Schoolyard Psychology | Frankel

[Bane]

Aaron Pike

Just another day | We are bored by these classes | We just have to wait

We sit bored in these classes all day because the laws make us, not because we can suck any knowledge of use from them. These classes are meant to catch all in their grasp, for for many, including us, the teacher's drone is a struggle in patience, rather than mental capacity. We pretend to pay attention, and we take some notes, but mostly we chat among ourselves and watch the clock, unanimously cursing out inability to make it tick faster towards the inevitable sound of the bell which releases us from this purgatory.

Finally the bell sounds, and students rush out of the class, laughing and shouting. Aaron has us linger, so that we may thank the teacher before heading to lunch, thereby decreasing the odds we will need to bother to pay attention in the next class, allowing curiosity to read an unrelated book. After all, the teacher is less likely to be annoyed with us reading when we were obviously paying so much attention before. It's all just a game, and we might as well do something useful during the boring parts.

We walk out into the cafeteria, and we grab a nutritious meal before taking a seat at an empty table. Curiosity mumbles that we should go to meet people to find out things about them, but fear and Aaron both dissuade him. We shouldn't take risks where it is completely unnecessary. After all, they won't understand us. They talk about meaningless things and eat what is worse than garbage. They fill the room with their noise, not bothering to think before they speak. We are confused by them, and Fear can convince Curiosity that they are a potential danger. We can see the violence among them, unreasoning hormones letting them do things they would never normally consider.

We eat alone, reading about the nervous system while we consume needed nutrients. Some approach and ask for seats, and we let them sit and try at small talk for future reference. They seem content with it, but they prefer to talk among themselves. Upon finishing our meal we go out into the yard, where some play games. We notice the many flaws in their strategies, but we don't give them advise. Hope says that they might figure it out, but the rest of us know it is a pointless exercise. They will play these games as they always have.

We sit on a bench and lean back, continuing the reading assigned to us by our 'private tutor,' the one who is our real teacher.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

TOMAS FACIOLI

Observing people is more interesting, than the numeracy being thrown at me right now. Numbers all muddled up with letters, it is all nonsense to me when the real science is the kids sat in this room. Heads planted on tables, quiet nattering in the back as they try not to get caught out by the professor. Those more interested on the front row, for that is as far as the attention will go. Those sat in the middle, like me, not caring for the lesson yet still having an ear on the information being told to the class. For I am sure I will have use for division in the future. Those who’ve pulled the long straw in this seating arrangement are sat by the window, the great big glass entertainment where all the real action is. The world of District Six unfolding in front of them, it is hard to keep attention when people are sat next to that. Pacing up and down in front of the class, the Professor. An underpaid, over worked man who likely has a family back at his home. I am sure he dreamed of this job since a child but now he wishes he chose a different route a more well paid relaxing one. Rolling from his brow, sweat and the remains of his power fall from his breath, the strong aroma of coffee. I know I will never be a teacher; I’d rather be sane and happy. Sounding the alarm that everyone has been dreaming for since they stepped into the room, the bell alerts that it is time to dismiss. Heading outdoors, I have already packed the necessary meal (with the help of my mother of course) Fruit Tomas, fruit helps power your mind. I am sure it does and I am sure the sugary muffin sneaked into the pack does as well. A teenage boy like me can’t keep sane when we eat all the necessary food forced on ourselves, we need to let loose and treat our stomach from time to time. Stepping out of the building, the fading summer sun tries to tackle the invasion of autumn; I must try and take advantage of the remaining warmth. Avoiding loose balls, I’d step through the land mines of games being played on the redgra playing court. Playing sports is a great way to let loose all the negative energy; it tires people out and helps them keep their mind of whatever troubles they have. However, my body is not built for such activities so I have to find other ways of letting all my negative energy out. Safely getting across the battlefield, I’d try and locate a suitable place to eat my lunch. Scanning the area, all the benches are taken accept a vacant spot next to another. ”Is it ok to sit down here?” I’d ask politely, having learnt in the past to ask such question. Usually people would rather be alone and I have many a times invaded their personal alone time.

[Bane]

Aaron Pike

Mostly we ignore our surroundings and the games being played, instead choosing to read our book, learning about different kinds of nerves and how they send messages to the brain. This will actually be important as a doctor, unlike the math we are taught in class

We look up suddenly as a figure approaches, and we see the one called Tomas approaching. He asks us if he can sit, lunch in hand, obviously intending to eat here. We realize with a quick glance that all the other benches have been filled while we were reading, and the space next to us just became the only place to sit. It's polite to ask for permission even though he doesn't really need it, and Curiosity and Hope both clamor for acceptance of the request, and Fear puts up minimal resistance. What harm could he really cause? We could learn from him about social behavior, and possibly make an ally in the school other than ourselves. We believe this one is quite smart as well, which could result in actual intelligent conversation. We slide sideways to make room on the smooth wooden service of the bench, nodding and smiling at him as we reply to appear friendly.

"Of course, feel free!" we reply, setting our book on the nervous system aside for now. But what now? We wonder how we could possibly extend friendliness beyond this. Curiosity wants to just start asking questions, but that could scare him off, especially the random assortment Curiosity has in mind. Hope just wants to do something, without thinking about consequences. Anger says just pick up the book and read, since he interrupted us, but that would be too rude Aaron makes the suggestion to try and start a casual conversation, and we allow him to take the reigns completely. After all, Aaron has the most experience with this kind of thing.

"I think I recognize you from class. You're Tomas, right? My name's Aaron," we say. We extend a hand to shake, as we seem to remember seeing others doing this upon meeting. A strange habit, but one we should copy. "It's nice to meet you outside of those icebreaker games the Professor did on the first day. We keep the smile up, rolling our eyes to show our dislike of those games. They were an annoying waste of time for all of us, and they restricted any kind of real conversation.

Belatedly, we realize that Tomas has a reputation for being good at understanding people, and Fear begins to put up a more solid resistance. Extended association with him could be dangerous, but it's too late to change tactics now without setting off alarms. We feel our eyes flash for a moment with Fear, but we quickly hold it back. We keep our hand extended, and the smile carefully on our face. That, at least, Aaron never loses control of, just the eyes rebel.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

TOMAS FACIOLI

Energy absorbing lessons such as Maths are probably the most despised of subjects in school. Most students in the lessons are like drones and I am happy I only have it twice a week. Many students have extra maths, I need to find out how they function properly and not break down in such a tedious class. Thankfully, I’ve picked more appropriate electives for the career path which intend to walk down. Phycology, the study of the mind and behaviour, discerning how exactly the human mind works. And then Sociology, the study of social behaviour and how such things are changed with the environment a human is in. All the mandatory subjects fill up the rest of my timetable although I’d have a better time at school just studying the two subjects. As the other guy accepts my request to sit beside him, I’d place myself on the available spot; an ideal location to start people watching. Placing my bag down besides my feet, I’d pull out a brown paper bag containing the feast I am to dive into. Beginning to chew away at the beef sandwich, I’d take a glance to the company besides me, recognising the face immediately. Before I am able to react, Aaron as I now know already knows who I am. Swallowing the piece of sandwich in my mouth, I’d move my hand to his extended one, shaking it quite vigorously. ”Hey Aaron, yeah I am Tomas. Nice to meet you too.” Icebreaker games I learnt a lot of little facts about people in those, some I could tell were obvious lies. ”Oh they’re quite interesting those things.” While I shake his hand, I’d catch glance of Aaron’s eyes a hint of fear spirals around them, a talent I have picked up from lessons. ”Don’t worry man, I am not going to bite” Releasing my grasp from his hand, I’d finish off the half of the sandwich, moving my attention to the bottle of water in the paper bag. Taking a quick swig of the water, I’d glance at Aaron, creating a summary of the guy. I’ve never spoken to him properly before, he is in some of my classes; he must be the quiet collected type. There are a lot of those in this school. Humans are social beings; we need each other to keep sane in the world, even if we hold a few grudges. I’ve never gone through a day when I have never interacted fully with another person, that’s why my head is screwed properly on my shoulders and why I know so much about how people work. Screwing the cap back on the bottle, I’d decide to finish the sandwich off later and maybe the muffin may please my starving stomach. Removing the liner from the sweet treat, I’d feel quite greedy in front of Aaron. ”Want a piece?” I’d offer, raising the fruit muffin on the palm of my hand.

[Bane]

Aaron Pike

Tomas sits and shakes our hand, and we can tell he recognizes Fear, although he takes it for some form of shyness rather than what it is. "Don’t worry man, I am not going to bite” he says, and we mentally sigh in relief in unison. He begins to eat, and we pick up our book and pretend to continue reading while he consumes his nutrients. While we pretend to read, we observe him. Concise movements, and we can tell he's observing us too, creating his opinions. As a game, we try and guess at his thought process.

We do share classes, but we never speak up to answer, so we doubt that he will get much on us from that. Maybe he'll think we're shy because of social anxiety; he won't realize the truth, even if Fear is still trying to struggle back to the surface and reveal itself to the world. This time, however, we hold it in check, with Curiosity coming most strongly to the fore. He glances at us as he takes a swing of water, and we smile before returning to our book. Others would guiltily snap their head back, but we move more leisurely. Let's see what he makes of that.

What else would he know? We don't share too many classes beyond requirements, so he must have a different focus than us, and based on what we hear he's probably going to be a psychologist rather than a medical doctor. A danger, but if we can't hide from him then we're bound to be caught during our early adult life, so this will actually be a good test. Hope almost wants us to let something past because Hope thinks that he might not mind like our teacher, but Fear keeps that idea from taking control.

We notice Tomas take out a muffin, and we mentally note the lack of nutrition, meaning this must be his treat. Many of the others have such things in their lunches, but we don't want to waste such things on our vessel when they make good bargaining chips.

He holds it out, and asks "Want a piece?” This is odd. Why would he give it to us? Maybe he wants a favor later? Or, we realize, this could be his form of politeness, since he hasn't seen us eating.

"No thank you. I already ate inside, but I appreciate the offer," we reply, shaking our head in the negative. That must be the correct response in this situation, since he gets to keep his treat and we show generosity. Fear whispers that this might seem strange, since most would take a small piece out of desire, and we can't stop him this time because of our collective lack of familiarity with this kind of social exchange. Most people tend to leave us alone because of our lack of skill at making conversation, but Tomas is proving less tentative in his social response to relative quiet. Once again Fear takes the eyes, and we look back to our book to try and hide it. Curiosity won't sit silent, though, with a potential wealth of information next to us.

"So, what classes are you in?" we ask, even if we already have a guess at the answer. It's best to verify, to ensure our guess is correct.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

TOMAS FACIOLI

Glancing over the Aaron’s book, I’d try to investigate the contents. I presume it to be about The Nervous System interesting subject, he must be a biology or medical student. Of course biology sometimes has a great impact on how we human beings work. If we’re ill, injured or dislikes our appearance, it can affect the mood greatly. Has anyone ever been happy while they’ve been spewing up their guts? Never. A person’s mood in such situation goes down drastically; many people may even give up on their existence. If we are to give up every time we stumble, we’ll be flat on the floor forever. I’ve only every seen Aaron in the compulsory lessons so he must have a greater different interest than I, which is good for him. There are so many different career options in Six, I feel so fortunate to have been born here. Somehow, I adopted a great interest in the world of Psychology, only because I am curious on how we mentally work. Eventually, when I am fully qualified, I will be able to help those who need my assistance. It’ll be great and I’ll be able to learn a lot more about humans, if I have many queuing up outside my door. I won’t be as good as the doctors who help people physically but I am here to help mentally. Many say it isn’t as well skilled as being a surgeon. Many don’t believe in my services and think it is all bullshit but they’ll have to wait and see. One day I may just help one of those people and I’ll be happy to rub it into their face. Most people who’re against me are at this school, I don’t understand. A group of very intelligent, well educated people do not believe in what I am studying, such blasphemy. Moving my muffin back towards me as Aaron turns down my offer, I’d begin to tear away pieces of it, filling my need of a sugary treat. Slowly, I’ll likely grow fat with all the treats I eat but I can easily shed it. It is good to treat myself now and then; dry ham sandwiches do not suffice my needs. I’m lucky to get such commodities in this District, many would sell an organ for this piece of muffin. "So, what classes are you in?" So the ball has been rolled, let the conversation commence. ”Oh, I do Psychology and Sociology and the other usual classes." I’d say to Aaron, trying to sell my interests to him. ”I presume you must do chemistry or biology or something along those lines, with the book you have?” Pointing my finger towards Aaron’s book, I’d acknowledge the fact that I’ve noticed him reading it. Tearing large piece of the muffin, I’d quickly try to finish it, wanting to have a less disruptive conversation with Aaron. I won’t be able to converse properly with a piece of muffin in my mouth. Scrunching up the muffin case, I’d place it into my bag, before sliding it under the bench.

[Bane]

Aaron Pike

"Oh, I do Psychology and Sociology and the other usual classes," Tomas replies to our question, and we congratulate ourselves internally on our correct analysis of his interests, but then again it wasn't exactly a wild guess. We notice that he's saying it more like a salesman than a normal statement, and we realize that some might see psychology and sociology as a waste in this District, but we know that it takes skill and time to actually get into someone's head and understand what's happening there. It's not our particular forte, but we can appreciate his aspirations.

He says, "I presume you must do chemistry or biology or something along those lines, with the book you have?” We realize that it's not just us who can connect two and two, and we grin externally this time.

"Yeah, I'm studying to be a doctor, so I'm taking Bio and Chem, as well as Anatomy. Psychology is interesting, but it just doesn't quite connect with me, you know?" we say, not elaborating on why. It's hard to understand how to make someone feel better when one doesn't think the same way as them, and our way of thinking is distinctly different from the rest of society.

"Sociology is something I wanted to take, but I just didn't have space in my schedule." We know that to fit into society we must understand it better, since we are always disconnected from it, but getting our career of choice is more important in the short term.

Tomas quickly finishes with his muffin and puts his things away under the bench, and we realize that this is the dangerous part of the conversation, where his attention is not divided, but we're in too deep to worry about it now. We put our book down as well and look up, smiling as we pretend to enjoy the nice day. That's normal, we believe, since a few others in the schoolyard do the same occasionally. The best course of action is probably to keep him talking, and Curiosity is glad that we have chosen this way.

"So, why is it you decided to take Psychology and Sociology?" we ask, shifting the conversation in his direction once more.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

TOMAS FACIOLI

So I was right about Aaron, I am usually right; otherwise I would not be so good at my trade. My observation skills are coming along nicely, I should inform my mother of my encounter today. Usually she is interested about the people I talk too, she too somewhat interested in the human mind although she did not take the career I am going down now…hopefully. Fortunately, I was born in such a District which will help me in my ambitions. I know many in the lower Districts may hold the same dreams as I, yet they don’t have the opportunities like I do. So I know I should grab every moment I get and work at my goal. “Psychology is interesting, but it just doesn't quite connect with me, you know?" Nodding at his comment, I know a lot of people don’t find Psychology their kind of taste. It is a very diverse topic and sometimes complicated for those who do not fully understand it. ”Yeah Sociology is a great subject, especially in Panem. Every District has a different type of society.” Really, they all kind of do. Every District has its own trade and many are poorer than others. So it affects people quite a lot. We may all have our similarities, connections, for example the games. But we’re all very different, we all have different things to keep us happy and make us sad. "So, why is it you decided to take Psychology and Sociology?" The golden question, which I have been somewhat waiting for. I could give him a great essay, as to why I chose to take those two. However, I know a lot of people grow tired of my words, so I will have to minimise it…a lot. ”The Human mind is so interesting you know. The littlest things in someone’s environment can trigger something in their mind, causing them to do a lot of things. I just want to be able to help people as well as find out why everyone works so differently.” Listing out all my reasons, I’d exhale, quite proud of the short description. ”So you wanting to be a Doctor then, you obviously want to help people physically? Me being at hand to help people mentally…” Sometimes, things hurt more mentally than they do Physically. It can usually cause people to harm themselves physically if they have a lot going on in their head and I want to prevent that.

[Bane]

Aaron Pike

We smile at his enthusiasm for his interests, Curiosity glad to know about his genuine interest, but still dying to know more. "Yeah Sociology is a great subject, especially in Panem. Every District has a different type of society," he says. We haven't thought about this much, since our vessel will most likely be confined to this District, but it makes sense that the other Districts would have built different social structures in order to better fulfill their roles. The Capitol was very careful to engineer those societies, and there's a kind of beauty in their work, even if it does restrict our vessel. We can appreciate the cold calculation that led to the social construct we were born into.

Tomas says, "The Human mind is so interesting you know. The littlest things in someone’s environment can trigger something in their mind, causing them to do a lot of things. I just want to be able to help people as well as find out why everyone works so differently," and Curiosity once again wonders what caused the start of his interest. We believe this can't be all, based on his exhalation, and we find ourselves slightly sad that he feels he has to cut himself off. Fear points out that others might find a longer explanation boring, or even suspicious, and we realize that he has prepared this blurb for an audience other than ourselves. We take a moment to look out at the ones in the yard, and quietly wish they wouldn't put such restrictions on others without even interacting with them.

He continues, referencing back to my interests, by saying "So you wanting to be a Doctor then, you obviously want to help people physically? Me being at hand to help people mentally…" We smile at his ability to keep the conversation not solely about himself, despite so many people's self interest. Curiosity is slightly aggravated, but Aaron is glad for the extended interaction.

"I'm not really sure if I really want to help people physically rather than mentally, I think I like studying to be a doctor because I want to help people, and the human body is more interesting to me," we say. Not entirely true, since helping people doesn't matter much to us, but we still keep a smile on our face. That's normal, we believe, in nice weather with a pleasant conversation. Plus, more than just Curiosity is interested, we all find ourselves drawn into the conversation.

We only study to hide ourselves and stop the constant misunderstanding, but Tomas doesn't need to know. But strangely... we feel as if it wouldn't be bad for him to know, like it would for a normal person. Fear, however, restricts all exploration of that idea.

"So when did you realize you wanted to help people mentally?" we ask, trying to get to the root of his responses. We know this could result in a rebuke since we have little information on the cause of his interest, but we don't believe it will end in discovery, so we ask all the same.

OOC: Sorry this took longer than usual, life is getting kinda hectic atm

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

TOMAS FACIOLI

Keeping all my attention onto Aaron, I would be very intrigued to find out more about him. Many have not been that interested in me than he has. I don’t want to be hogging the spotlight, so hand the microphone to him. A good friendship starts if you find each other’s interest and maybe you may just find a match in that pile. Many people have similar interest, may it be their favourite food or what subject they study. I could share similarities with a murderer in the Detention Centre. After all, we’re all human beings and we live in the same world, with the same things on offer. "I'm not really sure if I really want to help people physically rather than mentally, I think I like studying to be a doctor because I want to help people, and the human body is more interesting to me," Nodding, I’d follow his words, may he not have similar studies than me, I will find a same interest. We’re both studying human beings, so I may have found a slight interest. We’re both trying to fix a person, may it be from different ends of the spectrum and we may one day again meet in our work. Glancing at the others playing in the yard, many of them may be Panem’s next top scientist, in any field. One day someone from my generation may crack a cure for all disease, disease in the body and the mind. Such cure may even help eradicate the games, such cure may help all the Districts connect together but I most likely have to wait for a later date for that to happen. What would I do in the gam…No Tomas, focus. This is not the right time and place to think about that. Returning back to full attention, I’d catch the question thrown at me back Aaron. "So when did you realize you wanted to help people mentally?" Another good question from Aaron but how exactly am I to present my answer, in short form? My reasons why are like a novel, a biography of my life. How am I to give an abbreviated version? I’ve been asked why many times but never when. When exactly did my interest for psychology sprout into my mind? Digging deep into my memory bank, I’d try to throw together a short form description for Aaron. I’ve been abbreviating a lot of answers in this conversation and well, his question is quite personal. ”Probably when I was just starting schooling, I realised I could never focus in school. I wanted to know why because I always tried hard to focus, yet my brain never complied. Also my mother… she had depression,” More like she still has it. I am deepening into the personal sides of my answer, yet it doesn’t feel awkward for me to share it. ”I wanted to help my mother because she was really having a rough time. I got all the psychology books out for such matter and the interest sprung up from there.” The End. Letting out an inhale for air, I’d finally finish my answer. Swallowing, I’d try to fix my dried out mouth. ”What about you, where did your interests come from?” Passing the microphone back to Aaron, I take a little breather.

[Bane]

Aaron Pike

It seems our question wasn't what Tomas anticipated, because he hesitates of a moment before responding. We don't know if this is good, because we are showing interest, or bad because we've hit a nerve, and we wait with baited breath for his response. When it finally comes, we barely know what to make of it.

"Probably when I was just starting schooling, I realized I could never focus in school. I wanted to know why because I always tried hard to focus, yet my brain never complied. Also my mother… she had depression," he says, and alarm bells go off in our mind as Fear begins to push Curiosity aside. This is an extremely personal topic for him, and it could result in our blunder and discovery. He continues, saying "I wanted to help my mother because she was really having a rough time. I got all the psychology books out for such matter and the interest sprung up from there." He then lets a small breath escape.

We decide that pressing him again immediately would be a bad move. We understand that others have strong attachments to their parents, which we don't fully understand, so Fear convinces Curiosity that letting the conversation move away from him for a bit would be a smart move, but without too abrupt a change.

"I'm sorry about that. It's amazing that you were able to help her. I'm not sure I would be able to do something like that." A compliment seems like a good follow-up to us, since it's no longer pressing him to look deeper. Then, he asks his own question, and Fear points out how he was right. Tomas says, "What about you, where did your interests come from?" and we realize we don't have the best response. The danger of looking into others seems to be the reciprocal interest which is created.

"Well... I guess it was the District really," we say. "We have the opportunity to become doctors, which none of the other Districts have. I guess I wanted to take that opportunity and make it a responsibility." Does that even make sense? We don't know, but we feel we can't stop their after what he said. Something drives us to continue. "Plus, doctors are.. respected I guess would be the word? Because of the good work they do. People aren't as accusatory towards them." That's much more than we meant to reveal, and we berate ourselves internally, with Fear making a cacophony so we can barely hear ourselves think about our next move. Is there even a next move? We don't know. Maybe confusion is the best front. It always keeps the teachers off their guard, but we don't know how others will react.

"I don't really know how to put it, sorry!" we say, laughing in an attempt to appear lighthearted. We almost beg for the release of the bell, but we know that lunch won't end just yet, and Fear hides in our eyes once more. We berate ourselves for our inability to give one unified front, and it must look strange to smile and laugh while the eyes are afraid, but that is what we can't control.