Elena Ives is perfectly happy in her country home, with her lavish jewellery, beautiful dresses and money. She lives in a society, a small town on the edge of Indiana,called Upton Darwin. Every person in the country has one thing to look forward to, on September 1st when they turn 16, a name, and a number with appear on the back of their necks. One, for the soul mate, and one for how many days you have to live.