She dozed in and out through the night, unable to get any rest. Even if she was in the most comfortable bed in the world, she still didn't think she would be able to sleep in these circumstances, so she reluctantly accepted the fatigue. The sound of the door opening jerked her to attention, and she subconsciously gripped the arms of the chair she was sitting in. A familiar face came into view, but not exactly one she was too happy about seeing.

"What are you doing here?" she asked harshly while glaring at the blue eyed boy. He merely smirked at her which only made her clench his fists in fury. He looked up and down at the girl seated with her wrists and ankles tied to a chair. At first glance, she looked like just another of the government indoctrinated citizens, seemingly possessing an extreme hatred for him and the rest of the Insurgents. But this girl had something interesting about her, though he just wasn't quite sure what it was yet. The boy smiled to himself. This interrogation may prove more fun than he thought.

"Well, it looks like we're off to a great start already." he answered lightheartedly, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. He wore a plain black jacket paired with grey cargo pants and his hair was messy looking, as if he didn't even take the time to comb it down.

"What do you expect? You kidnapped me and my roommate and now you want me to be happy with you? Excuse me? What is wrong with you?"

He chuckled, pulling the other chair toward himself and sitting down across from her. "Now, just let me talk for a moment. Maybe I can change your point of view."

"No," she objected immediately. "I don't want to hear any of your propaganda lies. If you're trying to get me to join you or tell you anything, it won't work."

"Oh, come on, you don't actually like the government do you? Do you know what they do?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, I know what they do," she spat. "But from what I heard, you've done worse."

"You can't believe what they say."

"And I'm supposed to believe you? Huh?"

He chuckled again, but his amusement only angered her more. "You're a feisty one, aren't you? That was quite a stunt you pulled yesterday. Quite entertaining to watch."

"What are you trying to accomplish here?"

"Last time I checked, I'm the one who's supposed to be asking the questions."

"So why don't you ask the questions then?"

"Well, okay then. How are you?"

She paused. "Huh?"

"Did I say it in French?"

"What?"

He smirked. "It seems you don't get sarcasm."

"I don't think this is the right situation to be using sarcasm."

"And when would be an appropriate situation?"

"Never in speech, because why mislead when you can speak clearly?"

He snorted. "Y'all are too serious. Anyway, you didn't answer my question. How are you?"

She rolled her eyes before looking away. "Terrible."

"Well, at least you're being honest."

The girl let out an exasperated sigh. He watched silently as she tugged uselessly at her restraints and clenched and unclenched her fists. The ropes holding her down were rubbing harshly into her skin and it appeared to be quite painful.

"Hey, take it easy there," he said, instinctively rushing to her and grabbing onto her hands to prevent her from moving. As soon as his hands touched hers, she freaked out and immediately tried to rip them away from him.

"Don't touch me," she spoke harshly.

Seeing that she was obviously very uncomfortable, he backed away slowly. "I'm sorry. I promise I'm not going to hurt you."

"Says the person who kidnapped me and allowed for me to get publicly beaten yesterday. All you Insurgents ever do is lie."

"Sorry about that, but it's not like you would have gone with me willingly. As for the episode yesterday, it kinda happens to everyone."

"That doesn't make it good. And what do you mean by 'everyone'? Is kidnapping a thing you do on the regular?"

He laughed. "Naw, just whenever necessary. It's not like we enjoy keeping folks like you around." He paused for a moment. "If I remove your bonds, you won't attack me, right?"

Her eyes widened at his statement. "What?"

"You seem uncomfortable like that and I don't want you to hurt yourself. So, let me ask again. If I remove your bonds, will you promise to stay right there?"

Her face obviously showed that she was puzzled by his offer and surprisingly gentle nature. Her eyes scanned him, as if she was trying to detect any malice beneath his casual appearance and velvety voice. Her gaze softened before she finally nodded slowly. "I won't go anywhere."

He smiled. "Good." He stepped closer to her and got to work untying her bonds.

"Do you have something I can call you?" he asked while he worked. She hesitated at first, so he added quickly, "Or just make one up for now, I don't care."

"12505A," she finally said quietly.

"No, I mean your name."

"A name is something that you're called. That's what I'm called."

"Oh," he said, mentally slapping himself. "I forgot they don't give most people actual names over there. But that's not gonna work here."

"So what are you going to do about it?"

"I don't know. Maybe I can give you one."

"Not on your life."

He immediately laughed. "Okay, it's your choice. I for one would hate to have a name like that."

"I don't mind, and I don't care what you think either."

As soon as he undid the last of her restraints, he saw her entire body tense up, as if she was contemplating whether to rush at him or not. She remained sitting, but her eyes shifted to between him and the door.

"It's locked," he commented, noticing her behavior. "So you're stuck here with me."

She sighed, leaning back onto the chair and examining her wrists which were slightly tender after being bound by the ropes. Even if she had tried to make a break for it, there really was no where for her to go. She knew she had to play it smart if she was to make it out in the end. He pulled up the chair and sat in front of her again.

"What's your name?" she asked, looking up to meet his gaze.

"Kairo."

"Like the place?"

"Yeah, but spelled differently. I'm surprised that you even know it's a place."

"I'm not stupid."

"I didn't say that."

She tilted her head. "Well, your tone and behavior suggests otherwise. Is this your first time interrogating someone?"

"I don't really like to call it that, and no, I've done many of these before."

"So...why aren't you asking me anything important? Why aren't you tying me to some strange machine and torturing me until I give you some vital information?"

"Is that what you want me to do?" he asked, raising an eyebrow curiously. Odd of her to say something like that.

"Please, no," she replied quickly, her voice clearly displaying her fear. She seemed on the verge of begging, but she shook her head, knowing that there was really nothing she could do. No words could sway the heart of a sadist, but yet part of her knew he wasn't that type.

"And I'd rather not do it either," he reassured and she let out a sigh of relief. "Torture is never a good questioning technique. Plus, it just ain't my style."

"I can see that. But I think you're too trusting."

"Perhaps."

"You've already given me the freedom of movement. I could probably attack you right now."

He laughed. "That wouldn't be in your best interest."

"Don't underestimate me."

"Girl, you're as skinny as a toothpick. You couldn't possibly fight me, even if I was taking it easy on you. And even in the one in a million chance you got past me, I know some people who would not hold back. Anyway, I thought they fed you well at the school or whatever it's called. At least, most of the elites are all fat and corpulent."

"Well, I didn't exactly obey all the rules."

"Hm, I'm actually not surprised, considering how feisty you are. And they take away your food as punishment?"

She looked down at the ground as some uncomfortable memories that she had attempted to bury deep down began to resurface. "That's only one of the punishments."

"Interesting. What else do they do if you step outta line?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped herself before she revealed anything else. She detected a sort of amused look in his eyes, and it only made her feel indignant.

"I see what you're doing here," she said. "An interesting form of interrogation, but proves to be quite effective."

Kairo smirked. "Ah, you're a clever one."

At that, abruptly stood from his seat and headed for the door. The girl stood up with him.

"Where are you going?" she demanded.

"Out. I'm done here."

"But I barely told you anything."

"You told me enough."

"But don't you want to know more?"

"Next time. What? You want me to stay? You like me that much?" he teased, stepping toward her with an amused smile on his face.

She shoved him away from her. "In your dreams."

Kairo chuckled. He was about to open the door but paused. He turned to look at the girl behind him. She looked like she was poised to bolt out of there any second.

"Don't try to escape or else I'll be forced to tie you down next time. Enjoy your freedom for now, but know that I can take it away at any time."

"What, do you think I'm stupid? It wouldn't do me any good to attempt a stunt like that."

Baffled by her unexpected response, he just nodded in response. Still keeping his eyes on her, he managed to still unlock the door and slip out. The girl stayed right where she was, staring at him until he appeared out of sight. After hearing the door shut, she let out a sigh. What an incredibly odd boy Kairo was, and this first interrogation was nothing like anything she would have ever expected. She wondered what else he and the rest of the Insurgents would have in store for her. At the same time, she felt an empty hunger slowly creeping in, and she realized that she had not eaten anything for over two days now. Ignoring the rumbling of her stomach, she wandered around the room trying to find something of interest or value. Not surprisingly, she found nothing. With a sigh, she settled down in a corner of the room and leaned her head against the wall. Her fear of the unknown still lingered, slowly picking her apart, but at the same time, a new and foreign sense of hope began to make its home in her heart.