Talk:Air Nomad Genocide/@comment-122.59.231.25-20120403113348

Only the avatar would be able to thwart Sozin's plan. By killing the avatar, he would force the avatar to be reborn into the water tribes. An 'immature' avatar who is not a master of all elements would not be able to stop him, hence giving him 'free reign' to carry out his plans for that number of years. In this way, Sozin is able to control what the avatar is able to do.

Eventually with the Air Nomads destroyed, presumably, the avatar cycle would end, allowing the continued dominance of the Fire Nation.

Also, assuming bending is a genetic trait, there surely must be genes in the general population (e.g. runaway and eloping airbenders) but perhaps homogenicity (recessive genetic trait?) and the requirement of the strong spiritual connection prevent any airbenders arising de novo out of the population i.e. Aang is the last airbender.