Finding the Missing Piece: Book 3

Chapter Ninety-Five

Katniss POV- (The next day)

Peeta and I decided it would be nice of us to watch Finn so that Annie and Finnick could go on a date so that's what we did last night.

It was a lot of fun and Peeta and I got to spend some time together. It was kind of like when Carter stayed with us and I liked it a lot.

Now we are going out to the beach, just a little way from Finnick and Annie's house.

They stayed behind, giving Peeta and I a little date day, which I appreciate.

Last time we were here, we didn't do much of anything really and the last time we came to the beach was after Peeta proposed last summer.

When we get there, the summer sun beams down on our skin. There's a cool breeze and the beach is pretty empty.

We've been lucky every time that we have come because there's little to no people here and it gives Peeta and I more time to be ourselves together and do what we want.

Immediately, Peeta and I start playing around. Splashing water in each other's faces and I sling water at him with my hair. He tickles me and throws me across the body of water and I squeal and laugh with him.

We have a lot of fun together as we have in the past and these are the days that I wish could make last forever.

Peeta and Finnick went to the store early this morning and made us a picnic lunch. We spread out the stuff and sit down, soaking wet.

We chat for awhile and he takes a deep breath.

"Can I ask you something?"

I hold my breath, I know what he's asking.

What will I say?

I can't tell him 'yes.'

Just not yet.

I am not ready and guilt hits me right in the heart. I hope I can tell him soon, that I we can have a baby but I'm too scared.

I'm a coward.

I nod my head, trying not to show him my fear.

A fear of hurting him again.

He should know that I'm just going to keep hurting him by saying 'no' every month for how long? He knows this too. I can see it in his eyes that he knows I am going to tell him 'no' but he asks anyways.

"Katniss, can we have a baby?" Peeta asks, so much hope in his eyes.

But I destroy it.

I sit there for a long time, not moving or saying anything. Not even breathing I don't think.

Then I let it out.

"Not just yet, Peeta." I say simply and I watch all that hope in his eyes melt away.

I feel guilty but he just nods and acts like it doesn't bother him, even though I know for a fact, it does.

"So, when we get back to Twelve, I wanted to take you to the lake." Peeta starts.

I nod my head, trying to force a smile.

"I thought maybe since it's summer, the Katniss roots would be flourishing and we could make that stuff again."

I smile, "Flourishing?" I giggle.

He nods, "Yes. Flourish."

I throw my head back in a real laugh, "Flourish...? Alright." I shake my head and slowly, he leans over and kisses me full on.