Network

The saddest thing I've ever had to admit to myself - reliving Junior year of high school is a highlight of my Dreams so far. I'm attending the same high school my parents went to when they were teenagers and knowing that I'm determined not to look at any of the pictures. I know if I see a picture of them in that building I'll have a breakdown like I did at their funeral and who wants to be known as the girl who freaked out in the middle of the halls on her first day right?

Luckily for me the girl I met at the hospital, Kat, found me in the halls and gave me a brief rundown on the people we passed. Until we got to Cole who she was more interested in filling me in on her history with one of his friends and warning me to steer clear of the group because they're bad news. I was going to just leave it at that but then I locked eyes with Cole and had a vision. Which I've never had happen before. It was very weird and not sure it's something I'd want to experience here because I woke up from it feeling disoriented and dizzy.

So it's my turn to share the happy news - Izzy and I are going to be expanding Cheshire Confectionaries to include catering services through our website. I know from past experience that it'll make keeping track of things a lot easier for me at least. Plus Cheshire can't mess with the orders that way since they'll be stored on the computer and not just written down somewhere.

So in my dreams, my best friend is going to The Hunger Games.

Not cool. I promised her I'd take care of her mom and her little sister.

Honestly, I'm not sure how dream Gale is going to deal with Katniss being gone.

Right, so. Just a friendly reminder The Peppy Pie offers a 10% discount for all dreamers. Cause we all deserve a break.

I'm really hoping that this latest dream means that I'm finally going to stop having to relive the fallout from the accident. It started with me meeting this girl named Kat when I was in the hospital - her mom works there and told her I needed a friend so...thanks mysterious pitying mom I guess. I really wanted to dislike Kat but she's just got that quality about her that makes it impossible. I was released from the hospital the next day and my grandparents took me home so I don't know when, or if, I'll see her again but it was good to have a friend for at least a little while distracting me. Almost enough to break through the numbness I was feeling in the dream.

The Dream ended with the funeral - us burying them in the cemetery that the accident was in front of and Gran wanted me to speak there, just like here but I couldn't. I couldn't talk about them. I didn't want to talk about them or listen to other people talk about them. In the dream I started screaming at the funeral while someone was talking about Emma, and I just kept screaming until I blacked out in the Dream.

I woke up here screaming with Dragon beside me trying to comfort me.

On account of the weekend holiday, I've decided to have a flash sale. Just come to The Peppy Pie at [address], mention the Valar Network, and you'll get 20% off your order. Business has picked up considerably since I joined the network, which probably isn't a coincidence, so I wanted to try and give back a little.

I'm guessing wanting to get drunk and forget everything is a common reaction to the dreams? Yeah. That's where I'm at today. I actually called off work, which I have never done for myself. The sad thing is, I only just started dreaming and I have a feeling it's going to get a lot worse than this.

I don't know why green beer is so bloody appealing, but I've already had three tonight and we're only at our second bar of the night. How many more am I bound to have before we call it a night? Only time will tell.

So, has anyone on this network ever heard of a place called Panem? That's where I was in my dream last night. The dream was hyper realistic, like really insanely felt like it was real. I know a lot of people here have crazy dreams, but this was definitely the most real feeling dream I've ever had.

Fucking Fillorian boats! And I mean that unironically. In Fillory there are magical ships that are somewhat sentient and apparently they can fuck and this pirate ship wants to assault our ship, The Muntjac. The pirate king wants me to just let her ship do this to ours otherwise she's going to kill our crew. As if I'm going to just say okay. Who does she think she's dealing with? I told The Muntjac to do whatever she wanted and apparently the Fairie Queen heard me because she took it upon herself to kill the pirate king's crew, which would have been all well and good, but not only is Eliot missing, but the Fairie Queen is also pissed at us because Tick stole my eye back from her only for her to notice and I did the only thing I could think of to try and stop her from continuing to spy on us. I destroyed my eye. Looks like I'm going to be a fucking cyclops for the rest of my life.

I can always tell when I'm pushing myself too hard - I've been sitting here all weekend getting pissed off because my phone is draining it's battery too quickly for what it's doing and I can't figure out why. I picked it up tonight and - I've had wi-fi turned off all weekend. It's been in data roaming the whole time which is why it's been draining so fast.

Business has been off the charts this past weekend. Which is awesome. I'm gonna have to hire more staff if this keeps up. Definitely not complaining. Now that Posey and the boys are out of the house, it's good for me to keep busy, so yeah. This is awesome.

So this is the Valar net. Cool. I'm Gale. Lived in the OC my whole life. I own the Peppy Pie pizza joint, so there's that. I really don't know what else to say. Uh. I live with two dogs, two cats, all rescues who are living their best life now. Am I supposed to say I like long walks on the beach, and preferably after dark? I don't know. One of my customers suggested I check out the network, so here I am. I'm really not sure what to say, or whatever. So, hi, I guess?

I see a lot of people writing about their dreams on this network. Is that a thing? Does it help to talk about it?

Last night I had a really strange dream. Not because the subject was strange, although I've never dreamt that I was a vampire before (I must be thinking of Twilight or something? (Team Jacob, by the way)), it's just that it's never felt so vivid or real before, like it was more like a memory than a dream, and I think I understand now why some people write about their dreams like it actually happened to them. Weird, huh?

Haven't had any dreams in awhile, so I knew I was due soon. First, Katniss and a few others started doing these Propos to tell the Capitol that Katniss was the Mockingjay. They retaliated by bombing District 13. Luckily, District 13 was underground, so we were all safe. After that, they finally figured out how to get into the Capitol to rescue Annie, Peeta and Johanna so we did another Propo to distract the Captiol. I told them everything Snow made me do as a Victor and how he'd do it to other Victors who were desirable and that he could use. In the end, the distraction worked and they rescued them. It was pretty nerve wracking for awhile, not knowing if they were going to get caught too, but it worked and Annie and I were reunited.

I only wish that Katniss and Peeta had been able to be as lucky. Yeah, they rescued Peeta too, but it was obvious, even before he was rescued, that Snow had really messed him up. I can only hope that we figure out a way to fix him.

Carolina and I are headed to Texas to get her things out of storage. While there, there is a remote possibility that I could meet my father for the first time and I don't know if I should.

My mother told me he didn't want anything to do with us, but Carolina says that surprises her. And...the Dreams didn't exactly put him the best of lights either...not that he was my father in the dreams.

Fuck, I have no idea if meeting him is a good idea or not.

After watching Katie Ledecky beat her own world record at the 400m freestyle, I suddenly feel like I should get back in the pool instead of just swimming in the ocean.

It seems as though my days as an antagonist in the Dreams have come to an end. After what seemed like days trekking through a damn desert, we caught up with Epsilon in - what else? - a snowy wasteland. Me and my partner ended up having to fight the best Freelancer on the squad (who was dead the last time I checked...what the actual hell?!), I was then betrayed by said partner, nearly killed trying to protect Epsilon and then rescued by who else...the fucking Reds and Blues of Blood Gulch, the very same assholes who screwed me over in the first place.

After another round fighting against my former partner, in which I can't believe I survived, the Reds and Blues defeat him by attaching the jeep's winch to his armor and pushing it (and him) over the same cliff I nearly fell off of during the fight with Tex. Now, for some reason I'm not sure I understand, I'm the newest member of Blue Team, complete with new armor. Beats going back to prison, I guess.

You know, there isn't enough whiskey in the world for me to handle this whiplash.

I may have underestimated the sim troopers. Apparently, they actually do have some tactical knowledge. I wonder if the whole bumbling idiot routine isn't some kind of brilliant ruse. That, or they have some of the world's most amazing dumb luck. They managed to fucking run me down with a jeep and blow me up in a frustratingly successful attempt to rescue my hostage.

And they have Epsilon with them.

Mother. Fuckers.

Now my everything hurts.

I'm apparently now the antagonist in my own Dreams. Nice.

My dreams have become more vivid with each passing night. I'm learning to sleep through them so I'm not losing any rest, thankfully. Keeping the journal has definitely been helping. I'm finding there's a definite story there, but I'm not sure how it's going to end. I guess that's the fun part, though something I'm not used to considering the type of stories I usually write.

Speaking of writing I've been working on a story about our country's veterans and was hoping to interview veterans for it. Are there any that live nearby that would be interested in speaking with me for it? I promise to make it painless.

Also, I could use a photographer for that story as well. Anyone interested. I'll be able to pay for your services.

Is it bad that I'm getting antsy? As in, I kind of want something to happen where I can use my axes? That's bad, right? I didn't used to be like this, but after my dreams of the Games and everything else that has happened here, I can't help it. I need another outlet that isn't exercise, cause practicing with my axes, the gym and kickboxing is just making it worse. I am so screwed.

I woke up with a grappling hook on the coffee table this morning. It's pretty heavy duty and as far as I 'remember' it works on all different kinds of surfaces. It would've been nice to have while fighting waves of stormtroopers, but at least I won't have to worry about ending up like Georgia anymore.

In other news, my alternate self has apparently moved away from pirating and back to fighting 'the resistance'. After playing Rebel last week, I almost feel sorry for them. Almost.

It appears that while the armour the stormtroopers wear is tough it also makes them rather clumsy. I froze the ground and it caused them to tumble over and lay there like turtles struggling to get up. It’s rather amusing.

Is someone missing a very life-like doll? And I mean this doll might have some voodoo magic in it because it came into my shop and ordered muffins and coffee.

It might be one of the creepiest things I have ever seen.

In continuing the fine tradition of giving me items after I could have used them, my dreams finally gave me my armor. More specifically, I woke up with it on. I may or may not have been stuck in it for the past three days.

Yeah, ok, I was stuck in it for the past three days.

The upside is that my helmet synced up to every piece of electronic equipment I own, so I can use it to text, check email and post stupid network updates. The downside is that in the process of getting it off, I discovered that I also have the armor's special ability and proceeded to fry every piece of said electronic equipment with an EMP. Also...probably every piece of electronic equipment on the floor my apartment is located on.

This post coming to you live from an undisclosed location, where I'll probably be hiding out until my neighbors no longer want to kill me.

How can fog make it hard to breathe? Was it polluted?

Uh, so... blood rain is kinda on the apocalyptic side. I haven't had any prophetic-y type dreams though, so... Any bright ideas as to what's going on? Either way, I'm gonna go hunt a beastie. Weird news reports are my scene 'n all.

What a day to start dreaming about an Arena completely surrounded by water. Part of me is starting to reconsider living so close to the ocean at the moment with these tidal waves. Also, had to cancel a bunch of lessons and appointments this weekend since this is not the type of weather to go out scuba diving in.

I just hope the rain lightens up a little so it's not crazy when I go to pick up Annie later.

Oh no. I got to the studio this morning and we've already had notice that the girl scouts will be coming by soon - it's cookie time! I am doomed, they are so addictive.

I love this time of the year - I get to go lingerie shopping and everyone thinks it's for Valentine's Day. This is the first year that's not just an excuse, though, so I'm actually putting thought into it.

Those who like ladybutts: which is better? Something with hearts that's totally expected for VDay, something that's red and black and vaguely Valentine's Day themed, or something pink and cutesy? Normally I wouldn't stress this stuff, but it's our first Valentine's. I want it to be nice.

... please don't open these at work if your work will yell at you for looking at ladies in the almost nude.

BUT YES. Opinions! I'm leaning toward all three, tbh. GALE, YOU ANSWER THIS 'CAUSE YOU KNOW MY DUDE. Leli too, you know ladybutts.

I don't understand this. In these goddamn dreams, after everything Project Freelancer did to me and put me through, used me and turned me into a guinea pig and even though I have all of Epsilon's memories and I know what they did, I'm still with the program. York, North, even South, were smart enough to leave. I'm the only one left. I thought they would have come back for me, but no one has. So now I'm stuck there, being used again to pick up the pieces of a broken project.

I'm running under the assumption that it is okay for ravens to pick at a gremlin corpse and have it for breakfast, because that has been the reality of my morning.

All this is silly, and the solution is clearly slaughter. I think one of them tried to eat Schmooples II.

Yay, Thanksgiving is over and I'm stuffed. Do I get to grumble about what I'm not thankful for now? I seriously can't with these dreams right now.

It is way beyond time that I invested in a super durable punching bag. And cookies. And ice cream. And possibly some extra Kleenex.

I'm slightly disappointed to see that people are suggesting Baxter's Bakery as the place to go get pie around here. No offense to Audrey (she does make some delicious food), but I want to make sure my name at least gets a mention (Thanks, Regina).

So, come on down to Mellarky over on [address] for any bakery needs. We've got pies, cakes, cupcakes, pastries, bread, etc all day long. And if you mention "Valar" I'll give you a buy one, get one deal!

So, in the dreams, I stole drugs from Katniss while she was in a coma since the doctors had cut me off then we bonded over soldier training and become roommates since we're both all damaged and scarred. So now we're besties, I guess.

The most amusing part of the dream was the first lunch with the other Victors after being rescued. Hey, Peeta, you never told me that we were familiar with each other's screams.

Also, never let me shave my head. I don't look good bald.

(OOC: Pretend this was posted this past Tuesday when I meant to post it.)

So I go off to L.A. for my tri-monthly poking and prodding and “congratulations, you’re not dying” follow-up last weekend and return to find my news feed blown up with gender swapping.

Highly amusing. And while I’m disappointed I missed the shenanigans, I’m glad that for once it wasn’t me.

Okay, I need advice.

Is it alright to tell a girl you've been dating for a couple of months that you love her? Is that too early or going too fast?

I have no idea what the hell I'm doing.

Just as I think i'm staring to figure out what the hell is going on with these dreams, they decide to throw in a new wrench.

I'm not dreaming I'm Director Church anymore. Nope. Now I'm dreaming I'm the A.I. he created...and decided to torture in the name of science.

Jesus Christ.

Can I just be a space marine? Isn't that exciting enough?!

Ok, I wanted to to this earlier but a week of prolonged rage didn't really seem like the best time.

I need a job, and it was suggested that putting the word out here might be a good idea.

I'm a high school graduate, ex-marine, disciplined, weapons specialist.

I'm not really sure what I'd like to do. Something outdoors would be nice, but I'm not above washing dishes if it comes down to it.

If anyone's got any leads, I'd appreciate it. I'd like to start feeling useful again.

I can't believe I'm getting married tomorrow.

It's so incredible. And even more incredible is that everything seems to be done and ready and going well. Which means I've totally just jinxed myself doesn't it?

So people's Dreams have been giving them gifts, right?

People I know have gotten some pretty neat shit. Like bad ass bows, wings, a mechanical arm and kick ass ravens.

I get a skateboard.

Specifically this skateboard:

( cut for image. Viewable to all )

Not even the full fucking board. Just the damn deck!

Christ.

Fine. Whatever.

Anyone know a skate park where it won't be weird for a 27-year-old ex-soldier to do a few fucking ollies?

Hey, hi, howdy! Kinda overdue 'cause I've been back for like a week or something. But, I'm back? Pretty sure I was supposed to send out like a million texts (she exaggerates completely), so I thought I'd just, y'know. Say, hey! I'm back. Sporting souvenirs, so come 'n get 'em. Or tell me when you're free so I can come give them to you (especially you, Partner at law!). Really digging the excessive distractions. For reasons.

Anyway! I've had all the bad news I can take, so gimme the good stuff. Please?

Okay, guys, the love fairy needs advice.

So I'm not good at not coming on strong - how do you do that? Since I've never actually liked someone long enough to not just sort of sneak out the morning after. I either have FWB situations or one night stands. This whole having a crush thing is kind of the worst since I just look at him and giggle like an idiot or kiss him.

Basically: HOW DO I ACT NORMAL WITHOUT JUMPING HIM?

It's a little bittersweet to see the sunshine again knowing what happened to allow the storm to disappear.

But I have to say that I'm glad to be back at work and cleaning things up. I also shouldn't be left at home for too long because I tend to go on Pinterest binges and I've discovered a few new recipes I'm going to try out and make my own.

I think the one I'm most excited about is blueberry pie ice cream sandwiches, which I'm going to try in some other types of pie as well.

Anyone want to come taste test today?

So I decided to put up some money and take an honest to god surfing lesson so the next time I'm out on the water I don't accidentally drown myself. Lesson was supposed to be this morning. However, no sooner do we get in wetsuits and out to the beach when dark as shit clouds roll in like a typhoon's headed our way. The instructor decided to err on the side of caution and cancelled class.

What gives? There was no forecast for storms today, was there? I mean, this is sunny California. What the fuck happened to the sun?!

FILTER: Friends

Hey. Um. So... you've probably noticed I've been kind of, oh, say... unBuffylike (adjectives of choice may vary), and I kinda got stuck in the bitch-fu. Don't really want to talk about what's been going on, 'cause I've kinda had my venting and bone smash fest '15, so the worst is kinda behind me. I just... I know I haven't been myself and I'm sorry. Nobody deserves a grumpy Buffy.

..yeah.. so. There. 'Kay. Bye.

FILTER: Gale

Hey.

Thank you.

Just a friendly reminder that my Food Network competition will be airing on Saturday evening. I'm not allowed to tell you who wins right now, so hopefully you all will watch it. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch it on tv and see how they edited everything. I'm just glad my family and Alyssa were able to be in the audience for it.

My dreams have finally started to move on a little bit and I can't help but be amused that my form of therapy in the dreams is working on a wedding cake. But of course I'm a little shit right now and I start picking fights with people. And whoever decided that it would be a good idea to train me in combat really needs to rethink this one. I'm a little nervous about how this will go, but surprise!

[Annie]
Why didn't you mention that you and Finnick got married in the dreams? I can't believe I made your cake.

Less than two months until I get married now. It's all going well so far, everything is booked and I'm feeling rather calm about it all.

I am sure that will change but for now I'm going to enjoy it.

Ok, gotta stay on top of this social networking stuff. Gotta stay up to date.

Not really a whole lot to report on my end. Kind holed up in my apartment over the weekend processing what Gale told me the other day and what the hell I'm going to do about it. At this point I think the only thing I can do is be ready when or if shit really does go down. I can't really do anything about it until then, right?

I hate waiting for the shoe to drop.

Ok, so, Valarnet, what do you guys do for fun around here?

Ok, social media, my doctor said I needed to "get out more" and "meet people", so I'm going to give you a try. I mean, this is considered meeting people, right? Shit, it has the word "social" right in the name.

So, ye-ah. My names David, though no one has called me that since high school and I'll thank you now to not call me David if you can help it. Washington works...or Wash if you want, that's fine too.

Up until recently I was a marine. Not that you ever stop being a marine. But it is sort of funny how a medical discharge can suddenly change everything.

God, I'm terrible at this.

Anyway, yeah, just moved to the area and am adjusting to civilian life. Its not been...as easy...as I would have thought. It hasn't been bad, really, just-

-wait, did someone mention an attack by a giant arachnid? As in spider? Seriously?!