How It All Goes Down
- The girls are in a history class with Silvia, which provides us the perfect opportunity to learn more about the state of the world.
- We learn that World War III occurred between China and the United States over unpaid American debt. China won and created the puppet state "the American State of China" (17.6).
- Soon after, the ASC was invaded by Russia. Well, that's just great. But the Russians spread themselves too thin by invading China at the same time and ultimately failed.
- This invasion led the entirety of North America to unite behind someone named Gregory Illéa, a businessman who would become the king of a new nation, Illéa.
- America wonders why they're not actually given history books. Weird, right? In fact, the only one she has ever seen was a book on U.S. history that her dad kept hidden.
- Afterwards: photo-shoot time. Each girl lines up to take her turn posing with Maxon. Celeste poses seductively (of course), while America and Maxon end up cracking up during their turn together.
- During the shoot, Maxon and America learn that the Rebels are continuing their assaults on the countryside.
- Later that day, the girls are shocked to learn that someone named Janelle went home. To make things weirder, she left immediately after going on her first date with Maxon.
- Celeste insults America for being a Five, and America considers clocking her in the face. We wouldn't blame her if she did.
- Luckily, the girls are interrupted by a happy announcement—mail call. America reads her family's letters.
- Still wondering what happened to Janelle, America writes a note to Maxon. It reads: Tugging my ear. Whenever" (17.126).
- America looks at paintings in the hallway. Suddenly, Maxon appears, and he looks studly—America feels like she's "seeing him for the first time" (17.141).
- Maxon's concerned—he assumed something was wrong with America's family. America sheepishly says that she just wanted to see him.
- Maxon complains about his job. He feels discouraged because he feels like he has good ideas, but his dad refuses to take them seriously. For example, he's been trying and failing to improve education for the lower castes.
- America says that this isn't enough. Education is good and all, but there are people starving out there. School reform is like putting a Band-Aid on an amputation.
- Maxon is skeptical, so America tells him to close his eyes and think about what he'd do if his family had no food and no money. Maxon freaks out at the mere thought.
- Maxon is finally beginning to understand. America drives the point home by telling him how bad things get at the Singer household.
- Maxon kisses America on the forehead and leaves.