Chapter One - Revelations (Variables - One)
A variable is a placeholder for a changeable value in an equation. While the constant and unchanging numbers are important, the changing value of a variable leads to unpredictable outcomes, and can influence the end result in many possible ways. If there are many variables, then the equation might be even more unpredictable, and more violent.
Excerpts from the Diary of Jonaraja Calypso
(First entry.)
May 27th
Dear diary,
I've never had one of these before! Is that how I start this? That's how everyone else doing the dairy trend starts theris, so yeah, hello! Wait actually, nah, that's too cliche.
Hello diary!
Gree
Hi there, diary,
(The previous passage has been scribbled out, although it is still tangible. The text continues on the next page.)
Hey there, diary!
That feels better. When I saw my friends doing the whole "secret diary" trend, I never imagined it would be so hard! I mean, I have to use a pen and everything! But you know what, it's always been "share your feelings with everyone else," and not "ooooo, keep it a secret!"
(The word secret has been crudely circled multiple times over.)
It's odd, you know? Well, you're a book, I'd doubt you know. But I've never actually spoken about half the things I want to! I mean, I am Madame Prez's Secretary and everything, everything I wanna talk about has always been under wraps and such! And now, I can say something!
(The word "say" has been crossed out and replaced with "write," which is then crossed out altogether. Scribbles continue to the bottom of the page. The text continues on the next page.)
Working for Madama Prez is such an odd thing, especially now. I'm never allowed to say anything about her! I've been working for her for eight months, and I can't spill a single ounce of gossip for my friends! That's awful! You have to gossip in the Capitol, that's like, a right of passage! All of my friends have things to say about their jobs, and yet, according to everyone on the Council, I can't talk about the Prez! And that's all my friends wanna hear about! Uuuuuuuuuuugh!
(The word "Uuuuuuuuuuugh" has been circled numerous times.)
But I guess it makes sense. Madame Prez just adores her security. I mean, no one even knows her name! Well, gran-gran says she knows, but she's never told me. So why should I believe that old geezer? Well, actually, I love her, so…
(A small heart has been drawn next to the word "adores." The words "old geezer" have been hastily crossed out. The text continues on the next page.)
Aaaaaaaaaanyways, should I talk about her here? Idk, it seems a 'lil risky to, after all, if someone who shouldn't finds you, then I'd get sent to jail! People make fortunes off of information they shouldn't have! I shouldn't talk about Madame Prez…
Then what do I talk about? Meroz? Nah. Mummy? No, she's the same she's always been. Not to say I don't love her. And she loves me too! It's nice. I think the only thing she loves more than me is the Games!
OOOOOOOOOOO! I should talk about those, since I'm a part of them now! This July is officially my first Games as a… Games person? I mean, I'm no * Gamemaker *, but well, I'm still *important*. Because well, as you know, wait do you? You're a book, so would you know? Who cares, you're my book, you know! AS you know, Madame Prez doesn't show her face in public (and I'm one of the lucky fellows who gets to see her face! :D), so it's my job to convey her wishes to the public. Isn't that cool?!
("Gamemaker" has been sribble-underlined numerous times. The text continues on the next page.)
I'm on the news ALL THE TIME now! Mummy says that she thinks I'm doing great! I bought a brand new suit, and all of my friends say I look professional now! And the Council seems to like me too. Well apart from MARS.
("Mars" has been circled numerous times, and it takes up roughly five lines of space. A frown has been drawn next to it.)
Marsy's the new Head Gamemaker, and don't get me wrong, he's great! Super hot, too! But whenever I go on the news with him, he always seems mad at the fact that I'm telling the press the Prez's opinion. I mean, that's my job, innit? I ask her what she thinks, and then I tell the public! And Marsy is always like, "well, you're not supposed to say that :(". But what am I 'spose to say? I can't lie, can I? That would get me fired!
Well, my hand is hurty hurty, so I think I'll end it here! How'm I 'spose to end this? I know!
Sincerely,
("Sincerely," has been crossed out.)
Your bestie,
("Your bestie," has been scribbled out.)
See ya later!
* Jonaraja Calypso *
(Jonaraja's signature has been circled with glitter glue. The text continues on the next page.)
(Fifth entry.)
June 1st
Hey there, Diary! It's me, Jonaraja! Didja miss me?
Well, it's been a WILD ride today. The Games are approaching soon, meaning that it's been getting BUSY! More interviews, more meetings with the Council about the Games, and everyone is so excited! It's pretty tough though, cause all of my friends keep on askin', "Jonaraja, what's the Prez like?" And I tell 'em, "sorry, I can't tell ya!" And it hurts my heart, because I love my friends! But I'm a good Capitolite, and I'm not tattling on her! Nope, I'm keeping my job today!
Well, actually…
So, Mars has been a real jerk lately.
(A word has been scribbled out and replaced with "jerk." The text continues on the next page.)
Yesterday, there was another interview about the Games, 'cause they're coming in about a month and a half. All those interviewers are kinda like Meroz, they all wanna know about things that I can't tell them. It's driving me CRAZY!
("CRAZY!" has been emboldened and underlined, and it takes up the rest of the page. The text continues on the next page.)
So, like usual when it comes to these *interviews*, I went to Madame Prez's office with her morning tea to discuss her opinions. But I can never seem to get much out of her. Every time I ask her, "What do you want me to say about the Games?" she never, ever, EVER says anything different! It drives me CRAZY! Wait I already said that
("It drives me CRAZY! Wait I already said that" has been hastily scribbled out.)
Actually, I think I can quote it, 'cause she's said it so much! "Please don't ask me about the Games, I don't want to talk about them."
Ain't that odd, Diary? A Capitoite, no, the President, not wanting to talk about them? Well actually, she's the Prez, I wouldn't blame her to be honest! With everyone in the government wanting to talk nonstop about the Games, I don't know how she puts up with it!
But Marsy doesn't seem to get that.
("Marsy" has been written in a harder handwriting, and it indents the page following it. The text continues on the next page.)
So, when I told the interviewers that Madame Prez said she wasn't interested in the Games, Marsy seemed to FREAK OUT! Because, like, after the 'view, he pulled me aside and said that I need to stop telling them that. AGAIN. Which, that ain't new, but what was new was when I went to the Councilroom later that day, and he was talking ALL about me! And not in a good way, no, he was all like, "she's too dangerous, let's get rid of her!"
I can't stand him, I CAN'T STAND HIM!
(The previous paragraph has a low legibility due to what appears to be an enraged scribbling. The text continues on the next page.)
Who does Marsy think he is? I mean, I'm not ruining his rep or anything, the crowd is always, ALWAYS interested in a new Gamemaker, President approved or not! I should know, I used to work for the Capitol News!
Hey, come to think of it, this is the first time I can remember that Madame Prez hasn't been said to be interested in the Games. I mean, it's probably just 'cause it's been shoved down her throat, but well, I do love a good mystery! Maybe that's why Marsy's so ornery, 'cause the Prez ain't interested in the Games anymore!
Oooo, this is so exciting! I promise Diary, I'll get to the bottom of this! But for now, see ya later!
* Jonaraja Calypso *
(Jonaraja's signature has been scribble-underlined numerous times. The text continues on the next page.)
(Ninth entry.)
June 14th
Hey there, Diary, it's me again, JC!
Sorry that I've been super spotty with my entries lately, it's just that, with the Games coming up, I've been super busy! But I promise, I'll make time for ya!
So, in between my interviews with Marsy and the rest, I've been looking into that * super secret mystery * ! And it's been… odd! Idk, it's just that, Madame Prez really is as secretive as the rumors say! Or at least, the rumors that Meroz says.
(The words "* super secret mystery *" have little star stickers next to them.)
I tried digging deeper when I brought her her morning tea today. When she gave her usual response, today, I decided to ask her why she always said no to responding. After all, the world is watching! And guess what? She said nothing!
("nothing!" has been circled numerous times. The text continues on the next page.)
She just told me to get out. She never does that! Usually we chat for a bit, (or I chat for a bit, Madame Prez doesn't like talking!) then I go out and talk to the public. But you know what, I'm getting really tired with her blowing me off all the time! She doesn't know how hard it is to disappoint the press every day, she's off doing…
Huh. Now that I think about it, I don't really know what she does. Everything in Panem seems to be working as it always has been. What exactly does she… do?
Hey, I can add that to my investigations! Let's see, what other kinds of stuff do I not know about her? Oh, I know, why did she hire me? Wait, actually that is a GREAT question!
(The word "GREAT" is emboldened, creating a small tear in the page. The text continues on the next page.)
Oh no! I'm so sorry Diary, I didn't mean to!
Well, I think that settles it! I'm going to have to ask more questions, starting right now! To the Councilroom, Diary! We have a case to solve!
(A small line is drawn between this and the next segment of the entry.)
OK! So, you came with me, Diary, so you know what happened! Let's review! What! Did! We! Learn!
(A single bullet point is made.)
-Marsy's a douchebag!
I can't believe him! All I did was go into the Councillroom and ask "hey! What is it that Madame Prez does?" And he just blew me off!
(The text continues on the next page.)
Actually, why was he there in the first place? He's not a Councilmember! And yet there he was, chatting away with Councilhead What's His Nuts! I mean, sure, I interrupted the meeting, and sure, I looked like a buffoon, but he's the Head Gamemaker! And the Games are in LESS THAN A MONTH!
(The previous passage has a poor legibility, most likely from the enraged state of the author at the time of writing the text. The following passage follows the same pattern.)
And they never, ever, EVER, EVER answered my question! WHN just said stuff like, "well why do you need to know?!" and Marsy just ushered me out! It's not like they were even talking about anything important, all I heard was stuff like… "purge!" and "burn the books!" And I can only think to myself, "didn't they already do that arena?" I mean, Marsy, if you're gonna be mean, at least make me a NEW arena, man! And do it WITH THE GAMEMAKERS!
Sorry for ranting, Diary, but I'm just so mad! Marsy has no right to act so important! I swear, one day I'll get to the bottom of this! And Marsy's not gonna say anything about it!
See ya later!
Jonaraja Calypso
(The text continues on the next page.)
(Thirteenth entry.)
June 21st
Hey there, Diary! Good news!
So, I think I might've been wrong about Marsy! I know, I know, SCANDALOUS! But you know, Meroz? My very best friend in the whole wide world forever and ever and ever? Marsy gave her her *DREAM JOB!*
("*DREAM JOB!*" takes up the whole of the page. The text continues on the next page.)
She has ALWAYS wanted to be a part of the Games, her whole life! And now, she's a Gamemaker! I know, ain't that NUTS? A new Gamemaker, THIS close to the start of the Games themselves? Why, the Gamemakers must be super short-staffed, or maybe Marsy is just a lunatic!
But still, this is such a great opportunity for her! I mean, an opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime! And you know what this means? GOSSIP! Now that Meroz and I both work for the government, we can share our ultra super top secrets with each other! It's been so long since I've been able to talk about my life! And OH- I just thought of this, she can help in my investigation! :D
(A smiley face has been drawn next to the previous paragraph.)
SPEAKING of the investigation…
(The text continues on the next page.)
So, I've been looking more into this whole thing, but I've hit a roadblock. Madame Prez isn't speaking to me anymore! Ever since I asked her a week ago, she keeps on giving me the silent treatment! I mean, how immature! Who gives anybody the silent treatment nowadays?!
But anyways, back on Marsy's side of things, even if he has been nicer, he's still quite the oddball. I mean, he keeps on talking about his weird purging arena with What's His Nuts, but… I don't really know any details. What is it, a school? Marsy, you're on my good side for what you did for my bestie, but that's so lame! And back with What's His Nuts, I keep on trying to bring up Madame Prez with him, but he just keeps on ignoring me! Ugh!
("Ugh!" has multiple underlines.)
Anyways, today's interview with the press sent all of us *important people* to the Gamemaker's room for a special Games update with Marsy! I mean, they do that with EVERY new Head Gamemaker when they come to their position, but hey, it's cool!
The best part was, I got to see Meroz at work for the very first time! And let me tell you, she looked SO happy! And that Gamemaker uniform was soooooooo cute on her!
And uh… I might've done something I shouldn't have. After the camera crew left… I may or may not have… stayed a while.
(The text continues on the next page.)
What, you would've done the same if you could walk, Diary! She's my best friend! At her DREAM JOB! I wanted to congratulate her! But… well, Marsy kinda sorta talked to her first. And you know what's odd? Get ready to have your MIND BLOWN.
He mentioned ME.
I know I know, isn't that crazy? I mean, I hid, I didn't want to be caught snooping, so I didn't hear everything. But I DEFINITELY heard Marsy say "Jonaraja." That's me! I'm Jonaraja! Did Marsy really like me the whole time? Is that why he chose Meroz for this? That's AMAZING!
Er, well, now that I'm writing it all out like this, it's a little… weird. I mean, why is he mentioning me, of all people, to a Gamemaker? Now, I know that it's with Meroz, but… why was Marsy bringing it up?
That's kinda odd.
I mean, I now I've done dumb things, like interrupting him at that Council meeting, but… am I really all that important to him that he talks about me? I wonder what it could've been about.
(The text below is slightly shaky and more difficult to read.)
Wait, why am I worried? It's only Meroz. If it involves Meroz I never have any reason to be afraid. It'll be fine! I have no reason to worry I have no reason to I already wrote that
("I have no reason to worry I already wrote that" has been crossed out. The text continues on the next page.)
I invited Meroz over today to congratulate her for her first day on the job. Maybe I can ask her about the encounter? No, she'd probably get worried as to why I was snooping around. That's a no go. But… I do wanna talk about my theories! And Meroz is the only person I can talk about them with, after all! So… this will be fine! I might finally be able to get to the bottom of this! I find it strange though. I mean, I was in this for fun, but now I'm in it for…
I don't know. Should I?
Nah.
And, for the heck of it… I think I would rather know about what Mars had to say about me.
Meroz is gonna be here any minute now! Sorry to cut you off short, see ya later!
JC
(The text continues on the next page.)
(Seventeenth entry.)
July 1st
I was wrong about everything.
I don't have much time but I need to write something here right now! Who am I going to give this to, this can't remain a secret! WHY AM I STILL WRITING INSTEAD OF (-)
(The text has low legibility. After "OF" comes a large amount of scribbles, and from this point forward, all illegible text and/or scribbles will be replaced with (-) in this transcription. The text continues on the next page.)
I was only looking for fun, not this! The mystery, the theories, I thought it was all simple, I was only interested in it because it looked like lighthearted fun! But it's all gone sour, so sour! How do I explain it I don't know why is this (-)
(The text continues on the next page.)
Mars is coming for me. I got fired today and Meroz isn't responding to my calls. I tried to call mummy and ask her what to do, but she said I was being hysterical and to call her back when I calmed down. But I can't calm down, this is a disaster! The only one who actually helped is gran-gran. And she told me that I needed to get out of the Capitol. But that is CRAZY TALK! Or, at least, I thought it was crazy talk until I went to the Councilroom, and What's His Nuts told me I was FIRED!
You don't know the situation, right, dear reader, you need to know what's going on! Uh….(-) BAD STUFF, that's what! I don't know where to begin, or even how to pass this off! Do I drop this book in the river, I mean, it's WATERPROOF, that would make sense. Gran-gran said I need to tell people about what's going on, but I still haven't WHY HAVE I EXPLAINED NOTHING!?
They're coming for me, I don't have much time! I'll try to explain everything as quickly as possible. Uh… Mars's arena idea wasn't for the arena! The President isn't the President! No, that's so vague I need more concrete explanations I have no time why am I (-)
Oh! You'll need to know this! The President's name is (-)
(The text does not continue on the next page.)