Aang, Katara and Sokka arrive at a small island, home to elite warriors named after Avatar Kyoshi. The Fire Nation gets wind of the Avatar's whereabouts.
Aang is the reincarnation of every Avatar who came before him. However, he doesn't know what it means to be the Avatar. He has always been powerful. His training has always centered on controlling that raw strength. He's afraid of hurting people. Katara and Sokka were terrified of him when he was in the Avatar state. They couldn't get through to him. He was suddenly gone. The gangs looks for clues in the physical world for how to help Aang on this journey. He ultimately needs to look within himself for that spiritual guidance. Every Avatar is shaped by the conflicts that defined the world during their lives. They all stand out as individuals even though they share this immense responsibility. The closest location for the gang to seek these answers is Kyoshi Island. The Earth Kingdom island is the birthplace of Avatar Kyoshi. Connecting with her spirit provides Aang with the guidance not to be afraid of his own power. It's necessary in order to protect the people who need it the most. He must lead with compassion. However, he must also be skilled in all four elements to ultimately push back against the forces that wish to bend the world to their will.
The legacy of the Avatar doesn't just extend through the various reincarnations either. Every nation has immense reverence for the Avatars who came from their populations. Avatar Kyoshi provided her people with a style of fighting that allows everyone to become a warrior. It doesn't matter if they can bend elements or not. Everyone has the strength and ability to stand for something greater. The island is worthy of protection. The Fire Nation has long written it off as insignificant. The community has closed itself off to outsiders. People are skeptical when Aang, Sokka and Katara arrive. Their presence only invites more dangers. That's inevitable. And yet, the people of Kyoshi have something to share. Their culture provides guidance to those who need it the most. Aang is horrified by the destruction that comes. However, the people of the island are inspired by what he can do. They see the glory of the Avatar once more. Their lives are filled with hope. They no longer have to live in fear. They no longer have to keep themselves small in order to survive. The world is full of possibilities because of this simple encounter with Aang.
Suki leads the Kyoshi Warriors. She is ultimately grateful that Sokka brings the outside world to her. She hasn't experienced so many things because of her sense of duty. She has to stand firm in protection. That's the only way to honor her people. It's a burden that doesn't always allow for kindness. She welcomes the outsiders. She is willing to train Sokka in her form of fighting. Everyone traveling with the Avatar has to be a quick study. Sokka was willing to return home to resume his duty protecting the Southern Water Tribe. That was the task given to him by his father at a young age. He can't abandon his post now. And yet, Gran Gran knew Katara and Sokka were leaving for a life of adventure. It's part of their destinies. Their lives no longer need to be constrained to Wolf Cove. Katara can proudly practice her waterbending. Aang is hesitant to begin training. However, Katara jumps into the scrolls of wisdom to come into her own. Meanwhile, Sokka finds a connection in Suki. It isn't destined to last. Perspectives change because of a brief encounter. They share a burden. When the time comes, they must be prepared to act. The Fire Nation invades. The warriors stand strong. They don't cower in defeat.
Of course, Prince Zuko's worldview has been emboldened by hope as well. Everyone else in the Fire Nation believed it was pointless to look for the Avatar. Zuko found him. He knows the threat is real. He views it as the only way he can return home with honor. He has been banished for three years. He has struggled. He lashes out when things don't go his way. He can't help but reveal his true motives. He can't hide what he's truly after. Uncle Iroh tries his best to temper his expectations. Every situation provides for unexpected opportunities. The region's port for the Fire Nation hosts pivotal information for those who know where and how to look for it. It requires a delicate touch. Instead, Zuko's actions alert another ambitious Fire Nation commander to the search. Zhao is just as opportunistic in what capturing the Avatar will mean for his career. He's more experienced than Zuko too. He leads with intimidation and strength. He also knows when to placate his rivals. He pledges his loyalty to Zuko after his mission fails. He also alerts Fire Lord Ozai to the return of the Avatar. That news travels fast. It promises to dramatically shift the balance of power.
Aang is warned that a dangerous threat is coming to the Northern Water Tribe. That's where he needs to be. It's his responsibility to step in as the Avatar to handle the situation. It's convenient because the best waterbenders reside in the north. That's where Aang and Katara will find their teacher. It also presents as a destiny Aang must follow. He can't forge his own path. He has to follow what history dictates for him. He can't have his own feelings about this mission. It's simply what he must do. If he gets distracted by this emotional turmoil, then he can't help his friends. That inaction is more deadly than anything he can do as the Avatar. That's the lesson Kyoshi tries to impart on him. She shares that it's possible for the actual spirit of the former Avatar to possess his body when in proximity to their shrines. Those physical depictions of the past hold the key to unlocking the glory of the latest incarnation. Aang doesn't want that burden. He is yet to fully cope with what it all means. However, the friends are united in this quest. They pick up a winged lemur named Momo as well. Again, Aang is generous in spirit. He forges connections with people. That too is valuable skill required by the Avatar. He has no concerns or misgivings about that quality. He's a natural. That's just one part of an overall life full of pressures and expectations. He can't grapple with everything. A few qualities are viable enough to give him support and direction right now.
