Finding the Missing Piece: Book 3

Chapter Sixty-One

Peeta POV-

I've tried calling Katniss since 3:45 when I got Carter to sleep and she hasn't answered.

It's 5:15 and she's still not back and I'm starting to get really worried.

I try calling her a few more times with no answer.

I pace the house another 15 minutes or so before I decide at 5:30 that I can't wait any longer.

I pack up Carter into her car seat and call Johanna who lives a few miles near.

(On the phone with Johanna)

"What?" She answers rudely, as always

"Johanna, I need you to do me a favor. Katniss is at the lake and I haven't been able to get ahold of her for a long time so will you please watch Carter while I go look? Please?" I beg.

She groans, "Fine. I'm at my house."

"Thank you so much." I say, hanging up.

I'm shaking.

Of course, I'm thinking the worse has happened.

She could be anywhere and anything could've happened to her.

I never should've let her go out there alone.

I drive out to Johanna's house and drop a sleeping Carter off.

I knock on the door and she answers a second later.

"Why the hell would you let her go to the lake by herself?" Johanna scowls.

I shrug guiltily, "She's done it a lot times."

"Well, if she's dead, it's your fault." Johanna snaps, takes Carter and closes the door.

I run back to the car and speed to the lake a few miles down the road, shaking heavily.

She's okay, I know it.

She probably just lost signal and track of time, that's all.

Maybe her phone died.

Maybe she fell asleep.

Johanna is just trying to scare me and make me feel guilty-which I already got covered.

She is right, if something happened to Katniss it will be my fault because I let her come out here alone.

I finally arrive to where Katniss's car is parked out on the side of the road and run into the woods.

"Katniss!" I start calling, even though it's probably dangerous.

Animals or hunters could be out here, and I could be shot or hurt but all that matters is that I find Katniss.

I look up into the tree tops and all around until I reach the lake, not seeing even the slightest boot prints.

"Katniss!" I call louder and louder as the minutes tick on.

I look all around and even try calling her a few more times and texting her too with no replies.

I start feeling the urge to puke as I realize that she's no where to be found, that she could be anywhere. This place is huge and I haven't even covered a sixth of it.

"Katniss! Please answer me! Where are you?" I call out as loud as I possibly can.

Katniss POV-

(Asleep)

"Katniss?" I hear Peeta calling me.

I go downstairs, "Peeta? Where are you?" I ask.

He doesn't answer, he just keeps calling my name, louder and louder.