Finding the Missing Piece: Book 3

Chapter Ninety-Six

Katniss POV- (A few weeks later, July 29th)

"I just fed Buttercup. Now maybe we can get some sleep tonight." Peeta laughs.

I roll my eyes, I haven't been able to be comfortable lately and it's really annoying. Then, on top of that, the cat has woken us up the last three nights wanting food too.

"Maybe we just need to feed him at night instead of so early in the morning?" I suggest.

Peeta shrugs, "Maybe. If we want to actually get some sleep."

I sigh, "I love that cat but he's annoying."

He smiles, "You love him?"

I nod, hiding a smirk.

"Katniss Everdeen Mellark loves Buttercup the Cat?"

I raise my eyebrows and bug out my eyes and laugh, "Yes! Katniss Everdeen Mellark loves that stupid cat!" I say, throwing my hands up and Peeta wraps his hands behind my waist and starts tickling me.

"Peeta! No!" I squeal, holding my hands over his, even though they are ultimately too powerful for me to remove them.

He stops and kisses my shoulder blade, resting our hands on my hips.

"I love you." Peeta mumbles against my skin. I close my eyes and slowly lean my head back.

"I love you too." I say, my cheeks squishing my eyes. Peeta just laughs and let's me go.

We each climb into bed in our underwear, making it 4:50am.

Peeta pulls me to him and wraps his arms around my waist, my hair all in his face and he kisses my cheek.

"Get some rest. I love you so much." Peeta mumbles to me.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, "I will try. I love you too."

And with that we fall asleep, even though I toss and turn for hours.

(About 9am)

"Peeta?"

He groans.

"Peeta, wake up." I say, rubbing his now tan, bare back. He brings his head and opens his eyes and squints sleepily at me.

"Good morning." He mumbles with a little smile.

I grin, "Good morning." I say, leaning down and kissing his lips.

He smiles tiredly.

"Sweetie, if you're still sleepy, go back to bed." I say, pushing hair out of his eyes and he closes his blue eyes and nods.

I could use the extra sleep but I need to get up.

"Just wake me up soon, please." He mumbles as he snuggles back into the blankets.

I stifle a little laugh, "Okay, I love you." I say getting up off the bed.

"Where are you going?" Peeta asks sitting up.

I close the window and slip a t-shirt over my head, "I'm going to go downstairs and do dishes or something." I tell him.

He nods, "I love you." Peeta says and lay back down, instantly falling back onto a slumber.

I go down stairs and start picking up around the house.

Gathering shoes and folding blankets.

I sweep the floor and mop it too.

About the time I start the dishes, I receive a phone call that changes both Peeta and I's life forever.