The world is split into factions by the supreme government. Faction I- the poorest Faction II - medium wage Faction III - the richest Everyone must have the number of their faction tattooed on their wrist at the age of 16. No two people from different fractions may meet- punishable by death. Theo is in faction I, and after running away from home he meets Alex, from faction II. Constantly running from the law, the two lovers discover what the government have been hiding all these years...