Honesty - Mako

The fourth wallpaper in my Elements series.  I will probably end up redesigning that shield because I am not satisfied with it.

Choosing Mako to represent Honesty required some thought, but in the end I concluded that he is the best suited out of Team Avatar to bear that element.  While growing up on the streets did require some dishonest tactics, Mako still showed a sense of fairness by never actually stealing, but rather prompting donations for acts of "heroism."  He is an upholder of rule and law, and honesty is clearly something he places a great deal of value in, and is an area in which he strives to improve himself.  This is why he went from street urchin to detective on Republic City's police force, and why he now strives to break Kai's bad habit of pick-pocketing.

Now, I know what you're gonna say: "But...Mako lied to Korra about their break-up!"  True, honesty is not 100% inherent to Mako, and yes, he does lie every now and again.  But while honesty is not his strongest characteristic, it is something he values most highly, and is thus aware of his shortcomings in that area.  As we saw during Book 2's season finale, Mako sought to make amends with Korra and come clean about the whole break-up.  This is similar to Rainbow Dash and Rarity's struggles with their own elements.  Loyalty and generosity are not inborn for either of them, but as these are virtues they value highly, they both seek to improve in them.  That is why they each bear their respective elements, not because they come naturally to them.

Besides, Applejack's not honest 100% of the time either.

"But Mako's lie upset Asami!"  Yeah, and Applejack's lie nearly killed her grandmother.  I still say Mako is suited to Honesty.  Also, his name means "truth."

Kindness - Jinora
Generosity - Asami
Laughter - Bolin
Honesty - Mako
Loyalty - Tenzin
Magic - Korra