One hundred years ago, the place once known as the United States of America was reduced to rubble by a great war. A new government was set in place and the fifty states were transformed into thirteen obeying colonies. Each colony had a job and a special trademark which originates from the name of the colony. Due to overpopulation in the colonies, the Cleansing Squad is sent in to weed out all of the imperfect. Anyone who fails their Examination, and therefore, serves little to no purpose to the great nation of Noredge, will be escorted out of their colony and into Purity, Noredge's capital, for public execution. Fourteen year old Violet Foxwood lives in the colony of Nobility with her father and younger sister. Examination day is perceived as a death sentence to the household, especially after losing their mother to the Exam. When Examination day arrives, Violet is put in a battle between herself, romance, and her family.