While Zuko performs some stretches before his training session with Aang, Sokka eagerly runs up to him and asks if he is up for some "swordbending", a proposal Zuko refuses due to his duties of guiding the Avatar. Although Sokka presents reasoning for why Aang will not need Zuko's assistance for at least a little while, Zuko offhandedly says that his level of swordbending is superior to Sokka's and offers that battling The Duke would be more fair, attempting to walk away. This leaves Sokka no choice but to challenge Zuko to a "Swordbending Kai", to which, although wishing to refuse, he says his honor demands that he accept, wishing to make Sokka stop pouting.