Sokka and I can't figure out a good plan to get Zuko out, so we settle for wait-and-see. I arrange to be one of the guards with the Warden when Zuko is being interrogated, while Sokka looks around for an escape plan.
Soon after we part ways, I'm swept up with the other guards that are with the Warden. Before I know it, I'm marching down the hall towards Zuko's cell.
"Well, well, well," the Warden drawls stepping into the cell. "I never thought I'd find you in here…Prince Zuko."
I step into the cell with another guard just behind the Warden. I can see that they've dressed Zuko in the horrible bright red shirt and pants that all the prisoners are forced to wear. Honestly, that color looks awful on everybody—except for maybe Santa. It pains me to see him like this, but there's nothing I can do about it.
"How did you know who I am?" Zuko is asking the Warden. He doesn't even glance at me.
"How could I not? You broke me niece's heart."
"You're Mai's uncle?" Zuko steps away from the wall, and my chest tightens. "I never meant to hurt her."
"Quiet!" the Warden orders. "You're my special prisoner now. And you best behave. If these criminals found out who you are, the traitor prince who let his nation down, why… they'd tear you to shreds."
"What's in it for you?" Zuko turns it around. "Why don't you just tell my father and collect your reward?"
"All in due time, believe me, I intend to collect."
It's almost too much for me at that point. I can feel my anger and worry well up inside me, but I'm somehow able to squash it down. My hands shake as I close Zuko's cell door behind the Warden.
"Make sure he's constantly guarded," the Warden orders. "He will do anything to escape here."
"Yes, Warden," we all answer.