Finding the Missing Piece: Book 6

Chapter Four

Katniss POV- (About 2:30)

I wake up to an empty house.

Willow is at school and Peeta is still in District 11.

Immediately I remember my dream and the argument Peeta and I had earlier that ended with an 'I love you' but no resolution.

I cried for a long time. Until I fell into slumber but I could never come to terms with what to do about any of his.

I'm afraid my dream meant something but maybe it meant nothing at all? Maybe it's like Peeta said, something my mind is making up because of what happened to him.

And I then realize how ridiculous I was acting earlier.

I need to just do what Peeta needs me to do and live with it. I need to stop thinking about what could happen and focus on what's happened and how to deal with it.

But he is being ridiculously positive for someone in his shoes and I am glad for that but I don't get it.

How can he still be so happy sounding?

I overslept but I still have just enough time before I have to go get Willow from school to call Peeta and apologize.

I know I'm being dramatic and a little emotional but I can't help it.

I'm scared for what my dream meant, what is wrong with Rye, if anything and what Peeta and I's life will be like now that he had to have his leg amputated.

I haven't even really tried to think about that but I'm scared to death for him to even come home-even though I miss him like crazy.

How am I going to take care of him?

Is he gonna have to have some kind of special treatment done that he will need me to do? Is he going to have to have me to help him walk or shower?

I'm just afraid I won't do it right or he won't want me to help.

And I want to be able to help him but I'm scared.

I don't want him to know that I am that torn up about this all because I'm afraid he will get his feelings hurt.

I can already tell he is embarrassed by it and I don't know how to help him.

I dial his hospital number and after it rings and rings, he answers.

(On the phone with Peeta)

"Hello." He growls tiredly and annoyed.

I exhale deeply, "Peeta?" I ask quietly.

"What?" He says, his voice softening a little when he hears it is me.

"I am sorry."

"I'm sorry too."

"I really, really am." I say truthfully, knowing he doesn't believe me.

Peeta sighs, "So am I."

"Why do you still sound so mad at me?" I ask him, my feelings getting hurt by his tone of voice.

"I'm not mad, Katniss. I'm annoyed with you."

"Why?"

"Because you are being ridiculous."

"I am not trying to be. I know I'm being a little dramatic but I'm not doing it on purpose." I say angrily, feeling tears well up.

Peeta sighs, "I know."

"Then if you know why are you so mad?" I ask him.

"Katniss, the last few weeks have sucked. I'm under just as much pressure as you are. I am missing a leg and I have a family to care for."