Mako


 * This article is about the character. For the voice actor, see Mako (voice actor).

"fire"

- You're the Avatar, and I'm an idiot.

Mako is a firebender from a multicultural family who grew up on the streets of Republic City with his younger brother, Bolin. When his brother introduces him to Avatar Korra, his tightly controlled world gets a little more chaotic.

History
Mako grew up on the streets of Republic City with his younger brother Bolin, whom he loves dearly. Hardened by the street life, there is nothing Mako won't do to ensure the safety of his brother and himself. He is intensely focused on getting his pro-bending team, of which his brother is a part, through the tournament to win the jackpot. When Mako and his brother first began to compete in the pro-bending tournament, Toza, a former pro-bender, discovered Mako fighting in the streets and offered the brothers a place to live in the attic of the arena and let them work odd jobs to pay rent, which allows them to focus on pro-bending. Mako became the captain of their pro-bending team, the Fire Ferrets, which Korra later joined.

Initially, Mako was indifferent to Korra's presence around the Fire Ferrets. He refused to even acknowledge her, thinking her to be another of Bolin's fangirls, causing the two to get off on the wrong foot. Despite the initial cold reaction, his victory over the Tigerdillos on his own in round three by knocking out all three opponents after his brother and teammate Hasook were knocked out of the ring impressed Korra enough to praise him. Still, he refused to acknowledge Korra until after he learned she was the Avatar. Even then, he retained an unimpressed and uninterested air about him. When Korra asked Bolin to show her some pro-bending earthbending tricks, he left them to train by themselves.

He did not agree to allow Korra to take the no-show Hasook's spot on the team in the match prior to the tournament, saying he would rather be disqualified than made a fool of. However, after Korra held her own against a barrage in round three, allowing them to conquer their opponent the Platypus Bears, Mako accepted Korra, and later even looked out towards her home on Air Temple Island.

Personality
Having a stoic and brooding personality, Mako is generally aloof and indifferent, though he is not incapable of genuine kindness. He tends to be critical and controlling, stemming from living on the streets with his little brother and caring for him, which had forced him to take on adult responsibilities and attitude at a young age. In light of the brothers' pasts, he cares deeply for Bolin and is very protective of him.

Abilities


Mako has shown considerable skill in the art of firebending, implementing a modern style of fire fighting that he uses predominantly in the pro-bending arena. Critics of the sport note his use of a distinct "cool under fire" technique, primarily involving a series of defensive weaving and dodging followed by quick successive spurts of offense. Mako uses the technique to his advantage, once even defeating an entire pro-bending team by himself, by allowing the opposition to tire themselves out before eliminating each combatant individually.

Relatives

 * Bolin (younger brother)

Trivia

 * Mako is a Japanese name meaning "child of truth," and is mostly given to girls. However it can also be given to boys and is often short for names like "Makoto".
 * His name pays homage to Mako Iwamatsu, the man who voiced Iroh from Book 1: Water to Book 2: Earth, but died shortly after finishing his lines for Book 2.
 * The creators commented that Mako reminded them of Zuko, but without the angst.
 * Mako's "cool under fire" style of pro-bending bears similarities to the defensive styles of iconic boxers such as Willie Pep and Floyd Mayweather.