Okay I’ll just come out and say it, this is the best ask I’ve ever gotten on my blog, ever. So THANK YOU so much.

For those of you who may not be familiar with element bending, here is an explanation on each element:

Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want.  

Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring. 

Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns, and they found peace and freedom. And they apparently had great senses of humor.

Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribes are capable of adapting to many things. They have a sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.

April Ludgate

Waterbender (specialization: icebending)

Aside from her being a literal ice queen (with a soft mellow heart), I think April adapts to many situations, she is able to change and evolve and she clearly has a strong sense of community. She chooses the people close to her and sticks to them.

“When I started working for you, I was aimless and just thought everything was stupid and lame. And you turned me into someone with goals and ambition.[…] So I just wanted to say thank you, and I love you very much.”

Leslie Knope

Firebender

Is there even any doubt? Leslie has the drive, the energy, the passion. She’s 100% fire, baby.

“I AM SUPER CHILL ALL THE TIME!”

Ann Perkins

Earthbender (specialization: lavabending)

Ann is a very grounded person compared to the people she’s around. She is reliable, always a presence there, and she’s grown to be very self-assured. However, she still has some flexibility so I think lava would fit her better than just earth.

“Ann, I need you to text me every 30 seconds that it’s gonna be okay.”

Andy Dwyer

Waterbender

I think Andy has both things that are very important for waterbenders: he is very flexible, and he is very attached to the people around him. He’s very loving and he can adapt to all situations.

“The only thing that matters is that we found each other, right now, and it’s the best.”

Chris Traeger

Airbender (specialization: spiritual projection)

Chris is by far the most spiritual person in the main cast. He’s untethered, I think he’s very free spirited, and he is very open-minded. He is 100% air nomad.

“I’m not lonely, I have me.”

Ben Wyatt

Earthbender

Ben is Leslie’s rock most of the time, he’s a great support, not just for her but for his friends. He’s reliable and doesn’t really let other people sway his personal opinions without good cause. He’s pretty much grounded.

“As a person, I agree with you, but as a City Manager, I don’t think you have a case.”

Donna Meagle

Firebender

This one was the hardest for me and it could have gone other ways, but I chose this one because really, Donna has a bite. She doesn’t take any shit, and she definitely has the drive and passion to reach her goals. I can really see her as a firebender.

“I’m about to go Mjölnir on his ass!”

Craig Middlebrooks

Firebender (specialization: explosion bending)

Craig is all energy and fire and drive and passion and sudden bursts of shouting. He is always looking to do his projects and he doesn’t exactly control his voice.

“I CARRIED THE DEPARTMENT ON MY SHOULDERS AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT, YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW.”

Jean-Ralphio Saperstein

Airbender

Jean-Ralphio is very unattached to people and things in general. He’ll get fired and not care, he was ready to just pretend to be dead, he’s just a big ball of no attachment.  

“Technically, I’m homeless.”

Garry Gergich

Earthbender

With all the shit Garry takes at work, he still manages to be the greatest husband and father at home and remain unchanged. He is a picture of diligence and stability. 

“As long as the people I love are part of my life, I will be just fine.”

Tom Haverford

Nonbender

Okay, I’m sorry but really, I can’t see Tom really fitting any element. He doesn’t have the stability of an earthbender, the intensity of a firebender, the lack of attachment of an airbender or the sense of community of a waterbender. Plus, who else is a nonbender? Varrick, and really, if there’s one person who is like Tom, it’s Varrick.

“Who is Tom Haverford? He’s a mentor, a lover, a hero.”

Ron Swanson

Earthbender

(Specialization: Metalbending)

Ron is tough. He is strong and reliable, and always there when you need him. He is the very definition of an earthbender.

“I’ve never been a fan of change.”

CAN YOU TELL I REALLY LOVE AVATAR?