Theory:Nathan Petrelli

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The following fan theories are about Nathan Petrelli.

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
Nathan's power was aerokinesis, or the ability to control air.	None	+ This would explain how he flies (propelling himself by riding on air currents), how he protects himself during flight (surrounding himself with a condensed air force field), and how he heard Peter tell Claire, "There is no other way" (How to Stop an Exploding Man). Nathan amplifies the sound waves and carries them to his ears. • If Nathan's power is aerokinesis, then he might be able to do more than fly, but also control air to create focused blasts of wind, keep the air around him warm or cool and direct air currents that carry sounds to his ears. + With this, he could have protected himself from the radioactive blast when he sent Peter into the sky. - Nathan was severely scarred from the explosion in (Four Months Ago). • It is possible that Nathan hasn't considered that application of his power, and thus was not shielding himself at the time. + This could explain how he appears to be able to breathe normally even at higher altitudes.
Peter will attempt to use his blood to save Nathan's life.	Volume 2 ends with Nathan dying in Peter's arms	+ Peter knows that a regenerator's blood can be used to heal others. • Even so, it might not work.
Nathan is not actually dead.	Last minute of Powerless.	+ The news cast that Angela Petrelli is watching says "Congressman elect Nathan Petrelli was shot." No confirmed news of death. - The news cast said "Was shot by an unknown assassin." 'Assassin' usually implies the victim was killed (assassinated.) Had he merely been wounded, the term 'assailant' would have probably been used. - The news cast seemed only seconds after the shots rang out and could have just been an anchor reporting on what the viewers had just seen. + With medical attention, D.L. survived shots to the chest at non-point blank range. Nathan, too, was shot from a distance. + Nathan's (former) high profile in the community, current proximity to the police, and relationship with Claire could prompt rapid and/or extremely effective medical attention. + Nathan may still be under the influence of Adam's blood which could help him heal or just recover faster. - When Nathan punched the mirror after he saw the disfigured version of himself, his wounds from the broken glass did not heal. + Peter could inject his blood into Nathan as it may be able to heal him as he has the same ability as Adam and Claire. - Peter does not have the same ability; he has absorbed the ability. There is no evidence to suggest that his blood has the same effects as Adam's or Claire's, especially since his empathic ability involves mentally connecting with others, not altering his DNA. - If Peter must 'connect' with other people to use his ability he would not have healed after being killed by Sylar because you can't think with a piece of glass in the back of your head. + Matt was shot four times and lived.
Nathan was shot by Angela Petrelli in Powerless.		+ Angela was wearing a dark suit similar to the one of the assailant. - Angela is Nathan's mother and had plans for him to become President. + Angela was willing for Peter to be sacrificed to destroy NYC in the original timeline, so she may have agreed to shoot Nathan to stop him from revealing "the secret".
Nathan was shot by HRG in Powerless.		+ HRG appeared to have rejoined the Company in this episode. - It would be troubling for him to shoot his daughter's birth father point blank.
Nathan was shot by Haram in Powerless.		+ According to the graphic novel, Haram has similar features to the assailant. It is conceivable the Angela was on the phone with Haram, and has been working with him since the Golden Handshake novels (see the Rollo Fusor's accomplice is Angela theory). - Haram has yet to be introduced except in the graphic novels.
Nathan was shot by Richard Drucker in Powerless.		+ Richard Drucker has a similar power as that of Hana, so he may have had access to the Company's video surveillance system. - Richard Drucker's face has not been shown.+ Richard Drucker has been introduced both in the graphic novels and is currently the subject of Hana's website.
Nathan was shot by Bob Bishop in Powerless.		+ If Bob was monitoring the Company's video surveillance, he may have heard what Nathan said in the Vault. - The assailant appeared to be much thinner than Bob.
Nathan was shot by West in Powerless.		+ West has the capability (flying) to get to NYC. - There is no reason to believe that West knew anything about Nathan's press conference. + West would not know that Nathan was Claire's birth father, so he could have been blackmailed into being a hired-assassin for the Company. + West told Claire that he didn't want "the secret" to be released to the public.