May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor, Bitcoin: Square Bets on Crypto in Vegas

Vegas Baby! (And Bitcoin?)

Well here we go again. Another shiny distraction like a mockingjay in a trap. Apparently Square – or Block whatever they're calling themselves these days – is rolling out real time Bitcoin payments in Las Vegas. Specifically at a merch truck. Because nothing says 'revolution' like overpriced t shirts and gambling. I’m sure Prim would have loved a hoodie with a Bitcoin logo on it maybe to keep her warm during the reaping but I digress.

Lightning Strikes (And Hopefully Doesn't Burn the Capitol)

This whole thing runs on something called the Lightning Network which sounds like something out of District 3. Apparently it's supposed to be faster and cheaper than regular transactions. They say it settles transactions off the main blockchain. Back in District 12 we just bartered; chickens for coal. Simpler times. Less chance of getting reaped for owning the wrong digital asset. I still prefer Gale's snares to any digital ledger though.

Miles Suter: The New Seneca Crane of Crypto?

Behind this grand scheme is some fellow named Miles Suter. He calls himself an 'early evangelist.' Sounds a bit like President Snow trying to sell us on the glories of the Capitol. He joined Block back when Cash App was just a 'hackweek experiment.' Honestly it sounds like something Peeta would whip up in a moment of boredom. I’m not sure if I trust this guy but maybe he's more like Beetee tinkering away for the greater good or at least a slightly less dystopian financial future.

From Vegas to… the World?

They're starting small with a merch truck but they're planning to expand this to millions of merchants. Millions! Imagine trying to use Bitcoin to buy bread from Greasy Sae. She'd probably just laugh you out of the Hob. 'Everyday money' is the goal. Well I've seen what happens when the Capitol tries to force things on us. Remember the tracker jackers? Let's just hope this Bitcoin thing doesn't turn out the same way.

Bitcoin Conversions: May the Profits Be Ever in Your Favor

Apparently they already launched something called 'Bitcoin Conversions,' which lets merchants convert their sales into Bitcoin. And those who did it have seen their Bitcoin holdings grow. Hmmm sounds interesting... Almost like rigging the odds at a Hunger Games betting pool but the odds are in *your* favor! I wonder if I could convert all my dandelion winnings into Bitcoin? Maybe I could finally afford that decent hunting bow I always wanted.

The Future is Decentralized (Maybe)

Suter says they believe in a 'decentralized permissionless currency.' That sounds suspiciously like what the rebels were fighting for. Except instead of overthrowing a tyrannical government it's… replacing traditional banking? I’m all for freedom but I still think a good bow and arrow is a better investment. But who knows maybe one day Bitcoin will be the currency of a truly free Panem. Or maybe it'll just be another way for the Capitol to control us. Only time will tell. For now I'll stick to hunting and keeping Prim safe. And maybe just maybe buying a Bitcoin themed t shirt in Vegas just for the heck of it.