Finding the Missing Piece: Book 3

Chapter Twelve

Peeta POV-

I carefully pick up the sleeping infant and gently lay her head on my shoulder, holding her to me as I stand up.

I walk back into the cool house and shut the back door.

Carter softly snores into my ear and it reminds me of Katniss and I can't help but laugh.

"You and Aunt Katniss are going to be twins one day, huh?" I ask her, though she is sleeping.

I imagine Carter and Katniss will get pretty close as she grows up and that makes me happy.

Even if Katniss and I never have kids, at least we have Carter and Finnick and Annie's baby.

Plus, I'm sure that most all our friends will have kids to have around too.

I think it'll be fine either way.

But as I have said many times, as long as I have Katniss, life couldn't get better.

I sit on the couch with Carter laying on my shoulder and just sit there, staring off into space.

New born babies aren't much fun, I decide.

Eventually, the girls come back and see me here with the baby.

She's sprawled out across my chest, her tiny head on my shoulder.

They both smile and begin putting up the groceries.

"What's up?" Katniss asks me, as she sits down gradually next to me.

I smirk, "Just hanging out."

Katniss laughs and I set my hand on her upper thigh.

She looks down and smiles, setting her own hand on mine.

"Carter is like a mini Katniss." I say to Bristol as she sits down across from us.

She gives me a look and laughs, "What?"

I laugh and Katniss gives me a look too.

"Well, let's see, she's snoring in my ear, has her face in my neck and her arms wrapped around me." I explain.

Katniss scoffs, rolling her eyes.

"It's probably because she loves her Uncle Peeta just as much as her Aunt Katniss." Bristol says, sticking her tongue out at Katniss.

I laugh and so does Bristol, "I love them both too." I say truthfully.

It's Bristol's turn to scoff, "And I love you too, little sister." I tease her.

It's nice because Bristol and I are just like brother and sister.

And she's just like Katniss's sister in a way.

These two have a stronger bond than even Katniss and Annie.

"I'm older than you." Bristol says.

"Yeah, but you're kind of short."

She rolls her eyes at me.

"Peeta, you know a person I think would love to have visitors besides us?" Katniss asks and I know who she's speaking of.

I nod, "I do. I think they would enjoy some company from someone other than us. Especially from Miss Carter, here."

Katniss smiles softly, "I bet he would love that."

Bristol just looks at us.

I laugh, "There's this old man we met, he lives in a nursing home. I bet he would love to meet you and Carter one of these days. He is super friendly, just wants people to visit." I explain.

Bristol smiles warmly, "I bet she'd love the attention." She laughs.

Katniss and I nod in agreement.

"We will have to take you sometime. Katniss and I haven't been in awhile." I say.

"That would be a lot of fun. I would love to go." Bristol says excitedly.

I laugh, "We shall do that sometime."

The rest of the day is spent talking and laughing with Bristol and Katniss and playing with Carter.

It turns out to be one of the best days I've had in a while.