Hakoda

Hakoda is the father of Katara and Sokka, and the leader of the Southern Water Tribe. Hakoda is a talented ship and igloo builder, and weapons maker. Much of Sokka's ingenuity and craftiness he learned from his father. Hakoda recognized Katara's Waterbending abilities when she was young and encouraged her to develop them. He even traveled around the South Pole, looking for a Waterbender to train his daughter, but could not find one. Hakoda knows that Katara's Waterbending is one of the keys to rebuilding their tribe. Hakoda's decision to leave his children behind and fight in the war was a difficult choice. But it was his wisdom that allowed him to see the big picture: if his tribe didn't help win the war, it would have no future.[1]

It is shown that Sokka strives to be like his father, and shares many personalitiy traits with Hakoda, such as planning, leadership, bravery, inventive ingenuity, and sense of humor. Bato remarked upon this, saying, "You're definitely your father's son," after only Sokka laughed at Hakoda's attempt at wit in naming his bomb the 'stink and sink'.

Hakoda has only made three brief appearances in the series, the most important of which being at the beginning of "The Guru", in which Sokka saw him for the first time in two years. He is often spoken of, however, particularly by Sokka, who shows great respect and admiration for him. Sokka's memory of his last moments with Hakoda before he and the other Southern Water Tribe men left the South Pole was seen in the episode "Bato of the Water Tribe".

Hakoda was last seen smirking as he and the other warriors of the Southern Water Tribe were preparing to attack some Fire Nation ships entering a water route into Ba Sing Se in "The Guru". The outcome of the battle is unknown. He was also seen in "Appa's Lost Days" while on the way to Chameleon Bay to protect Ba Sing Se.