The Odds

On Alithia's Departure (Article from 'Sunshine and Sparkles')

My dearest Sparkies,

I know I promised you an article on my new favorite shade of Luscious Lips (move over, Manic Panic, it's time for Indie Glam!!) but no, no, it's not time for that. By now, the nation is in panic over the departure of the ever amazing Alithia Warwell. I understand the panic. I have spent the last week crying into a multiple pints of Glamberry's Whirlwind Cherry. Oh, I wasn't supposed to mention that. In completely unrelated news, feel free to check out last month's article, Sunshine and Squats! Oh yes, the point. They always tell you to be strong when your nation is falling to pieces. I don't know how to soothe any of your panic, so I'll just tell you all a story instead!

When I was fourteen, just a baby Kalea hidden in the deepest depths of Neon, I had a puppy. He appeared on my doorstep like a shimmering glimmer in my teenage hopelessness. Clifford. Daddy said I couldn't keep him and Mother defended his decision. Said he was much too ugly and would track mud all over the white carpets. So I did what any desperate teenager would do; I hid Clifford in my bedroom. It worked well for the first month, until he got spooked in a thunder storm. I tried to comfort him but Daddy came rushing upstairs at the first sound of a bark. I begged and begged, but still he opened the door and sent my best friend into the impending flood.

I never saw Clifford again. I was devastated, obviously, because it was my fault. I allowed myself to get so attached to something I knew could never last. Baby Kalea cried for weeks, but finally occurred to me that I wasn't doing anything productive. No amount of tears brought Clifford back- and no amount of tears will bring Alithia back.

It's selfish really, to get angry with her. Sure, it's a drastic change, running the Games without our fearless leader. But think about our girl, Alithia. Think about how happy she is! At the end of the day, Sparkies, that's what truly matters!! Alithia is our Clifford. While we are sad she left in a thunder cloud, we have to realize she has bigger and better opportunities now.

Anywhodaisies, my loves. I think I distracted myself enough from the point. These last few years, surrounded by Alithia and Vibbius, even Pandora, has been the best of my life. I wouldn't trade these memories for anything. There was that time Ali (now she is gone, I can break out the nickname without fearing for my life!) snorted, actually snorted on her jujube juice because Vibbius made some joke about waffles. Apparently, it is possible for her to not only smile, but to snort. Just between us, I think the jujube juice was spiked. Such scandal! Ah, Vibbius and his jokes. I remember when our boy was a rebel, and now I can't get his infectious laughter out of my head. I don't think Pandora likes me much, something about colors always clashing. But what do I always say, Sparkies? It's not clashing unless it's all black. Or grey. Sorry, Alithia!!

I really love being a Gamemaker. But like everything, it is only temporary. I think that change is viewed very negatively in this life. Change is an inevitable way to spice up the game. I don't want to be selfish or let any of you down or abandon you. That's really not my intention, Sparkies! But I need to focus on myself. I have to do what makes me happy. And if that means leaving, that's what I will do. Don't think that means this life didn't cause me joy! I have seen so many amazing things and met so many people. But alas, nothing lasts forever, my darlings.

This is the final article I will be writing for Sunshine and Sparkles as a Gamemaker. In fact, it's the last time I'll be writing for Sunshine and Sparkles at all.

Honestly, I'm not sure what I'll do next. Maybe I'll buy Luscious Lips and get rid of Out on the Town Brown (sorry Mr. Luscious, it's really horrible). Maybe I'll get a boat and run away and finally learn to swim. I think I'll get a puppy. Clifford 2.0, anyone?

Oh, and to squish all those rumors, I'm from Neon, not Garnet. Maybe I'll run across one of you at The Cosmopolitan. Everyone knows that's the best club in Panem.

Kalea Farris, signing off the final time!

Farewell, my beloved Sparkies!!

Xoxo, K