ever standing statue (open)

So my first visit to district 10 should be interesting. Lots of people and things to do. Actually thats a lie. It's almost identicle to my home in 7. Dry dirty and smoggy from factories. I am here on a trip with my father to deliver wood supplies. My father has always done it but he decided to bring me along this time. He has gone to write paperwork and i was denied entry into the justice building. Usually districts cannot interact unless it involves industry. This occasion does.

As i wander about taking in the sites peace keepers keep their eyes on me. They probably think i plan on attacking someone. apparently i always look angry. thats when i see a figure sitting in the town square. sitting and staring. This boy intrigues me so i walk over. I simply sit beside him...and wait.

The boy i had sat beside didnt seem to want to talk. he only nods hello with unmoving facial features. I am at a loss for words and i am secretely wishing that my dad would come fetch me. That is not the case.

"hello. what are you looking at" i say to the boy finally

I watch his eyes for any change in expression but no luck. I sit and look at the dust moving all around. HELL! this is a dusty district. At this point i start to feel self conscious because he has not replied yet.

So i do what i do best. I look at the boy with intent eyes and wait.

"I never know, i like seeing the day go by."

This baffles me and i barely keep the look of surprise off of my face. actually i dont keep it off. Next thing i know im laughing at the boy. Not at him i guess but i kind of felt sorry. Im not sure how much older this boy was, but being 15 i felt like he would forgive me. I say a shaky "sorry" before continuing.

"would you like to walk with me?" i continue
"i'm waiting for my father to get back and the next rain to district 7 is not for a few hours."

I really like this boy because he reminds me of me. So i look at him and try to not think his reply through to much. If i overthink things i might get angry. Even if his intents arent to be mean.

The boy uses the word "cool" so i think he can't be completely oblivious to the world. Im pretty sure the capitol is using other insane words now other than cool but the districts are behind in the times i suppose.

We get up and start walking. at first i have no clue where to go. what would this boy like to do. so i simply start with small talk to get things rolling. i do need something to do untill its time to go home.

"whats your name?"
"How old are you?"

these are the two questions i start off with because they are simple enough. Im sure this kid must have an age and a name.

I wait for replies

ooc: Thats ok its fun anyway!

"Im drake and im 17"

Well this is a start. He is a small talker so i reply in short terms to as to not set him off.

"the names cherii...Isaiah Cherii." I reply trying to crack at a joke from the old days that is well known in the newer days of panem.I wait and realise he didnt get the joke so i continue as fast as i can.

"im 15"

Drake assures me that if im intimidated its fine. I feel slightly reassured. He's looking at me puzzled for a second before i hear the crack of a whip.
I instantly cringe at the sound, remembering that day 3 years ago when i was whipped. I fall to my knees scared and hiding my ears from the repetetive sound. I look up at the boy to see if he has fled but he only stands there looking down at me, puzzled.

This instantly makes me think he is not afraid. If he is not afraid this must be a normal thing to witness. In district 7 whippings are very very rare. this is a normal occurance and the boy isnt scared!

I mentally take back what i said about this place being like district 7. This is no district 7. This is hell.

I crouch on the ground, my knees hurting because of how long i wait here. Drake lowers himself next to me and says calmly "it's okay"
I stand thinking he meant the whipping was over only to be rendered useless by another crack of the tool of torture. I fall back to the ground with a small whimper. The sound was accompanied by the squeal of a woman. I think it's a close family member to the person being whipped. "Leave him alone!!!", the voice squealed. I am suddenly angry. Angry at the district to punish people so often. Angry at the peace keepers for delivering the punishment so freely.

I get up and run. simply run. I don't care if Drake follows. I need to get away from the sound. Away from the memories. I run until i am on a bordering fence of the district. I am careful not to touch the wire for it is electrified. I stop and pant. I catch my breath and look through the strands of my hair to see if Drake has followed.