a wall of ice, causing it to crash into and halt the ship.

"Iroh: Good news for the Fire Lord. The nation's greatest threat is just a little kid. Zuko: That kid, Uncle, just did this."

Far away in the sky, Katara and Sokka talk to Aang about him being the Avatar. The world needs the Avatar to end the war, but Aang has no idea where to start. Katara recalls the legends that say the Avatar has to master the four elements, air, water, earth, and fire, and suggests that she and Aang go to the North Pole to find a teacher. And Sokka can come along to knock around any firebenders they encounter, which he admits to liking. Aang is excited at the prospects of this adventure, and they fly off.

Tropes:
"Zuko: You're just a child. Aang: Well, you're just a teenager."
 * Bullet Time: Several times during Aang's escape for Zuko's ship.
 * I Just Want to Be Normal: Aang's explanation for why he didn't tell Katara and Sokka he was the Avatar.
 * Insult Backfire: This happens to Zuko when he comments on Aang's age.


 * Just a Kid: See above quote.
 * Suicidal Overconfidence: Zuko, who's got some beginner's firebending under his belt and is just now starting to get more advanced instruction from Iroh, is completely certain that he'll be able to take on the Avatar, who he thinks has had over 100 years to master all four elements.