Earth, XXVI century. Amber is one of the million seventeen-year-olds who live in one of the five huge hive cities. There is only a year left until Lottery 2532, during which examiners will evaluate the abilities of teenagers. It is the Lottery that will determine their further level in the hive, profession, and the rest of their lives. Amber is afraid that she does not have any outstanding talents, and therefore will end up in the depths of the hive, but her friend Forge loves risk. And when a friend finds himself in trouble at the most inopportune moment, Amber has to forget about her worries and focus on survival.