Torn: Sequel to Ruthless

Chapter 15

Artemis

Dear Diary, 

I've got so much to tell you. Like, you're not even ready for this. But of course, I'm always ready. Always in the know. That's what people like about me. Or maybe they hate it. But hey, if they give me information, what else am I supposed to do with it? Keep it to myself? Pfft, no thanks.Okay, so let's start with the obvious: Octavia. My best friend, Octavia, who's caught up in this insane Capitol arena nonsense. I swear, this place is worse than a Capitol makeover gone wrong, and trust me, I've seen a few. 

"Remember Mella Parshaw at last year's ball with that purple lipstick that made her look like a starving clown?"

 Well, imagine that—times a thousand. That's the arena. Horrific.

But, focus! Octavia! She's in there fighting for her life, looking all badass with her sword, but you know what's juicier? Kai. Oh, you have no idea how many times I've tried to get her to spill about that boy, but she's so stubborn. Girl, we all see the way you look at him. She's trying to act like she doesn't have feelings for him, but puh-lease, I know that look. She's obsessed. And Apollo? My own brother? He's onto her too.

I mean, sure, I could be thinking about, you know, the whole life-or-death situation she's in, but priorities! What if she finally kisses Kai before her next fight? Can you imagine the drama? Like, they're in the middle of a battle, but they pause, lock eyes, and BAM—romantic kiss amidst the chaos. The Capitol would eat that up, and I would be screaming from my living room, probably spilling tea everywhere.

But now she can't. Kai's dead. Seena's dead. Bark's dead. 

I was watching television this morning when something caught my eye. 

Cassia and Taylor. Together.

Yes, I said it. Together! And not just any together. Like, really together. They were all whispering in the corner, their heads super close, and I swear I saw Taylor smile. Taylor never smiles. Well, not until he met her. Obviously, they're not supposed to be seen together, but do you think that stops people from gossiping? Nope! If they were any less discreet, Snow would have had them both executed on the spot. And now—where's Taylor? Nowhere to be seen in the arena! I have theories. So many theories. Maybe he ran away? Maybe he got himself "eliminated" early to escape the mess?

But let's focus back on Octavia because that's why I'm here. I've been trying to figure out what exactly she's up to with Apollo's whole plan. Pretending to be star-crossed lovers is so last decade. I mean, wasn't that Peeta and Katniss' shtick? Apollo's smart, but c'mon, he's no Finnick Odair. The Capitol doesn't fall for the same act twice. But Octavia's playing it well, I'll give her that. Pretending to like Apollo while secretly swooning over Kai? Iconic. 

But does the Capitol know where her loyalties lie?

And then there's Bark and Seena. Poor Seena. Yikes, that knife in her neck? Didn't see that coming. I mean, sure, Bark was all noble and heartbroken afterward, but Seena deserved better than to get taken out that fast. And I'm not even going to start on how much she doted on Bark. They were so cute, but ugh, wrong place, wrong time, I guess.

So that's all for now, but stay tuned. If there's any tea, I'll be the first to know. And trust me, you'll hear it here first.

Peace!