Katara's brow furrows in frustration as she confronts the group. "Why would he try to fool us like that?"
Sokka, arms crossed, responds with a hint of irritation. "Obviously he wants to lead us into some kind of trap."
Katara shakes her head, her tone tinged with disillusionment. "This is just like when we were in prison together at Ba Sing Se. He starts talking about his mother and making it seem like he's an actual human being with feelings."
"He wants you to trust and feel sorry for him so you let your guard down, then he strikes," Sokka adds, mimicking a sneak attack for emphasis.
Katara's voice softens, reflecting her inner conflict. "The thing is, it worked. I did feel sorry for him. I felt like he was really confused and hurt, but obviously, when the time came, he made his choice, and we paid the price. We can't trust him."
Kira, nodding in agreement, adds, "It’s like he plays these mind games, hoping we’ll forget all the harm he’s caused."
Aang, looking between his friends, admits sheepishly, "I kind of have a confession to make. Remember when you two were sick and I got captured by Zhao?"
Sokka interjects, his tone a mix of humor and exasperation. "And you made us suck on frozen frogs? How could I forget? I had a wart on the flap that hangs down from the back of my throat for a month!"
Katara rolls her eyes, her patience thinning. "Sokka, I looked at it, and I told you, there was nothing there!"
"I could feel it! It's my throatal flap!" Sokka insists, pointing to his throat dramatically.
Aang, trying to steer the conversation back, continues, "Anyway, when Zhao had me chained up, it was Zuko who came in and got me out. He risked his life to save me."
Katara, skeptical, counters immediately. "No way! I'm sure he only did it so he could capture you himself!"
"Yeah, face it Aang, you're nothing but a big prize to him," Sokka adds, nodding in agreement with his sister.
Aang concedes, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "You're probably right."
"And what was all that crazy stuff about setting Appa free? What a liar!" Katara throws her hands up in exasperation.
Toph, who had been listening quietly, interjects firmly. "Actually, he wasn't lying."
Sokka sarcastically claps his hands. "Oh, hooray! In a lifetime of evil, at least he didn't add animal cruelty to the list."
Toph, unamused by Sokka's sarcasm, argues, "I'm just saying that, considering his messed-up family and how he was raised, he could have turned out a lot worse."
Katara, her voice dripping with sarcasm, retorts, "You're right, Toph! Let's go find him and give him a medal. The 'not as much of a jerk as you could have been' award!"
"All I know is that while he was talking to us, he was sincere. Maybe you're all just letting your hurt feelings keep you from thinking clearly," Toph counters, her tone steady and serious.
"Easy for you to say! You weren't there when he had us attacked by pirates!" Katara's voice rises with each word.
"Or when he burned down Kyoshi Island!" Sokka adds, throwing his hands up.
"Or when he tried to capture me at the Fire Temple!" Aang joins in, his frustration evident.
Katara, exasperated, turns to Toph. "Why would you even try to defend him?"
Toph, her anger peaking, snaps back. "Because, Katara, you're all ignoring one crucial fact." She pokes Aang in the chest, her voice rising. "Aang needs a firebending teacher! We can't think of a single person in the world to do the job! Now one shows up on a silver platter, and you won't even think about it?" She stamps her feet on the ground, causing a slight tremor.
