Its 3076.
All poor children born are taken, before they even get to know their mothers, to the Slave Trade. There they are fitted with a chip, and are adapted to have mechanical parts to help with the work they must do.
But not Scarlett.
When Scarlett's mother runs away, unwilling to give her to the Slave Trade, Scarlett is given a life without Mechanicals. But, unluckily for her, she's found when her mother dies protecting her.
At her age of 16, she's readied for the Slave Trade Show, to be bid on.
In a futuristic world, the residents have no say. From birth, they are monitored and chosen for the jobs within society. Some have more potential than others and are selected by the Elders before they start their formal schooling to fulfill prestigious positions after graduation. These students train together in a special facility and are respected by the society.
Belle and Derek both hold those prestigious positions. Belle as an Agent and Derek as the Executioner. They've been accused and tried for the murder of a respected Agent. A murder that they did not commit.
Now, they are thrust into the experimental punishment that is the Ki'i. The convicted are thrust into an enclosed area and left there until only one remains alive. The last one standing gains his or her freedom and a secure job in the government.
Belle and Derek are best friends and neither one are willing to kill the other, but when their circumstances change, they have a chance to fight back against the Elders that sentenced them. Now, they are fighting for the rights of their people and against everything that they have been taught.