Finding the Missing Piece: Book 3

Chapter Sixty-Three

Katniss POV-

"So, that's probably why he just showed up in town. He talked his commander into letting him leave. Why didn't you tell me any of this before we took Carter or before I answered the door?" Peeta asks.

I turn around, "I didn't want to scare you and I honestly didn't think he would show up here."

"Katniss, he could do something to you. Or to Carter or Bristol!" Peeta says frustratedly, raising his voice at me.

I shake my head, "He won't."

"He's an experienced killer, Katniss."

I stand up, "I know that, that's why I wanted to make sure that everything was locked, just in case."

Peeta shakes his head, "I guess you can't always trust people."

"What do you mean?" I ask, hoping he doesn't mean me.

"I mean, I thought he was our friend. I know Bristol thought he was different or she wouldn't have married him." Peeta says.

I frown, "We just have to be here for her and Carter." I say.

"And we will. I'm just upset we are as involved as we are."

I shrug.

"Katniss, I can't let anything happen to you. After today, I thought for sure you were floating down the lake dead or something when I couldn't find you." He says, looking down.

I stand up and walk over to where he sits, he scooches over and I sit next to him.

Carter coos at us.

"She has no clue." Peeta says, brushing her hair back gently.

I lay my head on his shoulder, "That's why we gotta keep her safe. She's innocent." I say.

Peeta leans down and kisses my forehead and then Carter's.

She smiles toothlessly at Peeta, "How about we try to get her to sleep? Then we can stay up and discuss this more?" He suggest.

I nod, "I can put her in her play crib and see where it goes from there, but I want her next to me, there's no window. And it's further from the door." I say.

He nods, "That is fine, Katniss." Peeta says, getting up. He moves the play pin across to my side of the bed and for my sake, checks everything again.

I put her in her bed and get into bed.

I frown as he crawls in next to me, leaving the lights on, "It's sad, we are on lock down in our own home." I say.

"Better safe than sorry." He says.

I lay my head against his chest, "What are we gonna do? I mean there's still a chance he's here in town but there's also a chance he went to find Bristol."

"I don't know, Katniss. If you want, we can try calling Bristol?"

I sit up, "Can I?" I ask hopeful.

"Sure." Peeta says and hands me his phone from the side of the bed.

I immediately dial her number.

(On the phone with Bristol)

"Hello?" She asks.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, "Bristol?"

"Hey, Katniss." Bristol says nonchalantly.

I sigh, "Have you been informed of tonight's happenings?" I ask, assuming by the tone of her voice, she hasn't.