He wasn't about to openly admit that Sokka's theory made an unsettling amount of sense, especially given the loss that set in immediately after the previous outburst. Maybe the Castle was watching even closer than he thought.

Between Katara's reassuring, and the sobering topic shift, Zuko did calm down a little. His glaring turned to scowling, and he stabbed more meaningfully at his food.

"This place doesn't just take things away... it hurts people. It doesn't act like a building because it isn't one. It's evil. It learns what is important to you, and then it strikes."

Glancing up, he met Katara's look with a steely one of his own.

"So keep that in mind when you go looking for 'allies.' It would be easier for everyone if we just stayed enemies."