Finding the Missing Piece: Book 5

Chapter Eighteen

Katniss POV- (A few weeks later)

"Hey, I know you don't really want to leave Willow with anyone yet but would you want to go on a date with me later today?"

My face falls, he knows how I feel about leaving Willow with someone else. She's our responsibility and I'm just not ready to leave her with anyone but myself or Peeta for a long time.

I start to speak but he cuts me off, "Before you say 'no,' I've already made arrangements."

I scowl.

"You'll probably like them. Stop making that face." Peeta smirks.

I cross my arms and wait for him to entice me with plans.

"You, me, and Willow go to District 11 in a few hours. We leave Willow at my grandparents house while you and I go off for a bit and we could either come home or spend the night there. We would never actually have to leave Willow." He explains.

I guess it's not a horrible idea.

I sigh, "When would we leave?"

"How about I tend to everything with the baby and myself and you get yourself ready. Let's say an hour?"

I nod, "Um, that sounds okay. I guess."

"Do you need more time than that?" He asks concerned.

I shake my head, "Probably less. I don't know."

He breaks into a smile, "Good. Okay, great. I'm going to go get everything ready."

I smile a little at his enthusiasm and follow him into the living room. Willow is playing on the floor-hating her tummy time but it's helping her a lot. She can hold her head up so much better and it's not as wobbly as it once was.

"Hey, cranky girl." Peeta kneels down. She lifts her head up a bit and looks at Peeta, then starts making her fake cry-which is so obviously different from her real one. She's figured out if she cries a certain way, Peeta will pick her up sooner. And he does.

"Do you want to go on an adventure with Mommy and Daddy today?" He asks her in a baby voice.

She just stares at him expressionless and then looks at me as I approach them.

I laugh a little and walk closer to them.

I put my hand on her back and then kiss her head and Peeta pecks my lips, "I love you." He says.

I smile, "I love you too." I say and then look at Willow. I've caught her attention and her little blue eyes are on my gray ones.

"And I love you too." I smile a little and she blinks her eyes and then lays her head on Peeta's shoulder bashfully.

"You go do whatever you need to do and I'll get her." Peeta says, shooing me away.

"I can get us all three ready if you keep her entertained." I tell him.

"Okay, then fine. I'll get bottles ready at least." He says.

I stick my tongue out at him playfully.

"Watch it-I'm not afraid to grab your tongue..."

"Oh, trust me. I know you're not." I laugh and shake my head.

Peeta laughs a little, "I'm glad you know."

"And I'm glad you're so cute." I say, walking up the stairs and going into our bedroom. 

I pack Peeta and I clothes for tonight/tomorrow and redress myself, then I head to Willow's room to pack her stuff. I put diapers, wipes, extra clothes, her pacifier and anything else she may need while we are gone.