When Prince Zuko saw it was his father, who had come to duel him, he begged for mercy.
Please, Father! I only had the Fire Nation's best interests at heart! I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!
You will fight, for your honor.
[bows to the floor] I meant you no disrespect! I am your loyal son!
[advances on his son] Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!
...I won't fight you!
You will learn respect... and suffering, will be your teacher!
...I looked away.
I always thought that... Prince Zuko was in a training accident.
It was no accident. After the duel, the Fire Lord said that by refusing to fight, Zuko had shown shameful weakness. As punishment, he was banished and sent to capture the Avatar. Only then could he return with his honor.
So that's why he's so obsessed. Capturing the Avatar is his only chance he has of things returning to normal.
Things will never return to normal. But the important thing is, the Avatar gives Zuko hope.
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