Complete

Chapter 24

Peeta P.O.V.

It breaks my heart to see Katniss this way, and I have a feeling that it has something to do with the baby.

"I... Th-They..." Katniss stumbles over her words in her state of panic. 

"Shh. It's alright," I tell her softly. "Take a deep breath. Take your time."

"The doctor couldn't find the baby's heartbeat," Katniss says.

It feels like the air has been knocked out of my lungs.

"Oh. Um... Did the doctor says if there's a chance..."

"Yeah," Katniss says as she nods her head. "She said that it could have been a malfunction on the machine, but they were so busy that they couldn't get me into another room." Katniss stops to take a deep breath. "I go back in three days."

"I'm going with you," I say quickly.

Katniss gives me a sad smile. "I was hoping you would."

"But for the next three days, you need to stay calm and rest. I'll keep Rye for tonight if you want me to," I tell her.

Katniss nods her head. "You're not mad at me?"

I give her a look. "Why on earth would I be mad at you?" I ask her. "Kat, this is not your fault. Don't you dare believe that it is for a second."

"But, Peeta, I've been so stressed out..."

"It's not your fault," I repeat. "Go home. Rest. I'll take care of Willow and Rye, so don't worry about anything."

Katniss sighs and runs her hands though her hair. "These next three days are going to be the longest of my life."

"Yeah," I sigh as I nod my head. "I know."

"I'm going to go home and get some sleep," Katniss says. "I'm feeling pretty wiped out right now."

I nod my head. "Okay," I tell her. "That's the best thing you can do for right now, anyways. For you and the baby both."

Katniss nods once. "Tell Rye I said goodnight."

"I will," I tell Katniss before she walks off.
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"No! No!" Rye says as he kicks his feet out in protest.

"Rye, quit. You have to get strapped into your car seat," I tell him.

"No! Mommy!" Rye screams.

"Rye, Mommy will be here in a minute," I tell him. "You need to calm down."

"Someone's in a bad mood."

I look up to see Katniss walking towards the car.

"He's been a little terror this morning," I tell her. I notice how pale Katniss looks, and I give her a concerned look. "Are you alright?"

"I've been sick all morning," Katniss says as she places a hand on her stomach. "The stress probably."

I frown at her. "That's not good for you or the baby."

"It's not like I can help it," Katniss snaps as she sits down in the passenger's seat. I sigh and turn my attention back to Rye.

"Mommy!" Rye cheers as he reaches out for Katniss. He stops struggling long enough for me to get him fully buckled in.

"I can't hold you right now, Rye," Katniss tells him. I take my place in the driver's seat, and Rye's screams get impossibly louder. Katniss takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, pressing her fingers to her temples.