Prologue

Hi... I've gotta make it quick, but my name is Calliope. It's pronounced co-lie-o-pea, but people call me Cali. Im 17 years old and my birthday is January 11. I was born in the year 5011, "The year of Greatness," they called it. Whatever that means...

*her features were gorgeous. A soft jaw, with dark brown, almond shaped, eyes. Freckles kissed her cheeks lightly, enough prove they existed but not too many to count her as a redhead. Her hair was a light brown, bringing out her features. distant knocking was heard. Cali would turn around and look at the door.*

I have to go.

*she would rush to turn off the camera and miss the button. Men in grey army uniforms held guns and spoke in a stern voice*

"All number 3's of the age 18, must report to the city hall for the exam." A man spoke, to me.

Sir, I'm only 17, I turn of age tomorrow. You must have the wrong room...

*she would hesitate as they would stare at each other in silence*

"It's seems we do have the wrong room. Move out men! We have no time to waste!" He turned around after speaking and shouted at him men.

I caught a glimpse of his name tag... his last name is warren. God was he h~ ah stop thinking that way Cali!

*she would look at the camera and see the red light blinking still*

Oh shoot, well on the bright side I can see his face in it...

*she would pause for a moment*

This number on my forehead determines the life I live. I'm a 3 out of 10. I have lived my life in the lower numbers. I'm not the brightest, but I really try. I feel I deserve a 5 at least.

*she would smile and then it would fade away. Her looks are soft, yet subtle to being upset*

But, I can only dream, right? This society is so effed up and the only thing I can do is dream. I turn 18 tomorrow and I get to see what life I'll live. It's all based on how good I've been. From what I've been told you get a new number based on how you look. Not how good you are. I don't really know anymore.

*she would sigh and slouch in her chair*

I can't wait for tomorrow. I'll be up bright and early for my exam. I want to make you proud mom and dad, I miss you. Now you can watch me grow into a strong woman. You'll be so proud of me.

*she smiled before turning off the camera and going to her bed. Her sheets were pastel blue with white polka dots of different sizes. She lived in a room almost like a dorm. This was in building "B" of the 3's. No one lived in their own home. There was too much moving around and changed to settle down at such young ages. Cali laid in her bed, looking out the small window she was provided.*

Goodnight mom and dad...