Heartwarming / Avatar: The Last Airbender - Book Three

Per policy, this page is Spoilers Off.

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Kataang for the win.

The Awakening

• Katara letting go of her resentment for her father leaving them and immediately going to him when she can't find Aang. She explains how she understood Hakoda’s reasons for going off to war but can't help being angry. Cue Hakoda giving Katara a big hug and revealing how much he's missed her and Sokka. The whole scene between them is beautiful.
• During Aang's moment of darkness where he's lost in the ocean, Roku appears before him and tells Aang not to blame himself for the fall of Ba Sing Se, saying it's instead his fault for not seeing the war coming, and that Aang is destined to redeem this mistake.
  • When Aang remains unconvinced, Princess Yue appears and tells Aang that he has already saved the world before and that he can't give up now. Aang takes this to heart and makes his way back to the Gaang, with Yue helping to guide his way.
• The entire Gaang reuniting at the end of the episode, with Katara, Sokka, and Toph, reiterating that they will always follow Aang, no matter what. Cemented by the Group Hug that all of them (including Momo and Appa) join in on.

The Headband

• Sort of a mild version with Mai and Zuko early on. Keep in mind that during this, Zuko made Mai smile and Mai made Zuko a silly loveball.
  Zuko: You're so beautiful when you hate the world.
  Mai: I don't hate you.
  Zuko: I don't hate you, too.
• When Azula privately confronts Zuko about his going to see Uncle Iroh, she's showing genuine concern for him. Since she's incapable of tact, it appears that she's trying to sus out his loyalties but that's not the case. At this point in the story, Azula has nothing but trust for Zuko. There's no evil scheme or plot, just a sister talking to her brother.
• Although it's Played for Laughs, Sokka and Katara posing as Aang's parents is sweet when you consider it's a sweet callback the promise they made to be Aang's family. This isn't too far off from that promise.
• Aang deciding to throw the teens at the school a secret dance party, so they will learn a bit about freedom, and the cultural heritage they have lost in the last century.
  • A good part of the school welcomes "Kuzon" without a problem and Aang finally has the chance of being a normal kid as Monk Gyatso wanted for him. Onji even mentions she liked his crazy dance during music class. And when the dance party gets crashed in by the headmaster, they all put on a headband like Aang's so he can escape.
  • Aang and Katara having fun while dancing, and then Katara giving him a kiss on the cheek to thank him for throwing the party.

The Painted Lady

• Katara pretends to be the guardian spirit of the Jang Hui River to help the impoverished, diseased town of the same name. She brings them food, heals them, destroys the factory that's polluting the river, and eventually drives away an army attempting to take revenge on the village for the destruction of the factory. Soon, Katara's discovered by the villagers, and while they are justifiably upset by her ruse, the villagers soon let that anger die down and thank her for everything she's done for them. Later, after the town has managed to clean up the river, Katara crouches by the river… and none other than the actual Painted Lady appears before her. Note that this is the ONLY spirit onscreen that appears before someone in the Gaang other than Aang himself.
  Painted Lady: Thank you.
• On a smaller note, the fact that Aang refers the Painted Lady (Katara in disguise at the time) as "pretty". Katara blushes in response and thanks him for the compliment.

Sokka's Master

• When Sokka is feeling down about being the only non-bender in the group, feeling that he's "just the guy in the group who's regular", Katara, Toph and Aang all disagree and make it clear that none of them see him that way.
• When Katara says she knows what will cheer Sokka up, it's clear he doesn't believe her at first. Not only does the shopping trip cheer him up, it leads him to his sword training.
• Followed by all three of them being unhappy and directionless when Sokka's off training, proving they weren't just saying that to make him feel better. They also come to appreciate the skills Sokka brushed off as unimportant like map-reading, planning and making jokes to keep the mood up. And when he comes back, they all envelop him in a massive Group Hug. Awww.
• Sokka's exact words around his insecurities show he doesn't even seem jealous at all. It's clear he cares more about contributing to the team than being special.
  Sokka: Look, I appreciate the effort, but the fact is each of you is so amazing and so special and I'm…not.
• Sokka being almost straightforward with Piandao (he never lies, but he never states the full truth either) about his uncertainty of his worth and want to train in something just to contribute more to his friends and be a better warrior and a person. Piandao was legitimately shocked to hear such a confession (based on what he says, it is obvious he has had many people come and arrogantly demand he train them), and he agrees to train Sokka.
• After the fight, Piandao says he knew Sokka was from the Water Tribe from the moment he presented himself (and later revealed to be travelling with the Avatar), but he did not care: for him, Sokka was the person who humbly came to him, admitted he may not be worthy of his teachings and yet requested a chance to learn how to properly fight with a sword. And he never gets angry with how Sokka botches some of his lessons—Sokka still made the effort, tried to think how to overcome his weaknesses, and never once complained. For Piandao, that was more than enough to name Sokka worthier than any other he may have taught before.
• Sokka kept some of the meteorite for Toph, as she might want to bend 'space earth'. She's clearly happy, even if she doesn't thank him outright.
• In between the scenes, we have Iroh's segments. The first one alone opens with Iroh, seemingly broken and alone. At first, it's disheartening to see a character as lovable and wise as him reduced to eating food off the floor like a pig while the warden disparages him. But the pay-off is worth it as, once the warden leaves, we're treated to the sight of Iroh returning to good form and eating what little he can scrounge with the same humble contentment as ever before. His leitmotif playing feels as though the show is reassuring the audience that even in his darkest hour, this is still the same Iroh we've always known.

The Beach

• Azula knowing exactly where to find Zuko and bringing him back to the beach.
  • She almost gently asks Zuko if he's angry at her. Zuko cries "No," in a way that makes it clear he means it. Despite everything, he doesn't hold any resentment for Azula.
• Though she stumbles and fails badly at her first attempt at it; Azula does make a good effort to try to be more social and sensible to other people and her friends. Ends with her getting a kiss from the guy she was trying to impress. Sure, she blows it afterwards, but massive points for trying to step out of her comfort zone.
• When Azula hurts Ty Lee's feelings by calling her a tease, she genuinely apologizes and admits she's jealous of her. The only time she's ever apologized for anything.
• Near the end, this exchange, making The Boiling Rock reunion all the more heartbreaking and the ending all the more awesome.
  Mai: I know one thing I care about: I care about you.
• The still at the very end, with Azula, Ty Lee, Mai, and Zuko with their arms around each other's shoulders, smiling against a backdrop of flames. Awww.
• All through the share session, Zuko, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee say a bunch of mean and snarky things to each other, but there's plenty of points where they defend and reach out to each other almost in the same breath. Zuko and Mai particularly. He answers sarcastically when Mai tentatively greets him, but he immediately goes over to put his arm around her in case she's cold, but she slaps his hand away, despite the greeting. Mai also tells Zuko to leave Ty Lee alone (right before going off on her herself, but hey). It helps drive the point home that the four of them care about each other despite taking their issues out on each other.

The Avatar and the Fire Lord

• The early scenes of Roku and Sozin's friendship.
  Aang: You were friends with Fire Lord Sozin?!
  Roku: Back then, he was just Prince Sozin... (smiles) And he was my best friend.
• The ending, with the Gaang saying that friendships can last longer than one lifetime, was rather touching.
• And then they all hold hands. Even Sokka, after a moment. Katara's "Oh Sokka, just hold hands!" and her Tsundere expression before Sokka grabbed her hand doubled as a Funny Moment. Plus, the two just don't have enough sibling bonding moments.
• It gets even more heartwarming after watching The Legend of Korra, during which you learn that the titular heroine is friends with Katara and Zuko. Friendship really can transcend lifetimes. And this takes its most crowning moment when Korra finally meets Toph in Book 4.
• It also takes in this series as well. Roku was friends with Monk Gyatso in the past. Sure enough, when Roku died, the Avatar reincarnated as Aang who was also best friends with Monk Gyatso. A friendship can transcend a lifetime.
• Despite being left to die by Sozin, Roku doesn't die alone. Fang the dragon stays by his side and curls up around Roku seconds before they are covered by lava.

The Runaway

• Sokka being the one to help Toph and Katara understand each other by opening up to Toph about losing his mother and how Katara held the family together. His love for Katara and admiration for her strength is incredibly sweet. Turns to a tearjerker when he admits that he can't even remember what his mother looks like anymore - all he sees is Katara.
• Katara and Toph making up while imprisoned in the wooden cage. Katara explains that she wanted to show Toph that she was still fun despite her mothering tendencies, to which Toph responds that Katara is fun. Katara then apologizes for bringing up Toph's issues with her parents, to which Toph admits that she stills feels upset that she had to run away from her parents to join Team Avatar. Followed by Katara wordlessly comforting her.

Nightmares and Daydreams

• Aang’s friends genuinely trying to help him with his sleep problems. Their actions are not just to help Aang be well-rested in time for the Solar Eclipse, but because they’re worried about his sleep-deprived behavior. Katara is the one who tries to help Aang the most, probably because she noticed Aang’s problems early on.
• Aang's own hallucinations telling him he should rest.
  Appa: You have got to take care of yourself.
• Mai's genuine attempts to cheer Zuko up when he's feeling down throughout the episode.
• Also the glimpses we get of Zuko's relationship with his servants: he's very pleasant and polite to them, and in return they seem to honestly love serving him. The amount of attention given to this is foreshadowing of what kind of ruler Zuko should strive to be, and it’s one of the signs the story is setting him up to be the next Fire Lord.

The Day of the Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion

• A small one: The conversation between Toph, the Boulder, and Hippo. Made even sweeter by how Hippo is holding up the tiny Toph.
  • Especially as when Toph says Sweet! she sounds the happiest she has been in a while, given her :D facial expression.
• Although it's mainly Played for Laughs, this part in Sokka's disorganized speech stands out:
  Sokka: Now I didn't like Aang at first but I grew to love him over time.
• Aang kissing Katara.
• The one guard who was kind to Iroh during his imprisonment, and Iroh's returning of that kindness by recommending she take the rest of the day off on the day he plans to escape, ensuring that blame won't fall on her.
• When Toph gets seasick, The Duke instantly offers her his helmet to throw up in, without any signs of reluctance or disgust, even putting his hand on her back to comfort her. Note that they hardly know each other at this point.

The Day of the Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse

• Zuko gives us the following:
  Fire Lord Ozai: (laughs contemptuously) Your Uncle has gotten to you, hasn't he?
  Zuko: Yes, he has. (smiles proudly)
  • Immediately followed by this, where Zuko finally acknowledges Iroh as his real father, if not by birth then in spirit.
    Zuko: After I leave here today, I'm going to free Uncle Iroh, and I'm going to beg for his forgiveness. He's the one who's been a real father to me.
• While it ruins any chance of the invasion succeeding, Sokka dropping everything despite his best efforts to ensure the invasion works the moment he learns Suki has been imprisoned by Sokka and allegedly gave up on hope Sokka would rescue her.
• The final shot of the episode - the Gaang has lost, their army has been captured and the Fire Nation still stands...but the camera pans to reveal Zuko on his way to help.

The Western Air Temple

• Zuko had been to the Western Air Temple previously: It was where he began his search for The Avatar. Iroh, as always is with him. After commenting that it's unlikely the Avatar would be here, he immediately turns his attention to the fact that Zuko's wound from the Agni Kai with Ozai is not yet healed, and he needs to take time to recover.
• Zuko does an accurate impersonation of his uncle when thinking about what he would say to endear himself to the Gaang. Doubles as Funny Moments as even that confuses him.
• Even though Team Avatar writes it off as artificial, Appa taking an instant shine to Zuko becomes sweet when you realize that in contrast to his owners, Appa is very grateful to Zuko for helping reunite him with Aang.
• Toph is the only person who wants to give Zuko the benefit of the doubt. It's because she knew he wasn't lying at all and was sincere.
  • And despite (albeit unintentionally) burning her feet, she still tries to explain to the others that it was probably an accident on his end. And in the end when Zuko apologizes to her, it's clear that she doesn't really hold it against him and even her saying that she'll have time to "pay him back" later was meant to be a joke.
  • In the aftermath of the fight, Toph actually looks at the whole situation from his perspective reflecting on her conversation with Iroh the previous season. She points out that as morally dubious as Zuko acted, his upbringing probably made the way he is the best case scenario.
• After helping the Gaang defeat Combustion Man and explaining himself much better, Zuko asks once more to be Aang's firebending teacher. Aang accepts, although he consults the rest of the group before officially recruiting Zuko.
  • Special mention to when Zuko apologized to Toph for accidentally burning her feet, admitting that fire is a dangerous element and that he needs to learn to better control it before unintentionally hurting others. This moment in particular resonates with Aang since he himself accidentally hurted Katara through losing control of his fire, making him see that Zuko is genuinely changing for the better and makes up his mind then and there.

The Firebending Masters

• Toph's backstory about how she learned Earthbending from badgermoles. It's so sweet to see lonely young Toph find a kindred spirit. Seriously, just see how happy◊ she looks!
• Most of the episode can make you feel happy inside. Particularly when Aang refers to Zuko as his friend.
• "I don't care what anyone says, Zuko. You're pretty smart."
  • Zuko's "Hey, someone just gave me a compliment!" face says it all.
  • It doubles as a moment of funny, when you take note that Zuko just realized that people say that's he's not "pretty smart."◊
• "You can do it. I know you can. You're a talented kid."
• Zuko, after a couple of minor hiccups, begins to treat Aang almost like a younger brother. Becomes sweeter when you realize that there must have been a small window of time before Azula was old enough for Ozai to have sufficient influence over her and during that time she and Zuko probably got along better. Zuko is looking for a surrogate sibling after losing his sister. These brotherly tendencies are shown to spread to the rest of Team Avatar, particularly Katara, in later episodes.
  • It's also notable in that this is very shortly after Zuko joined the group and after a history of Zuko relentlessly chasing Aang and being complicit in his almost-death. From here on out, they're thicker than thieves.
• Aang and Zuko learning that the true source of firebending is not rage or hatred, but warmth and energy. The two learn this firsthand when Ran and Shaw breathe fire around them, burning flames of many gorgeous colors.
• The discovery that Iroh protected the last dragons and faked killing them in order to preserve them.
  • Earlier in the episode when Aang and Zuko thought Iroh killed the last dragon, Aang questioned about why Iroh did that and Zuko defended his Uncle by telling Aang that his Uncle had a complicated life.

The Boiling Rock, Part 1

• A subtle one from this episode comes from the fact that Zuko left Aang "homework". It really shows how much he cares about Aang.
• This is a minor one, but when confronting Sokka about going to the Boiling Rock, Zuko notes that Sokka can't fly there on Appa because nobody would be able to take care of Appa there. This goes to show that Zuko cares about the animals of Team Avatar at that point.
• Zuko and Sokka traveling to the Boiling Rock thus proving Zuko is the master of empathy and beginning a beautiful bromance!
  Sokka: My first girlfriend turned into the moon.
  Zuko: That's rough, buddy.
  • During the same conversation, Zuko's dreamy lovestruck expression after Sokka asks him about Mai ("That gloomy girl who sighs a lot?") is adorable, especially considering the fact that Zuko never looks like that.
  • Notice that Zuko didn't call Sokka anything along the lines of "peasant". As opposed to their first meeting in "The Boy in the Iceberg", Zuko's come a long way to being humble and friendly when it comes to interacting with Sokka.
• At the beginning, Zuko tries (and fails) to tell a joke, prompting Katara to mock him and everyone else to laugh at him for it. Rather than getting angry, though, Zuko just smiles contentedly, enjoying the companionship.
• When they get to the prison yard, one of the guards tries to hit Chit Sang with a fire lash and Zuko immediately tries to step out to help him. Sokka has to grab his arm and remind him not to blow their cover so he doesn't.
• When Sokka rescues Suki, complete with tearful embrace. With or without the fact that we had to wait months to see it, that bit still gives the warm fuzzies, especially after watching Suki's imprisonment in the comic "Suki, Alone".
• Zuko's commitment to Sokka and trust in following his lead, even when Zuko ends up taking on the most dangerous parts of the mission, including having his cover blown, being arrested by Sokka himself and deliberately getting thrown in the cooler.
• The most heartwarming Sokka-Zuko moment came toward the end. Zuko's not exactly the best motivational speaker, but keep in mind how many times he's failed in the past.
  Sokka: If I had just cut my losses at the invasion, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess. And maybe sometimes, it's just better to call it quits before you fail.
  Zuko: No it's not! Look, Sokka, you're going to fail a lot before things work out.
  Sokka: That's supposed to make me feel better?
  Zuko: But even though you'll probably fail over and over and over again...
  Sokka: Seriously. Not helping.
  Zuko: ...you have to try every time. You can't quit because you're afraid you might fail.
• When Sokka, Zuko and Suki risk being stuck on the boiling rock, just to see if Hakoda is being sent there and help get him back. At first, there's no one else on the gondola except the usual batch of thugs and convicts. But then, the guard calls for this one prisoner to get out here. And who should step out but Hakoda? Even with the several month difference, it doesn't make Sokka's elation any less moving.

The Boiling Rock, Part 2

• The reunion between father and son. Sokka quickly reveals who he is in the privacy of a cell, with Hakoda both going So Proud of You and Oh, Crap! for his son crafting a dangerous prison plan.
• Mai and Zuko's conversation. She's angry at him for breaking up with her and using a "Dear John" Letter, but still wants to hear him out. Zuko explains that once he was branded a traitor, Ozai would hurt anyone associated with him. The letter gave her an out and Plausible Deniability even if it broke her heart, so that she wouldn't be imprisoned or executed. Mai's Death Glare speaks volumes, that she doesn't care about treason, she cares about Zuko.
• Sokka and Hakoda, "two Water Tribe geniuses" coming up with an escape plan. Sokka's all awkward but Hakoda just sits and calmly listens to his son's explanations and trusts that he's right about Zuko. D'aww. And it works.
• Mai declaring that she loves Zuko more than she fears Azula. Anyone who's ever watched the show would know that that must be a HELL of a lot of love.
• Ty Lee's defection as well to protect Mai from Azula is this not just for Mai but for all three girls, even the chi-blocked nutjob she just downed. That scene was unbelievably tense, and frankly, had it gone through, it would've sent all three girls down a dark road with no going back. Even though Azula got the short end of the stick, it goes without saying Ty Lee still saved her friends from killing each other.
  • Not only that, Ty Lee seemed to have protected Mai instinctively without even realizing she was doing it. That’s how close the two are.
  • Another one is that Azula seemed ready to firebend right at Mai after her betrayal - meaning she was probably intending to kill her. But when Ty Lee joins her, she only orders them to be imprisoned.
• The episode ending with Hakoda reuniting with his children again, sharing a warm, loving group hug together.

The Southern Raiders

• Katara forgiving Zuko at the end, and hugging him.
• Zuko taking on Azula alone so the rest of the Gaang can escape.
• When Azula is falling, there's just something about the way Zuko says, "She's not going to make it." He sounds so sad it's touching. Despite all logic dictating that he shouldn't and that she literally just (gleefully) tried to kill him, he still cares about his younger sister.
• When Katara expresses her desire to find Yon Rha and confront him about her mother's death, Aang understands how important it is for her to confront this man. However, he strongly advises against her taking any action against him. It definitely feels like their relationship is going both ways at this point. Katara has done so much to comfort him and aid him in his time of need and here, Aang is doing the same thing for her. He even expresses the same feeling of losing a loved one and being upset to the point where you would seek vengeance against the one who took them away.
• Although also a Tearjerker, Zuko supporting Katara to avenge her mother, including risking his life to get to the raiders and the pair fighting together side by side. When they find the killer (or the man they think is the killer), it's Zuko who interrogates him about whether he remembers Katara and is furious on her behalf when he doesn't. It's a reminder that the two of them first bonded over losing their mothers and that while revenge isn't a healthy way of coping, Zuko is trying to give Katara closure and peace.
• Surprisingly, the reveal of why Kya was killed is tremendously selfless. She lied to Yon Rha about being the last waterbender in the south pole, in order to protect Katara. The heartwarming part comes when one interprets this discovery may have played a part in Katara sparing Yon Rah's life: it's the sense that her mother sacrificed her own life so her daughter could have a chance to live and be happy, not consumed with vengeance and vindictiveness.
  • Fridge-Heartwarming: Aang is also a testament of Kya's sacrifice. If she hadn't sacrificed her own life to save her daughter, Katara wouldn't be alive today. And if it weren't for Katara, Aang would still be trapped in the iceberg. Katara's mother's selflessness set in motion a chain of events that freed the Avatar and saved the world.

The Ember Island Players

• Toph's chat with Zuko during the intermission.
  Zuko: My uncle. He's always been on my side. Even when things were bad, he was there for me. He taught me so much. And how do I repay him? With a knife in his back! It's my greatest regret, and I may never get to redeem myself.
  Toph: You have redeemed yourself to your uncle. You don't realize it, but you already have.
  Zuko: How do you know?
  Toph: Because I once had a long conversation with the guy, and all he would talk about was you.
  Zuko: [smile] Really?
  Toph: Yeah. And it was kind of annoying.
  Zuko: Oh. Sorry.
  Toph: [leans closer] But it was also very sweet. All your uncle wanted was for you to find your own path and see the light. Now you're here with us. He'd be proud.
  Zuko: [Zuko says nothing, smiles quietly] [Toph elbows him hard] OW! What was that for!?
  Toph: That's how I show affection.

Sozin's Comet, Part 1: The Phoenix King

• This is a little thing, but when Zuko flipped on Aang for not taking his training seriously and started attacking him? Not one member of the Gaang, not even Katara who'd had the most issues trusting him, even for a moment thought that he was seriously trying to hurt Aang. That was what really drove it home that Zuko had well and truly become a part of the group.
• Although the War Room flashback reveals Ozai's horrifying plan, there's a sliver of heartwarming when Zuko shares what he thinks about the Earth Kingdom from his time among there. He humbly describes the earthbenders as "a proud race" that won't give up the fight "so long as they have hope".
• "Being part of the group means being part of group hugs." Especially since it's quite probably the first time anyone besides his uncle, mother, or Mai ever hugged Zuko in his entire life. Zuko spends the entire series fighting for what he wants, believing it's all on his own, and for the first time, he has a real family. Zuko's actual first non-relative hug provides another moment: Katara gives him a big hug when she finally forgives him after he helps her go after her mother's murderer.
• When Toph notices that Momo's missing too, Sokka worries himself that Appa ate the poor little lemur. Although funny out of context, this comes a long way from the meat-loving Sokka who initially intended to eat the lemur upon their first encounter. After everything they've been through the past year alone, he truly has bonded with the little guy.
  Sokka: (distraught) Momo! I'm coming for you, buddy!

Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters

• Iroh's sweaty sandal saved by Zuko (from episode 7 in book 1!) He had it half a year, and likely kept it even after that.
• A small one, but Appa affectionately licking Nyla in the face upon reunion, especially after remembering how the two were previously enemies.
• The fact that Katara and Sokka are immediately joyous when discovering Master Pakku is now their step-grandfather. Think, Gran-Gran left Pakku (who truly did love her) because of Northern Water-Tribe rigid tradition of Arranged Marriage and his rather sexist traditional standards. In offscreen events, after years of mourning for his love, Pakku travels to the Southern Water Tribe, reconciles with her, and becomes her husband, this time in mutual love. It instantly combines with Funny Moments when Sokka starts punning over what they should call their new grandfather. It's still heartwarming as well since Pakku had been such a jerk to Katara before, but Sokka is still being his dorky self.
• While meeting with the Old Masters of the White Lotus, Zuko is introduced to Jeong Jeong as Aang's previous firebending master. The two share a respectful bow. The best part is the humble smile he gives, like he recognizes Zuko as a kindred spirit (two firebending masters who defected from the Fire Nation).
• When Zuko can't bring himself face his uncle after betraying him, Katara (who was also betrayed and took it badly) reassures him that his uncle will forgive him and gives Zuko the courage to talk to him.
• When Zuko reunites with Iroh. Beginning with Iroh giving Zuko a heartfelt, tear-soaked hug.
  Zuko: Uncle, I know you must have mixed feelings about seeing me. But I want you to know... I am so, so sorry, Uncle. (starts crying) I'm so sorry and ashamed of what I did! I don't know how I can ever make it up to you, but I'll—
  (Iroh grabs Zuko by his shirt and embraces him; Iroh smiles and starts crying himself.)
  Zuko: How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you'd be furious with me!
  Iroh: I was never angry with you. I was sad, because I was afraid that you'd lost your way.
  Zuko: I did lose my way.
  Iroh: But you found it again. And you did it by yourself. And I am so happy you found your way here.
  Zuko: It wasn't that hard, Uncle. You have a pretty strong scent.
  • Better yet: Zuko sat by a sleeping Iroh and waited for him to wake up before speaking. Imagine the emotional torment Zuko must've been putting himself through, especially when you remember that the last time Zuko begged for forgiveness from a father figure, he got his face melted and was banished from his home. It's also a nice Call-Back to the very first episode of the series, when Zuko sternly orders someone to wake his uncle up after Aang inadvertently revealed his location, showing how much he has changed since then.
  • Watch how Zuko screws his lower lip as he musters the strength to start talking. That one frame is enough to get you to start weeping.
  • If you look closely at when Zuko tears up, he's actually crying out of his burned eye as well as his normal one, something he had only done once in the series when Ozai told him that his mother was still alive.
• When Zuko asks Iroh if he will take the Fire Nation throne after Aang defeats Ozai.
  Iroh: No. Someone new must take the throne. An idealist with a pure heart and unquestionable honor. It has to be you, Prince Zuko.
  Zuko: "Unquestionable honor"? But I've made so many mistakes.
  Iroh: Yes, you have. You struggled, you suffered, but you have always followed your own path. You've restored your own honor, and only you can restore the honor of the Fire Nation.
• This moment which also doubles as a moment of awesome.
  Zuko: So if I’m going to be Fire Lord after the war is over, what are you going to do?
  Iroh: After I re-conquer Ba Sing Se, I’m going to re-conquer my tea shop and I’m going to play Pai Sho every day.
• When Iroh says to Zuko that he'll need help facing Azula, Zuko agrees and immediately asks Katara if she can help him take down Azula.
  Zuko: Katara, how would you like to help me put Azula in her place?
  Katara: (with a determined smile) It would be my pleasure.

Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang

• Toph and Sokka working together was pretty heartwarming, but it was made officially beautiful by this exchange.
  Sokka: Hold on, Toph!
  Toph: Aye, aye, Captain!
  • Also, the part when their airship breaks up and they have to jump on top of another one. With giant chunks of metal falling all around them, Sokka throws himself on top of Toph to shield her, despite the fact that any one of those chunks of metal would've just as easily crushed them both. Neither of them are hit, but Sokka's willingness to sacrifice his own safety for his friend's, even in extreme conditions, triggers some warm fuzzy feelings. This happened right after they got separated from Suki; it was like Sokka was refusing to lose anyone else, which made it that much more heartwretchingly sweet.
  • When Sokka and Toph are fighting their way through the airships and end up hanging precariously from a beam. Sokka takes out the two soldiers who were about to kill them, but then half a dozen more arrive. Sokka tells Toph that he doesn't think they're going to make it and she begins crying. Just as everything is at its bleakest, Suki charges into the scene, flying a commandeered airship to rescue the pair and sporting an "I know I kick ass" grin on her face.
    Toph: What happened? Did boomerang come back?
    Sokka: No. Suki did.
• Zuko leaping in front of a lightning bolt for Katara, and the resulting healing scene.
  Zuko: Thank you, Katara.
  Katara: I think I'm the one who should be thanking you.
• Likewise, Katara's first instinct, when she sees Zuko electrocuted, is to try and heal him. Any waterbending directed towards Azula is self-defense. It's only when Azula starts chasing her down that Katara takes care of her.
• This is ONLY if she was actually being serious (which given her track record is highly debatable), but Azula's comment of having a physician take care of Zuko could hint that perhaps even she sees killing her own brother as a step too far (although it'd be Cruel Mercy incarnate).
• Zuko's and Aang's scene right before Zuko's coronation where they declare they will help rebuild the world is the definition of heartwarming.
  • Firstly, we have Zuko and Aang reflecting on how their relationship has changed over the series, and how they've become friends (the best part is how Zuko looks when he says they're friends, as if he's only just now realizing that they are):
    Zuko: I can't believe a year ago my purpose in life was hunting you down. And now...
    Aang: And now we're friends.
    Zuko: Yeah. We are friends.
  • And then they promise to rebuild the world together, side by side:
    Aang: The world's so different now.
    Zuko: And it's gonna be even more different. When we rebuild it together.
  • Finally, they walk out together side by side as Avatar and Fire Lord, addressing the people. Which is also heartwarming because it harkens back to Sozin and Roku's story - once again, the Avatar and the Fire Lord are in balance, working together as best friends. Beautiful!
  • 3 moments before this scene. Firstly, a small but thoroughly adorable moment, if you remember back to The Day of Black Sun, Toph and The Duke bonded on the submarine into the Fire Nation capital, where he let her throw up into his helmet when she was getting seasick and put his hand on her back to comfort her and here, they hug each other. Secondly, Katara and Sokka reunite with their dad who calls himself the proudest father in the world before adding that their mother would be proud too. Finally, Ty Lee reveals that she became a Kyoshi Warrior and that they let her join them after she gave them some chi blocking lessons before hugging them and declaring they would be best friends forever.
• Mai breaking out of her Emotionless Girl status, by happily embracing Zuko, angrily threatening him if he ever breaks up with her again, then smiling once again. Zuko's expression was PERFECT. Not to mention the cutest cartoon hug ever in the same scene.
• Zuko's post-Awesome Moment of Crowning speech. Hint: he's not just talking about the world.
  "Today... this war is finally over! I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation. And I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era of love and peace."
• The penultimate scene of the entire series: the entire main cast together drinking tea and just being together while they joke around about Sokka's bad drawing.
• The fact that Iroh eventually gets his tea shop back is wonderful enough, but given his complicated history with Ba Sing Se it's safe to say that saving the city has earned him enough respect to be allowed to continue business (as well as possibly to live) there.
• Of all the people who were born before the war began, Bumi is one of the lucky few to live to see the end of the war, and he can finally live out the rest of his days in a world of peace. Not many get that luxury and died/passed on not knowing if it would ever end.
• To say nothing of impressionable Fire Nation youth Aang and co. have encountered from Tom-Tom to the schoolchildren, and with the fear of how they’d turn out. With a new Fire Lord on throne, they’re finally free of the imperialist grip that plagued the older generations. The new generation can finally know an era of peace.
• After 100 years, Aang finally delivered justice for his people. If only Monk Gyatso were there to see it…Aang deep down knows wherever he is, his childhood guardian is surely proud of him.
• The Gaang having a peaceful tea party at Iroh's tea shop. Simply hanging out together as friends. No longer enemies. No immediate dangers. Just a group of friends finally able to breathe.
  • Sokka making a portrait to remember all the good times he and his friends have had. It quickly turns into a funny moment after his friends see how bad his art is but the thought still counts.
  • Mai joining the group as part of their friendship. Even more? Despite hardly knowing her and being mutual enemies for most of their screentime, Sokka makes a point to draw Mai into the portrait.
  • The fact that Zuko, the new Fire Lord, is not only there, but serving tea for everyone present, is this. In any other circumstance, the ruler of an entire nation wouldn't, or shouldn't, bother with such a thing, yet Zuko does. Not only is he humble enough to do that, there's no doubt that he does it because he knows it means a lot to Uncle Iroh, who has been there for him and supported him as much as he could since their very first scene together.
• Aang and Katara's kiss in the final scene is without a doubt one of the most beautiful kisses in cartoon history.

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