Hi! I am now collaborating with Gomex to write this story. Credits to him for Penelope's POV.

Penelope Cannon, 16, District 4 Female

I woke up the morning of the reaping in my room, which of course I spent my whole childhood in here. I always wondered what my life would be like without my nose. I hope one day someone could help me break the curse so I can get my regular nose back. I looked around the room, most of it was filled with decorative plants, and plant gardens. I have always dreamed of becoming a botanist, maybe one day I could. I shake my head and decide to get changed. I quickly grab some nice clothes and put them on. As I started to leave I noticed I forgot something.

"Almost forgot!" I smile, picking up my scarf and wrapping my nose up so it's not visible, yet able to breathe. I walk downstairs to see my overly protective mother. She made me some of my favorite, chocolate pancakes. I smiled at her, sitting down and starting to eat my food.

"Thank you mom." I say thankfully.

"No problem sweetheart." She replies.

As I finished, I looked out my window, as a frown formed on my face. It was peacekeepers. They knocked on our door asking us to follow them to the reaping. We couldn't say no, or we would be executed, so I put on my shoes and followed them to the center of town.

As I walked in, I thought to myself, what if I was picked? Should I volunteer? At the academy this year, the girls never picked a volunteer tribute, but from past years I doubt training would give me victory, though it may help.

I watch as the finger pricking starts, annually I have to feel the pain of needles. I always hated needles, they just terrify me. I knew I just had to deal with it though. As I made it to the front of the line, I heard.

"Next!" As I hand my finger over for her to prick. My hand was now sore...great. I sigh walking to the girls section and standing with my age group. I wait for the reaping to begin as I stare at the stage. I watch as the District 4 escort walks out fully dressed for this event. She began to give the speech she does every year since she became the escort in the 119th Games. After her speech, the annual film began to play.

The president's voice droned on, "War, terrible war. Widows, orphans, a motherless child. This was the uprising that rocked our land. Thirteen districts rebelled against the country that fed them, loved them, protected them. Brother turned upon brother until nothing remained. And then came the peace, hard fought, solely won. The people rose from the ashes and a new era was born. But freedom has a cost. When the traitors were defeated, we swore as a nation we would never know this treason again. And so it was decreed that, each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up, in tribute, one young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage, and sacrifice. The lone victor, bathed in riches would serve as a reminder of our generosity and our forgiveness. This is how we remember our past. This is how we safeguard our future."

I watched the video shaking my head, I gotta admit, I sure hate it. I looked away, deciding that's the best thing to do instead of getting angry.

The reaping then begins as the escort walks to the female bowl and pulls out a name. I hoped it wasn't me.

"Penelope Cannon!" The escort screeched.

As I heard my name, I was nearly about to faint and cry. Damn..I jinxed myself. I sighed as I bravely walked onto the stage, hiding my anger, and my misery deep inside.

Finnius "Finn" Rismey, 17, District 4 Male

When the girl's name was called, I almost felt sorry for her. When she walked up to the stage she looked almost as if she was about to cry, yet pale like she would faint. Dammit, I'm not supposed to be feeling sypathetic for someone who will be dead soon.

The escort walks over to the male bowl after what seems like ages. She draws a slip dramatically from the glass bowl and opens it slowly. I think to myself, this is your moment, you will represent your district well.

"Owen Anchordel!' The escort calls. I quickly shout out, "I volunteer!"

"My, my." The escort says dramatically. "We have another volunteer this year. What is your name dear?" She asks me.

I reply, "My name is Finnius Rismey, but you all can call me Finn." After the audience died down, we were both herded into the Justice Building to say our goodbyes.

"I'm gonna miss you Finn." Sniffed Caden, his younger brother. Finn took his hand and soon replied, "Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it Squirt." Caden's face lit up and he hugged his older brother tightly.

Max quietly said, "I hope you win Finn. I know you can and I know you will." I nod at Max and embrace him, gratitude in my eyes.

Now that I have promised my brothers, and they believe in me, now I have to win.

Once again, thanks to Gomex for writing Penelope's POV. I could have never done it without you. If you want to submit a tribute, the form is on my profile. We still need a lot more submissions to make this SYOT happen. You can also PM me if you are interested in reserving a tribute slot or if you need submissions for an SYOT of your own. The next update will hopefully be out soon (The D2 Reapings). I hope you guys have a great day/night!