Finding the Missing Piece: An Everlark Story

Chapter Seventy-One

Peeta POV-

It's been about a week since Katniss and I applied for an apartment here in District 12.

Sometime soon, we should be moving in together and I am so excited.

I can't wait until I get to live with Katniss.

I know it will be both a bonding experience as well as a learning experience for us.

"Hey, Peeta." Dad says walking into my room and patting me on the back.

"Hey." I reply simply.

"How is everything going? How are you liking being graduated and excited to be going college soon?" He asks me.

"I'm really enjoying everything so far and I know I will love college. It will be even better since Katniss is coming with me." I say truthfully.

"That is great, Son."

"We are actually planning on moving into an apartment together sometime this week." I inform him.

"Well, that explains the boxes everywhere. I just thought you were getting a head start."

"No. We are going to have our own place for the summer." I tell him.

"Things are getting serious between you too, huh?"

"You know how I feel about her." I say.

"It will be good for you both. You can see how well everything goes since I'm sure you're planning on marrying her one day, right?" He asks me, seriously.

He doesn't know about the promise ring I gave her back in December.

"Yeah, of course I am. I would do it now but we still need time to be ourselves and live our own lives. Katniss is actually really independent and so am I so it works out perfectly." I explain.

"That is really great, Peeta. I am really happy for you. I can't believe my youngest is all grown up and is the lost grownup of my three." He laughs and ruffles my hair as he walks out of my room.

I look over and see that my phone is buzzing, I reach over and pick it up even though it is an unknown number.

(On the phone)

"Hello?" I say nicely, still unsure of who it is.

"Peeta Mellark?" A lady asks.

"Yes?" I say slowly.

"Hello, I have your application and I needed to let you know we have a free spot that is ready for you to move in whenever." She says politely.

"Really? Thank you so much!"

"There will still be your and one other occupant, correct?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Great. Guests are allowed between 10am and 10pm and you are allowed to have overnight guests as long as they are polite."

"Great. Will tomorrow be a good time to move in?" I asked her excitedly.

"Of course, anytime you are ready, sir." The lady says and hangs up.

I immediately dial Katniss's phone number and she picks up on the third ring.

(On the phone with Katniss)

"Hey." Katniss says nonchalantly.

"Katniss! I have great news." I say happily.

"What is it?"

"We got an apartment and we can move in tomorrow if you would like to." I say.

"Oh my goodness, finally! I can't wait." Katniss squeals.

"Me either! Hey, I'm gonna go finish making sure I have everything ready for tomorrow but I will call you in the morning okay?" I say.

"Okay, I love you." She says.

"I love you too." I laugh.

She giggles a little bit, "Forever and always?" I say just because.

"Forever and Always." She confirms making me smile.

"Bye." I say and hangup.

Wow, I love her.

I begin packing a few last minute things into boxes and begin to deep clean my room.

I am so exhausted from the lack of sleep.

All week I have stayed up until 1 or 2 in the morning packing myself or helping Katniss pack and then up at 5am working at the bakery until 5:30pm.

My eyes are heavy and I'm just really tired from this whole moving process and everything going on.

My head is pounding and I just want to sleep, but it all has to be done and I don't want Katniss to have to do anymore than she has to.

Just as I am falling into a deep sleep at about 2:30am, I get a text from Katniss.

(Texts from Katniss)

"I'm sorry to bother you, are you awake?" She texts.

"Barely. Why? What is wrong? Are you okay?" I ask.

"Yeah, I am okay. I just had a nightmare and I just wanted to check on you." She tells me.

Her nightmares have been getting more frequent and I don't like it at all.

"Want to call me and talk about it? That usually helps." I suggest.

A few seconds later I get a call from her.

(On the phone with Katniss)

"Hello?" I ask nicely, even though I am so tired.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up, Peeta. I just needed to hear your voice and know you're okay." She says sadly.

"Katniss, I am fine. I promise you. What was your nightmare about?" I ask.

I have a feeling it was about me dying, that's been what they are about lately, unfortunately.

"You. Same one, like always." She says shakily.

"Just remember that it isn't real. I know it is scary and hard but it's all okay." I tell her.

She stays quiet for a minute.

"You okay now?" I ask, just ready to go back to sleep.

"Yes. I am okay now, thank you." She says but you can still hear the shake in her voice.

"Anytime you need me even if I sound like this just remember I do care." I laugh and that pulls a laugh out of her too.

"I love you." She says.

"I love you too. I will see you tomorrow okay? Goodnight." I say.

"Goodnight." Katniss whispers and hangs up.

I love helping Katniss when she needs me but right now I am drained of all energy.