How to petition for financial aid in community college?

Ok so I am a freshman entering my second semester at community college. One of the requirements for me to keep receiving financial aid is to maintain a 2.0 gpa. I'm a good student (4.0 all of high school) however to be honest, I didn't really try last semester. I got 2 B's, a D, and a F in a class. The F was because I missed the last test and the entire grade for the class is based on 4 tests (no participation points etc.). So they are trying to cut me off from receiving financial aid and said I have to petition. If I don't have a solid excuse (I don't), are they going to cut off my benefits? I've heard that they are fairly lenient with your first "offense"? How should I petition? Do you think I will be able to keep my benefits? Please help!