There once was a girl named America Singer. She was born into a poor family. Her family wants her to enter a contest to marry the Prince but she doesn't want to, even though it means she and her family could have more money.

America is already in love with another boy, Aspen, but they aren't supposed to talk because he is more poor than she is.

"But I loved Aspen. I'd loved Aspen for nearly two years. And he loved me" (15).

Prince Maxon made a contest called "The Selection" to find a future wife. Although America doesn't want to be in it, she's forced to compete. She's taken away from her home and put into the royal palace.

When she leaves, she sees Aspen talking to and holding another girl. She feels hurt because she thought they loved each other.

"Had he liked her all along? Was she the girl he saw every day and I was the girl who fed him and showered him with kisses once a week?" (73).

At the palace, America is surrounded by 34 other girls. They all want to marry Prince Maxon, but America doesn't want to because she is still in love with Aspen.

America is torn between wanting to go back home or staying at the palace. She tells this to Prince Maxon, and they agree that since she doesn't want to marry him, they can just be friends. He says he will keep her at the palace as long as he can.

"I've met nearly every woman in this room, and I can't think of one who would make a better friend. I'd be glad to have you stay" (130). -Prince Maxon

Every six months in America's country, there is a draft for 19-year-old males to go to the army. Aspen is drafted and is positioned as America's door guard for her room in the palace. He comes in one night and apologizes about hurting her and explains his actions.

"Oh, Mer, she fell. She tripped and I caught her" (297).

He tells America how much he loves her still. America says she feels the same way.

"'Love you again?' I asked incredulously. 'Aspen, I never stopped'" (298).

Passion doesn't solve extreme internal and relationship-based conflict.