Network

Is anyone else watching that new show "What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" They're still in the middle of filming the first season, but I've already been on it a couple times. Ryan and I are good friends and still teammates so I bet I'll be on it even more. It's good for me, I think. My agent says it's good to be in the spotlight... means more commercial deals and stuff. I don't know. I'm not too worried about commercial deals. I just want to go to the 2018 Olympics.

[Katniss]
It might be a good opportunity for us to show off a little, don't you think?

I can't believe Spring is already here. I was just talking to someone about plans for summer, and all this college stuff, where we are getting in and planning on going and things like that.

Senior year is going by way too fast.

Caroline, I have that scarf I borrowed for you in my car.

Whoever came up with that "the customer is always right" bullshit is a moron. I mean, what the actual fuck?

Some also was yelling at me because his credit card was declined. Like that's, MY fault? He was cursing and throwing a fit like a spoiled toddler, but somehow not only did he walk out with a $20 fucking gift card, but I got "coached" about my "attitude."

"Perception is reality, Katniss! He wouldn't have thought you were being rude to him if you didn't say something to give him that impression."

This is bullshit. Trust me, lady, you haven't seen me be rude.

Ugh. This day is fired.

My agent tried to sign me up for a commercial that was a musical, but I haven't really been in a singing mood lately. Besides, I have a horrible voice. My Dad says all of my talent was given to swimming. You know what? I'm okay with that.

Man, it's been forever since I've written in here. I guess I just kind of forgot about it. Things have been really boring around here lately though. Haymitch's pool isn't heated so I haven't been able to practice there, but luckily the pool we train in is indoors so I haven't been completely slacking. At least Spring is coming though. The weather is going to start getting warmer and we'll be able to plant new crops in a couple weeks. Then I'll be really busy. Guess I should enjoy the down time while I have it.

I have a reality TV problem. And not good reality, not like Top Chef or anything like that.

I shouldn't love Dance Moms as much as I do. It makes me want to claw my eyes out. I remember seeing women like this while I did the piano competition thing. Thank God not on this scale, but still. Scary.

Scary.

I don't want to talk about what happened to my car, but it's gone. I need a new car. More specifically, I need a truck. So that's what I'm doing today: shopping for a truck. A big one. The kind that will make people wonder if I'm compensating for something.

I don't like trucks. I'll miss my old Camry, aside from Charlie's paint job. But this is a necessity for work.

[Loras]
Although if anyone's car in our drive has ever poroclaimed, I'm compensating for a tiny penis...

[Faiza]
No more hot pink nightmare. I'm sorry.

I got a letter in the mail today from the state of California, and I'm not too proud to admit I wept when I read it. It was about Gracie, obviously, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. This little girl has made a difference in my life I can't even put into words. I was just overcome. I think many would be.

I know some of you expressed interest in news, so here it is.

As soon as the papers can be signed downtown Los Angeles? I have a daughter. And Grace has a father.

Here is the biggest shock of 2012, ready... Haymitch will not be drinking tonight. Well, okay, nothing more than a celebratory beer because its New Year's Eve. It is my turn to be the designated driver. So if anyone needs a ride tonight let me know and I'll give you my cell number.

Highlight of the year, other than failed politicians, was watching the boy swim in the Olympics. If you thought I was going to say these screwed up dreams you belong in a mental institution. I don't think any of us think the dreams are the best part.

I've been doing a lot of painting lately. They help me with the nightmares. I guess it makes them less real somehow if they're also stretched out across a canvas, but I don't know if I want to keep them and I don't think I could sell them either. They're just sitting there staring at me.

Okay guys and gals, lets be honest here a moment, how many people buy themselves a present too while they're shopping for everyone else? Me, personally, I am splurging and ordered my Christmas dinner from a catering service. This way we can all eat well and have to do none of the time consuming prep work.

Best present you got yourself, lets hear it.

Call me a Grinch or whatever but I still dislike Christmas. Growing up it always reminded me of the family I didn't have and the odd looks kids in school give you when they ask you what you got and you say nothing. Before you judge me too much, I did get my sister and a few friends presents. As for the Christmas music, trees, and lights I'll pass.

Lets move on to New Years.

Apocalypse Checklist:

Bottled water, canned or dried food, flashlights, gas mask, lighters, fuel, liquor (for wounds not drinking), soap, battery operated radio, change of clothing, a book for entertainment and a reinforced bunker for safety.

This is the checklist the lady at the grocery store gave me so I could be prepared for 12/21/12, the official end of the world... Or a zombie invasion. Do we have an official time for the apocalypse? So I know when to start drinking.

Tonight's a good night, isn't it?

[Filtered to Team Peeta] OOC: officially dubbing Portia, Haymitch, Finnick, Annie & Rory as Team Peeta.

You guys won't believe what happened to me tonight. Katniss kissed me!

I think she was a little high on morplinghine, but she kissed me.

This is my "accepting the fact there will be no hockey this season" face. Football isn't quite the same, sorry football fans. I want to drink my beer and watch people get hip checked into the boards, fight, and score some goals while they're at it. The 50/50 deal option seemed fair to me but as usual greed wins out. Everyone wants that bigger cut.

Anyone actually crazy enough to shop on Black Friday? I mean I'm seeing all these ads and wondering if it's actually worth it. Worth the risk of getting trampled over, in fights with other people, and standing in lines that take forever. It's probably easier to shop online.

For the record I'm still a virgin!

Oi, anyone know where you can find one of those tiny little flag pins that all the presidential candidates wear or any politician really. I don't want one that looks fake but I want one that isn't hundreds of dollars either.

I also need a bar stool or chair for my costume but I figured those are easy enough to find or make myself... I suppose I should get going on this costume thing.

What is the thrill to people when it comes to hitting every puddle with their car with the intention of soaking the person walking on the sidewalk? Believe me I never laugh. And are any of the new horror films out in theater worth wasting the money on? Not sure I am feeling the Halloween thing and need something else to do than drink at a party.

My mother and sister are convinced I have a boyfriend.

Visiting my parents was a good idea. I haven't had any dreams in a couple of weeks and it was nice seeing them. alive Things aren't as fuzzy as they were before. Peeta, I still want you to teach me to swim. Is that okay?

Oh! And Disneyland is having a big party for employees on Halloween which I thought was nice of them. I've decided to make Finnick and I our costumes from scratch this year. I'm putting my own spin on Beauty and the Beast.

Hello, internet! My name's Amy Pond, and I love you all!

Is this doesn't post right, I have wasted a lot of time trying to figure out this Network...

If you live in the Lake Forest area, you may already know about Midori Farms. I'm the owner and my name is Link Midori. It looks like this Network is a good place to advertise in the Orange County area!

Also, I am seeking out information on farmers markets, so that I might set up a stall.

Thank you :)

Oi, dreams. Again. Really tired of dreaming of this Panem place. It is rather taxing. But hey, Peeta was there, the girl that thinks he's a stalker, and even Portia. It's an odd team if I do say so myself.

Man, people really forget all about the Olympics quick around here. It's.. been what? A month? No one wants to book a gold medalist for endorsements anymore. On the bright side it's less hectic at the house. We're actually looking at maybe tearing down the old house and building something newer on the land. Maybe even something with a pool, but I wouldn't want Haymitch to feel left out. =P

Since the Net is in a screw you mode and forcing us all the do the sharing and caring thing, I suppose there's no use trying to make my latest dreams secret. They're super dark and people die, children die. No I don't want your pity either because I volunteered to enter the Hunger Games. I'm not sure if it qualifies as an act of valor or just plain stupidity. Maybe I had a death wish.

Peeta?

Are you a crazed stalker?

Since I apparently complain a lot and people don't want to hear the truth, I figured I would share something comical; my phone, my accessory to murder.

( Cut for photo )

Remember they were designed by fellow human beings. That probably explains a lot more than it doesn't.

There has to be a catch with these Starkphones. Nothing is ever free.

Does anyone read signs any more? Stopped to get a coffee on the way to school and the one door was clearly marked please use other door, door is kept locked and everyone going into the store still pulled on that door. Some even ran into the door. It was amusing but really are we that blind?

I promised my sister I would start putting photographs out there to see what people think, so this is me doing that. It's not even a fantastic one but it's the first one I found that struck my fancy when I opened the folder on my laptop. It won't win any awards but I hope some of you find it as pretty as I do. I have a thing for cloud photography.

( Cut for Image )

These dreams have really have to go. It's nice that some of you get to dream about magic, magical places, flying and butterflies but some of us don't. It's all kids killing kids and people betting on the outcome like it is some twisted reality television show. Win? Yeah, your life doesn't get any better apparently. Least it didn't for me in this dream land.

But HEY! Least I can say I was a Victor and it is now my job to mentor kids ever year! Kids that will be destined to die. It gives me a reason to pour myself a drink here in the real world.

You know what's harder than being the new girl, in a new place, and in a new school? Trying to explain that your name is Glimmer. It is like an instant cue to start the teasing and harassing. I can tell that I am just going to love this place.

Just the thought of putting on a suit in a couple days makes me want to go play in the dirt more. It is not even that they are stuffy, a well made suit should be comfortable, it is the set of rules that govern conduct when you put that suit on. Same goes for women and their fancy party dresses. We all try to act different. Not saying that is a bad thing so don't get all in an uproar, just simply stating an observation.

Portia you need to pick out a color. Yes just one so I can get started. I found you the perfect place if you want it, it is yours. I can even get you moved in roughly October 1st.

On my way home! See you soon, America!

Well, Peeta definitely beat me fair and square: I only got one gold medal and one silver.

Then again, I only competed in two events. Everyone who cares already knows I took the gold in women's individual, and that my team came in second for women's team archery.

So now I'm in the market for a house, which I'll be looking at more seriously after I settle in home (which apparently includes a trip to Nevada to see Peeta's friend get married). Anyone got real estate recommendations? Tips? Happen to be selling a house?

It's over! The 2012 Olympics are all done and finished. I really wasn't sure if I would ever see the day. It's been a long trip, but it was worth it. I got a couple of medals and I'm coming home with some money to help out my family. All in all I think it's been a good trip.

Here's my final medal count:
Men's 100m Freestyle: Gold
Men's 100m Breaststroke: Bronze
Men's 100m Backstroke: Silver
Men's 400m Individual Medley: Gold
Men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay: Silver
Men's 4x100m Medley Relay: Gold

Did everyone catch the closing ceremonies? The Spice Girls are a little before my time, but everyone seems really excited and worked up about them. They were pretty cool, I guess. Girl and boy bands aren't really my thing.

I can't wait to get home. I've got some interviews scheduled for the next couple of days I need to get done and then I'm home free. I don't even know what's waiting for me back home, but whatever it is I feel like I can do anything now.

I know I'm a grown woman and all, but all I really want to do today is lie around the hotel room and watch the Lorax on dvd.

I'm kind of excited to be on my way home soon, I miss my house.

Oi, Haymitch the Cynic checking in again, or at least that is what some people will call me after this. Every person that does, be prepared to buy me a drink. Maybe it's being around all these Brits and the Olympic stuff but did you know we are one of the few governments that actually PAY these brats to win? Michael Phelp's golden performance in Beijing netted him over $200,000 dollars. That cute little gymnast is up over $50,000 already. Great to know my money is going to such great use.

I feel like one of those annoying investigative journalist and it's not even a secret. What happened to encouraging athletes to participate for the love of their sport not so we can pay them for their medals and then shower them in millions of dollars of endorsements so they can go smoke pot like Phelps, go back to the Olympics, and we have to pay them even more. And they wonder why people cheat?

Think that's bad? No wonder those Russian gymnasts are bawling all the time. That one girl who missed two golds medals, was out almost $400,000 dollars because of a few millionths of a point. I'd be crying too. There's your freaking school lesson for the day children. Now who's buying me that first drink?

Never EVER decide to have that extra drink, or two, when there are mischievous members of the opposite sex around. Take it from me. That is how you end up waking up after a nice night of drinking wearing a tutu and to giggling girls, only to realize you need another drink to erase the memory.

Opening Ceremonies were lovely though, of course.

GOOD LUCK, OLYMPIANS!

I don't know any of you myself, I don't think, but I know there's some from around this area. I'll be watching you guys and cheering you on!

That's today's individual qualifiers (the Women's Individual 'ranking round') done. For the people not watching TV or radio or honestly, I don't even know if it's aired yet but I haven't been press-gagged or anything from my own blog: still in the game. It was just a ranking round so there's no medals or anything, but I placed, so I'm still going.

And, therefore, off until the 30th where I get to compete with 31 other people to go to the next qualifiers etc etc. You can count on me obnoxiously posting about each one, probably, though I'm not giving recaps, and I'm really not happy that I missed Im Dong-hyun setting the 72 arrow record because I was busy competing.

[Filtered to US Olympians, Finnick, Annie, Haymitch, Portia, Cinna, Ginny, Roy, Ollie and Corin]

SOMEHOW I DIDN'T DIE.

Hey. Anyone know Rory Williams, RN? B and I dropped him at St. Joe's. I'm sure the hospital staff will look for family, but his phone was completely crushed and it's going to take them a while. I just thought I'd cut out the middle-man if I could.

I know it's a bit weird, asking this on the internet about some guy I technically just met but if anyone's found or heard anything about a man named Rory Williams, please let me know. I'm his space-wife his wife his friend, and I'm starting to get really worried.

I just heard about what's happening back home. Talk about being out of the loop. Is everyone okay? I got a hold of my Dad and little brothers, but I haven't heard from anyone else. Please everyone just check in.

Some stupid chick at the bank felt the need to comment to me that today felt like a Thursday... It was like of course it does you sweetheart, it IS Thursday. Lets just say she did not appreciate that answer to much. Come on how stupid can one bird be? Besides what does a Thursday feel like? It is no different than Wednesday or even Tuesday. I still get up, go to work, have a drink, and come home.

I suppose I better mention too that I am off to London here in a few days for a couple weeks. I will need someone to mow my lawn and look after the pool. If you are expecting me to work for you while I'm gone you are mistaken. I am going to watch the boy swim and earn some hardware so I can buy him a drink afterwards, or a soda you know because he is too young.

Headed to the Motherland in the morning. The level of excitement that I have right now is sort of embarrassing considering that I lived in England for half my life.

PEETA! Still on for shenanigans around London?

Is it odd that a British citizen actively celebrates the 4th of July? I even put on an American flag tank-top this morning before heading to the store for provisions. Of course I got all sorts of odd looks when you consider the accent and everything.

But still, I'm quite attached to you America - Happy Day of Birth to you. Your tea is still rubbish though.

Being away from home on 4th of July is really weird. It's obviously not celebrated here, but I still feel unAmerican practicing instead of eating hot dogs and watching fireworks. Maybe the American team can get together later and run around with some sparklers or something?

Hello, England.

A month minus two days until the actual Olympics. I am not dead. My sister keeps calling me and crying, though. She'll be here soon enough, I hope she can handle the three weeks away from me.

Thanks everyone who gave me plane tips, too.



And I don't know what's going on at home, but according to the Internet there are apparently aliens? Have fun with that in CA, we don't have any here except for the way that everyone in the Village is essentially an alien to British soil.