The world ended when the bombs fell, and since then life has been marked by disease, hunger, and death. A faceless oligarchy known as the Aristocrats controls all resources and holds unchallenged authority.

Food, water, and vaccine are always in short supply. The rich receive regular vaccinations in exchange for their support, while the poor live in fear, superstition, and squalor.

Amy Wellard, a young woman working for the government to qualify for the vaccine lottery, believes there is a cure. She is determined to find it, even if it costs her life.