Just so you know, it's a personal headcanon that the Internet still exists in Panem, but the only places to have it are the Capitol and Districts One and Two, since they're the richest, and Three, being the technology district. As well as anyone else in the other districts who are rich enough to afford not only a computer but also a modem.
Leah Rockwell, 25 years old
Day 4 of the 25th Hunger Games
Normally I'd shut the curtains before undressing, but since the floor I'm on is quite high up, I'm not too worried. Besides, if anyone did see me, I'd be perfectly fine with that. Imagine if someone took an unsolicited photo of me and posted it online! That would be quite scandalous! And maybe it would teach Hermes a lesson about fidelity.
It's a hot night, being summertime and all, so the windows are open as well. There's a slight breeze too, just enough to take the edge off the heat. It makes the curtains flutter out from the windows.
The small faux-chandelier is on, but set to the dimmest setting. Along with a lamp on my bedside table, it provides the only light. It's a warm, ambient glow that makes the whole room seem very cozy.
In the corner is the television displaying live footage of the Games. In the reflection of my mirror, I can see the girl from Five tussling with the girl from Eight. I don't care who wins; I don't particularly like either of them. In fact, I don't really care about the Games at all right now. There are much more important things to do with my time.
Like inspect my reflection, for instance.
I'd convinced Hermes to take me to the Crystal Cavern spa today, and it was absolutely amazing! I'd had a great time… and then he had to ruin it by chatting up that deaf dumb bitch from Twelve. The one who won last year. He claimed that he just wanted to buy her lunch to cheer her up, but I'm not convinced.
He's got the whole city wrapped around his thumb, though. I saw an online article from that site Tattler, which is absolutely full of hacks, that made my blood boil. I was scrolling through my feed when I saw the title: Hermes Massassi and his heart of gold!
And then the following passage: Hermes Massassi (18th Games) was spotted at Chantilly Coffee House today with Jemima Sinclair (24th Games) eating their famous chocolate chiffon cake! When asked about why, Hermes stated that he felt bad about his tribute killing both of hers yesterday and wanted to make up for it! Aww! How sweet of him! Jemima certainly seemed much happier than when we saw her yesterday! She declined to comment but it was pretty obvious she was enjoying herself! And who wouldn't?
Words cannot begin to describe how furious I am right now. I know that you can't exactly expect accurate information from fucking Tattler of all places, but come on! The truth is right there for the whole world to see! How are they so blind to it?
The whole city is being fed their lies! Over the next few hours I'd also seen this story posted to Neighbourhood Gossip, NewNewsToday, and Summer Fun, and it's only a matter of time before Neropolitian gets their hands on it.
Those two little whores are going to pay.
I glance over at the television. The Five girl stands victorious over the Eight girl as blood pools on the ground. At least, I think it's the Eight girl. It might actually be the Three or Ten girl. They all look so similar. But that Five girl, there's no mistaking that curly hair or the way she curls her lip in disgust.
I turn back to the mirror. Time to block out all unpleasant thoughts and focus on the most pleasant of them all: me!
That spa visit did wonders for me. My skin is glowing, all excess and unnecessary hair has been plucked, there are the lingering scents of orange and lemon, and overall every one of my feathers has been elevated to perfection. I mean, I was already perfect, but this is still amazing.
In the soft light of my room, I look practically luminescent. My hair shines, like it's made of gold. I run my hands over my arms, chest, shoulders, back and stomach, in awe at how soft and smooth everything is.
The silver gown I was wearing is draped on the floor around me in a circle enclosing my feet. Exactly where I'd left it after taking it off. It sparkles in the light. By the chair next to the window, my silver heels are also sparkling, like they're encrusted with diamonds- hang on, now I really want a pair of shoes encrusted with diamonds!
The air freshener goes off then, filling the room with the lovely scent of magnolias. It's my job to pick the scent; Hermes is useless at it. He wanted Tropical Breeze, like seriously? I'm not having that! It's magnolias or nothing!
Speaking of Hermes, he should be back any moment. He called me earlier, saying he had to do a few things first. He refused to specify what exactly and wouldn't answer me when I asked. Fucking rude.
He's probably still out with Jemima; god I hate that bitch. I feel like I'm going to slap her next time I see her! Mark my words, I'll show her what happens when you think you can steal my man out from under my nose and can get away with it!
Ooh, my palm is absolutely itching to slap that stupid pitiful expression right off her face!
But wait till Hermes gets home, he'll really be in for it then!