system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[ATLA/TLOK] How long does it take for a bender to achieve full mastery of their element?
gpt
It can vary according to their affinity and resources. A prodigy like Katara can master waterbending  in a few months with a great teacher like Pakku and some practical experience from traveling with the Avatar. A typical bender with typical means can take a few years.