I can't believe that it's already time for the finale! I'm so excited to see what you guys think!

Haven Karver, 16, District 8 Female

After I disposed of the cold body laying in my trap, I gathered my things and went to scout for another good hiding spot. I might have drawn attention to myself with my kill, and I am already regretting it. I just wish that I didn't have to go so far to survive in this chaotic time. I don't want to kill people, but I'm afraid that I have to if I want to live. I let out a deep soothing breath and remind myself that as soon as I get out of this arena, the need to kill and the nightmares will be over. There are only four of us left. I just have to let my competition get rid of themselves and then I'll be free of all of the guilt and worry.

I need to just relax and trust that the others will get rid of themselves. Right now I need to find a great spot to hide out while the others are still out there. I am slightly worried though. There are still two Careers left in the arena, and they are really strong. I begin to notice that my pack is beginning to feel heavier on my shoulder and I decide that it is probably a good idea to take a break. I sit down on a log that is lying nearby.

Beginning to notice that the sounds of nature have faded, I suddenly look up and witness the sky begin to flood with darkness. I hear sticks cracking nearby and the wind whistling as leaves crunch underneath something. I start to hyperventilate thinking that it is another tribute. My heart is pounding as I rummage through my pack looking for anything to help protect myself against the enemy. Panicking, I find that there is nothing but food and water in my bag. There is nothing to help me survive this encounter.

All of a sudden, the wind picks up speed and the bushes shake as they are moved to the side by the thing moving through them. The thing that I heard was four lynx. The one in the center of the pack growls as if it is giving an order. I realize a second too late that they are about to pounce. I am tackled by one of them and the rest wait for their turn. After they leave, I know I am on the verge of death as my blood is draining from my body. The only thing I can do is just lie there and wait for my relief. I have become a killer, I deserve to die.

Ginger Caraway, 17, District 7 Female

I creep through the brush as I am hunting down the others that are left. I really want to get this over with so I can claim victory. I just hope that my parents and Hadrian don't hate me for what I have done in the arena so far. I don't really want to be hated and shunned, but I don't want to be dead either. I doesn't help that I've killed people already, but it's just what I have to do to survive.

My body keeps telling me that it wants a break, but I tell it that if I take a break, it is more of a chance that the others will find me. I don't want to be killed. I've already make it this far, and I'm not going to let three people stop me from living through this nightmare. I know that they might be nearby somewhere, but there is no telling. Two of them are Careers, and the third is an older girl from one of the outside districts. I think it was District 8. Suddenly, I hear a loud cannon boom, signaling the end of one of my competitors. I decide to keep marching on, hoping to make contact with the two left. If I can get rid of them, I am in the clear. I get to go home if both of the others that are still alive die.

I suddenly hear the crackling of sticks and the voices of the two people left. They appear to be bickering, so I take the chance to sneakily climb up a nearby tree and wait. After a little while more of their bickering, the girl actually draws her weapon. It appears to be a dagger, but I remember her strong suit was throwing knives. Those might not work as well up close since they are designed for distance and to be thrown and not used as a dagger. The boy looks shaky as he stares at the knife, but he quickly draws his sword and before the girl can attack he already has stabbed her repeatedly. I know she must be dead or close to dead at this point. He seems to realize what he has done, and before my eyes, he breaks down crying. I wonder why he is showing such weakness when he knows there is one other person in the arena with him. He must have quickly figured out what I was thinking and he starts to gather his supplies.

I take my time as I nock an arrow in my bow. This last shot should be an easy one. I pull the arrow back and aim. As I let it go, I know that I have defeated this nightmare, but maybe not for as long as I hope.

A voice crisply says, "Congratulations to this year's victor, Ginger Caraway!" I put a bright smile on my face knowing that everyone will be watching me from now on. I won't be alone anymore, at least not with people bugging me. I just want to live my life. Hopefully that will happen sooner or later.

Haven Karver - 4th Place

Haven was killed due to blood loss caused by a pack of lynx in the arena. Thanks to rawlimad000 for submitting her.

Alina Padme - 3rd Place

Alina was killed by Clarkson who stabbed her repeatedly. Thanks to late night reader07 for submitting her.

Clarkson Starlight - 2nd Place

Clarkson was killed by Ginger who shot him with an arrow. Thanks to Gomex for submitting him.

Ginger Caraway - 1st Place/Victor

Thanks to TheSoloAlpaca for submitting Ginger. She was such a fabulous victor, and she might have more appearances in later stories.

Kill Count

The Arena - 3 Kills

Taffeta Marquise (Deceased) - 4 Kills

Clarkson Starlight (Deceased) - 2 Kills

Alina Padme (Deceased) - 1 Kill

Arlo Emmy (Deceased) - 2 Kills

Finnius Rismey (Deceased) - 2 Kills

Sparka Hernandez (Deceased) - 1 Kill

Heathritt Galloway (Deceased) - 1 Kill

Ginger Caraway (Victor) - 3 Kills

Haven Karver (Deceased) - 1 Kill

Amaranth Jordahl (Deceased) - 2 Kills

William Young (Deceased) - 1 Kill

OMG! I can't believe that Our Time To Shine is finished! I had such a great time writing it and hearing from all of you! Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a tribute and everyone who reviewed. My next SYOT should be released soon, and I'm really looking forward to it! Have a great day/night - 30777