In the mid-22nd century, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic veteran of the United States Marines, is recruited as an operator for a human Na'vi hybrid body called an "avatar". He takes the place of his identical twin brother, who was training to be an avatar operator. In his new role, Jake forms a bond with Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), a Na'vi warrior, and becomes immersed in their culture. As tensions rise between the humans and the Na'vi over a valuable mineral resource, Jake must choose between following orders and protecting the alien civilization he has grown to love.