I will explain Kataang to me in a way that does not involve Zuko in any way shape or form. Well for a realationship to happen, both people obviously have to like the other. So let's start with Aang.
Aang obviously likes/loves Katara. There seems to be no arguement here. Since season 1, Aang has shown that he likes Katara as more than a friend, and in the Guru Aang decides to possibly choose his fate (of never being able to go into the Avatar State, we have yet to see the outcome of this) by deciding to chose Katara over the Avatar State. He also says it best in Nightmares and Daydreams when he tells Katara that he is doing everything that he is doing for her. (Yes it was a daydream, but no doubt it was the truth.) Therefore, Aang loves Katara. Agreed.
Now the hard part, does Katara love Aang? I believe so. Yes, in season one, she didnt quite see Aang this way. But what is improtant, was that she built a relationship with him on such a personal and emotional level that is vital for the foundation for a romantic relationship. (see The Storm for evidence).
In season two, their bond only strengthens. You can see how much Katara truly cares for Aang by how she feels his pain when he loses Appa, or how she is always there for him when he needs her. While some say this makes a give-give relationship and Katara gets nothing, i disagree. This is Katara's nature. She has always given everyone what they need, and is always there for people. Then people say this makes her motherly towards Aang and only thinks of him as a "son" (the rebuttles never end...lol), but like i said, she does this to everyone, so i would not see her seeing Aang as a son.
Season 3. In the Awakening, we see that Katara continues to care for Aang as evidenced by how upset she is when he just leaves them behind ("Doesn't he realize that we need him too?!") It is here, I think, where we know that Katara loves Aang. However the question is, does she like him as a friend or as a lover? I believe as a lover. In the Headband, Katara is clearly jealous of Onji (sp?) when Aang is dancing with her. I really don't see how that can be denied...Anways, Katara's jealousy makes her feelings for Aang show not one of a friend, but of more than that. I do not think she realized her emotions at this point, but I do think that exist and Katara is starting to slowly realize it.
As for the kiss, I think Katara is saddened for Aang afterwards because he is about to possibly face his death. (I would be f'in sad too). I think the reasoning for not having any Katara/Aang moments since then is simply that there has not been enough time. Every episode since then has served its purpose -find fire bending teacher-learn fire bending-save Suki and Hakoda- a Katara/Aang subplot just does not fit in. I will point out, however, that when Zuko joins the group, Katara more than everyone else feels the need to protect Aang.
She.loves.him. I guess it's up to your own opinion whether that love is friendly or not.
Edited on 06/25/2008 9:00pm