Finding the Missing Piece: Book 6

Chapter Two

Katniss POV- (Three nights later)

"Mommy?" Willow says repeatedly, scared sounding.

I gasp, turning to face her.

"You really scared me." Willow says as I catch my breath.

I look over at her, wiping away my tears.

She stares at me, frowning and she looks so tired.

"You were screaming and crying. Are you okay?"

I nod my head and wipe away my tears, feeling bad for waking her.

No doubt Peeta's absence was the reason for the occurrence of a nightmare.

"I'm sorry, I just had a really bad nightmare." I say, my voice is raw from screaming I guess.

Willow frowns.

"I have them too."

I frown, "I am sorry. They are horrible." I say truthfully.

I hate that she has them too, though her nightmares are so much different from mine.

She often dreams of monsters under her bed or of someone stealing her lamb.

Things only innocent souls dream about.

"It's okay. You're okay too." Willow assures me with a yawn.

I take a shaky breath, "I know it is but it seemed so real." I mumble.

Willow crawls over to me.

I pull her head to my chest and hug her tight with one arm and putting other protectively over my swollen belly.

Rye is going crazy in there.

I try to calm down for his sake.

I close my eyes, mumbling to myself to remember it was all just a dream.

I want Peeta.

I want to see his eyes and hear his sweet voice, feel his arms around me, making me feel so safe.

I miss him so much.

Willow brings her head up,
"Do you want to talk about it?" She asks me, rubbing her sleepy eyes and then snuggling up to me.

I swear she sounds just like Peeta right now, that's always what he asks me.

I shake my head, giving her my usual answer.

"No. Thank you though." I whisper, my voice croaking.

"It is okay, Momma. I promise. Please stop shaking." She begs me.

I frown, kissing the top of her wild curls.

She wraps her tiny arms around me the best she can manage, "You go back to sleep. I will protect you." She tells me, her hand softly patting the side of my baby bump softly.

I hug her tight, "Thank you." I whisper quietly.

Not soon after, she's fast asleep, her head resting on my belly, softly snoring.

And looking just like Peeta does when he sleeps.

Baby faced and too kind for this cruel world.

And I guess my belly makes a good pillow for her.

Luckily, Rye doesn't kick everytime something touches my stomach like Willow use to. She'd kick off plates or cups or hands or anything, really.

I caress her face gently before helping her back to Peeta's side of the bed, laying back down next to her.