Ansel, formerly known as Aaron, is kidnapped along with his brother Alvin, formerly known as Harry, to take part in a battle to the death. There is twenty contestants and Bryant, Magnus' brain and helper, has been searching for the fit and capable contestants for months and months. When he has his twenty, all of the men, who are forced to wear animal masks, are forcefully transferred to a secret destination where there is a forest. There, they have to fight to the death with no knowledge of why. None of the 'animals' will survive but that doesn't mean some aren't going to try and escape.