hmm, I have no idea. Her talent at leadership, let alone bending is probably blocking me from seeing her in a different situation. She seems so natural at it, I can see her being less cruel after a different childhood but she'd still want to do everything her way. It'd have to be pretty damn epic.

I'm not certain bending is necessarily passed through families. I don't think Toph's parents are benders, and she's the greatest earthbender ever. Maybe being Roku's grandaughter was enough. I think it's canon that all Ang's people are benders isn't it? Not all the fire nation are but I'm going to assume it's a fair chunk, not like Waterbenders and the slightly more numerous earthbenders.

Maybe it's like Squibs and if you have too many benders in one family it'll turn off?