In this isolated dystopian community, every human is paired up with another between the ages of 0 and 16. These pairs are of the same birth year and are tasked to fully understand each other, and by the end of the year they both turn 16, they must choose one of their brains and one of their bodies to become one superior human. This process is referred to as molding, as the 2 people mold into 1. The process takes place in a ceremony with all the other 16-year-old pairs and is done in front of everyone. The leader of the ceremony is the one who conducts the surgery. The ceremony takes place in a church-like building similar to a traditional wedding. After John and Alexa witness the first molding of the day, John becomes more opposed to the molding process. After a brief conversation with another pair, John attempts to run away, but he won't get far.