The opening sequence that starts every episode opens by showcasing the four elemental bending styles: waterbending, earthbending, firebending, and airbending.

The waterbending is performed by Pakku (Katara’s master), the earthbending by Sud (Avatar Roku’s earthbending master), the firebending by Azula (daughter of Firelord Ozai), and the airbending by an unnamed Air Nomad.

The sequence cuts to the map of the Avatar World, followed directly by Katara’s explanation regarding the origins of the Hundred Year War launched by the Fire Nation. Following this, Avatar Roku is seen bending all four elements before disappearing in a gust of air, just as Katara states that the Avatar disappeared when the world needed him most.

Next, Katara and Sokka appear, followed by Aang, showing scenes from the first episode. The title card is shown immediately after. The Chinese characters that appear at the top of the show’s title card mean “the spiritual medium who has descended upon the mortal world”.