Finding the Missing Piece: Book 6

Chapter Ninety-Eight

Katniss POV- (Later that day)

"Did you ever find what you were looking for?" Peeta asks me.

"No." I say.

He sits down on the bed, "Listen, I'm sorry for how much of a jerk I was to you earlier." He says.

"Okay. And I'm seriously sorry for how much I've been one too." I admit to him.

"Okay." Peeta says.

I stare at my hands, hoping he will go.

"You know if you're gonna stay here, we have to at least tolerate each other. We technically are still married."

"Yeah."

He sighs, "I promised Willow that I would take care of you. Maybe not in the ways I did before but I'll do anything you need. Pay for anything, cook, pay your phone bill, whatever it is you need but I told her I just can't take care of you in the ways I use to. Not until I know that you want it."

"Okay, thank you."

"I'm really sorry, Katniss but I just feel like it's worthless to do until you want it."

"I keep telling myself that I want it more than anything and I think I do but something is still holding me back and keeping me."

"You need to figure out what it is." He tells me.

"I know. I've been thinking about it ever since you left."

"Did you take a look at the pictures in there?" He asks me, referring to the box.

I shake my head, "Not yet. I couldn't bring myself to do it."

"Why not? The answer could be right under your nose."

I sigh, "Because I'm afraid that it's not."

"But it could be and the only way to find out is to look."

"I thought you weren't going to help me."

"I'm not helping you, I'm just giving you my opinion, that you did not ask for."

I snort, looking up at him.

His eyes are puffy and red and I can just tell that he's been crying and he's been doing it for a really long time.

I look away fast because it makes me feel guilty.

"Don't you need to go take care of your kids?" I ask him.

"Your mother took Rye and Bristol took Willow for a play date with Carter and Carson."

"But they just came home yesterday."

"I know but I think they both needed another break." He tells me.

I sigh, "Don't you need one too?"

"I was actually going to go up to the bakery to write paychecks and pay bills. Would you like to come with me?" He asks.

I shake my head, "Not today."

"Okay." Peeta says, standing up and heading for the door.

I swallow hard, "Peeta, wait." I say.

"Yeah?"

"I want to come with you."

"Alright." He says and I follow him out of the room.

We get into the car and an awkward silence hangs in the air.

"You know, we have pictures at the bakery. Maybe take a look there." He says.

I look at him, "Why are you still trying to help me?"