After the over population of Earth caused the near demise of all life on the planet, a new ordinance is put into place: couples may only have one child to live in the society past the age of sixteen. The rule has morphed the society into one of a competition to see who can produce the most successful and superior children. When their first child reaches the age of sixteen, they must decide who they want to carry on their lineage. People have quickly become split between those who play this game and those who despise what the rule has made those around them into. Mae is the adopted child of Andy and Jan Modnar. While her adopted father loves her more than anything, Jan is filled with animosity due to only wanting a child from her own body. Mae's life will forever change the day she turns fifteen.