Bato is a warrior with the South Water Tribe and a lifelong friend of Hakoda, father to Katara and Sokka. With Hakoda away, he acts as a father figure to the children.He leaves to fight the Fire Nation and is badly burned. He is nursed back to health at an abbey.Team Avatar encounters Bato's ship during their travels, leading to a happy reunion between Katara, Sokka and Bato. He gives the children some news on the possible whereabouts of their father.