E- here's the first of the entries scanned from Katsuo Akiyama's personal journal. GG
May 31st, 99 ADD
Tomorrow is Reaping Day.
I wrote those words and then stared at the page for several minutes. What the fuck does Mother expect me to do with this thing? Does she truly believe I'll be taking significant portions of time out of my day over the next several weeks to write about what's happening? The entire nation will see everything that I do. There is no need to record anything.
Thankfully, Asaki had a slightly better suggestion: instead of using the pages to chronicle my time winning the Hunger Games, use this as a place to process and plan. She said anything unsuitable for the camera should go in here. That suggestion is also terrible, as it seems extremely unwise to leave a written copy of my plans lying around for anyone to see. However, she had a point about maintaining appearances. Perhaps I will not take this book into the arena and only use it during the preparation period. For now, I will attempt to use the journal according to Asaki's recommendation, but I have little faith in it and will abandon it as soon as it is clearly not useful. My stepmother's advice occasionally has some value. Occasionally.
At this time tomorrow, I will be on the train to the Capitol. I have not met my district partner yet and frankly have no interest in doing so until I have to. I do not remember her name. Aurelia Charm and Augustus Braun will also be present, although it is unclear which will be my Mentor. If I have any say, I will let them know I prefer Aurelia to the brute.
I am unclear on what else to write. I suppose most people would be nervous at this time, but I am not. I have been preparing for this my entire life. I have worked hard and earned the position of Volunteer. I have studied the Games, and I know what results in Victory. Weapons skills. Winning the audience. Staying one step ahead of the others. I have no qualms about manipulation, lying, or betrayal- in fact, I understand how necessary they are. Always be the liar, or else you are the one being lied to. Simple. I will not make the same missteps that have been reflected in the last ninety-eight years of this tradition, and I will make Mother proud. Panem will know the Akiyama name, and they will respect it.
I suppose I will write again tomorrow night. I believe people usually sign off journal entries out of sentiment. Foolish, but I do believe in closure.
K.A.