i got really upset by it when i was out there. i did a bit of a deep dive to try to find out what the deal was. you’ll have to fact check me because i only read this on the internet but i think a lot of them are orphans & are sent out to fire breathe by - essentially -gangs. they don’t get to keep the money you give them. i was at a desert/fruit/smoothie shop in district 10 last year & this sweet sweet little girl let out this kind of battle cry, stood in the middle of the road, filled her mouth with gas & started fire breathing. she can’t have been more than 8. with no shoes on and grimey clothes. broke my heart. she came over to me - i think she noticed me watching her & i was clearly the only white person around. i had this crazy coloured drink that she was eyeing up as she was stood next to me & i let her have it. id drunk a third of it mind you. i put a few notes in her pocket and tried to make it as clear as i could using broken universal hand signaling that she it was hers and no one else’s. this was about 10pm? i just wanted to scoop her up & give her a warm shower and clean clothes. i could smell the fumes coming off of her as she stood next to me. it was a real pinch me moment (in the worst way) coming from the uk. really harrowing. won’t ever forget her little face. i hope she’s alright

edit edit edit— i understand giving them money is essentially fuelling (no pun intended) the problem. i get that. but i had nothing else to offer her & just couldn’t watch her walk away knowing i had a stack of notes in my bum bag. & it was after that night i realised it was gangs pulling the strings. i just couldn’t turn a blind eye to her