Finding the Missing Piece: Book 3

Chapter Forty-Three

Katniss POV-

"I'll be right back." Peeta says, running out of the kitchen.

I sit at the island silently until he returns, minutes later.

I see the look on his face and I involuntarily smile, "What?" I laugh.

Peeta walks closer to me so I reach out and wrap my arms around his waist and pull him close.

"What did you do?" I murmur curiously.

Peeta chuckles, "Before we actually go anywhere today, I know you'll want to get all 'pretty' even though you look fine and since it is super early, I drew you a bath downstairs.

"Oh, you did?" I laugh, shocked but not really.

"Yes, so go." He says, breaking out of my embrace.

I hop off the barstool leaving Peeta standing alone. About half way there I turn around and give him a look, "You coming?" I ask.

Peeta looks up and gives me a shy smile, "What?" He asks.

I laugh, "Aren't you coming with me?"

"Uh, I wasn't planning on it but if you-" I cut him off.

"Come on, stinky." I joke.

Peeta chuckles, "Stinky?"

I smirk, "You heard me." I walk closer to him and grab his hands mine, dragging him to the steamy downstairs bathroom along side me.

I walk in and release his hand and he shyly closes the door.

"You really don't have to bathe with me, Peeta." I chuckle at his red face.

He sighs, "Okay, good, uh bye then." Peeta says, walking out the bathroom door and slamming it shut.

I scoff playfully and begin to undress myself and carefully lower my body into the hot water filled with bubbles and I notice rose petals spread through out the bathroom and tub.

I can't help but to laugh at Peeta's added touches.

"I love you!" I call out to Peeta.

He will know what I'm talking about.

"I love you too. I'm guessing you noticed all the rose petals?" He hollers back to me.

"Yes. Thank you!" I yell, sinking deeper into the water and I close my eyes just as the water level reaches my ears.

"It's awfully nice in here! Are you sure you don't want to join me?" I call to him, a devious grin on my face.

"I'm good!" He calls back.

I smirk to myself.

I am so lucky to have Peeta.

He is the most caring person I could've possibly asked for or dreamed of and I know I do not thank him enough for everything he's done.

But as much as I think about Peeta while I'm in a relaxation state, my mind wanders to last night's dream.

I remember my father telling me that some changes were coming and I needed to be strong and mature.

I just don't have any idea what these changes could be and I really don't want to live in fear until something does happen. I need to tell Peeta too but I also don't want him living in fear either.

He will worry sick about it.

Whatever it may be.

I wash up and get out, dripping wet.