The Selection 3
Kiera Cass
1. There is another rebel attack and Sylvia leads the three remaining girls to the safety of the basement. On the way, America makes quick eye contact with Aspen as he goes to help protect them. As the girls are going down the stairs, a guard tells them the rebels already retreated. Sylvia refuses to believe it and makes the girls wait in the basement for 20 minutes until another guard comes to tell them they can leave. America goes to her room and sees she has a note from her sister, May. Her other sister, Kenna, had a baby, Astra, with her husband, James. There is a picture and she is sad she couldn’t be there. She goes to dinner a little late to make an entrance in her strapless, backless red dress with a high slit that shows off her thigh as she curtsies. Kriss tells her she looks trashy and America responds she looks jealous. Maxon tugs on his ear and she does the same as a reply. America goes back to her room and her maids let her breath for a few minutes before zipping her back into it. She is hoping to seduce Prince Maxon that night.
2. America does what she can to prepare for Macon’s arrival. When he arrives, she says she has missed him. She has him get close and they kiss. She puts his hand on the zipper of her dress, but he starts laughing at her. He is amused at her effort and then leaves. America feels like she was acting out of character and is embarrassed.
3. Knowing she has to put on a brave face, America puts on the most demure dress she has and goes to breakfast. When Kriss starts bickering, America says she isn’t interested. The king receives a message that something has gone wrong with their deal with France and he gets up to prepare to leave. Maxon asks if he should go with him and is scolded for not acting like a man adult. He and America look at each other and tug their ears at the same time. After everyone is else is gone, they meet each other in the center of the room. He says he has a project for them. America tells him he should send her home. She is not a favorite of the fans or the king. His plan is to make her a favorite
4. When America joins the other girls in the women’s room, they are looking out the window checking out the shirtless guards as they train. She notices one of them is Aspen. When they ask her which one she prefers, she says it doesn’t really matter and Maxon looks just as good with his shirt off. This leads to a discussion of how physical each girl has been with the prince and their feelings for him. Elise and he kissed a few times. Where she comes from, marriages are arranged, so she knows live will develop over time.Celeste made out with him in the hall. She is more interested in the crown then the man. Kriss hasn’t allowed him to kiss her yet, but says she loves him. America admits she was his first kiss. Instead of revealing Macon’s secret, she says his shirt came out when they were kissing. She says Maxon knows how she feels about him. When the queen enters, they go to separate corners and contemplate their competition.
5. America goes to tell Maxon what transpired between her and the other girls and apologize. He berates her for invading his privacy and makes a comment about her always making mistakes. She promises to keep a better handle on what she says and sheepishly leaves to go back to her room. When he tries to visit her that night, she hides in the bathroom and has one of her maids tell him she is in the bath. She asks her maids to leave so she can be alone. The next morning, she is sent for and told there is an emergency. She immediately thinks her family has been killed, but Maxon reveals there are two unarmed rebels in the palace that want to speak to the two of them alone. She agrees to it, but they are both confused why it would involve her. One of the rebels introduces himself as August Illea.
6. August explains his ancestor was Gregory Illea’s second child and first son. Though he was said to have died, he really ran away because he didn’t like the way his father ruled. Their group of Northern rebels just want the caste system abolished. He asks Maxon for a sign of agreement. Maxon assumes he means money, but August says they are well funded by donations from those who are oppressed by the system. He thinks if the southern rebels are successful, many people will suffer in the way they plan to collapse the system. He thinks Maxon could do it with better results. The sign he wants is for Maxon to pick America. Maxon is furious that another person is telling him who to marry. America is also furious that her feelings and life are not considered. She storms out and August’s partner, Georgia follows her. She apologizes. She explains they thought that would be an easy choice for them because they thought they were in love. America explains she doesn’t want the crown and Georgia thinks that is why she should have it. Maxon and August approach them so August and Georgia can leave. Maxon tells America to go get ready for the day.
7. When America gets to her room, Aspen is there waiting for her. He says they will find time to talk and leaves. She gets ready for the day and goes to the women’s room. Queen Amberly notices the tension between the four girls and explains to them thief friendship will last the rest of their lives. No one else will understand what they have been through. She also reminds them Maxon will pick one of them. She isn’t sure who he will pick and she hasn’t my let herself guess for fear of getting to close to someone that wouldn’t be chosen. They don’t have any reason to hold it against whoever is chosen. Celeste goes back to her reading like she’s unaffected. America excuses herself and leaves the room. She finds Maxon pacing outside. He asks if she loves him and she points out how he has treated her terrible the past few days and it makes her feel insecure. He blames his behavior on lack of experience and a fear of only having one shot at picking his mate. She tells him to forget about her and spend time with the other girls and walks away.
8. The air in the palace noticeably shofts upon the kings return. He runs into America in the hall and is surprised she is still there. He tells her she is the only Jen who hasn’t given up payment for her participation in the Selection. She agrees it is only fair for her to give it up and promises to arrange it immediately. When she gets back to her room, America finds her maids arguing. Anne is upset with Lucy for not finishing the hem on a dress she was supposed to have done. America discourages their squabbling and tells Lucy to take it to the workroom to finish it. She grabs a pen and paper and goes to the library to write a letter to her parents. She hears Kriss tell Maxon she wishes they could go in a real date outside of the palace. He asks her if she is ready for a life stuck inside those walls. She says he is what matters to her and kisses him for the first time. He starts to walk her to her room implying they will kiss again there. America writes a the letter to her family to let them know payments will stop coming to them.
9. There isn’t much left for the girls to say on the weekly Report show. Celeste is in the middle of answering a question when a paper is delivered to the king and he takes the stage to make an announcement. The southern rebels are attacking by caste. He explains anyone in the same caste as any of the Elite are in danger and a few Twos (Celeste’s caste) have already died. When the camera goes back to the girls, Elise doesn’t my have anything to say. Celeste and Kriss make statements about being safe. America tells the people to fight back any way they can to prevent tyrannical rule. The girls are sent to their rooms and Maxon visits them individually. He comes to America last. He thinks Elise will leave in a few days. Celeste doesn’t want him to think she is selfish for staying. He was impressed with America’s response and he thinks she has endeared herself to the population by showing her true character. He is tired of fighting with her, but he is still looking at her. They agree to spend the next day together.
10. The next day, America talks to her dad and admits she likes Maxon because she is herself with him. He admires her bravery at what she said on the report and tells her people are listening. She goes to breakfast and she and Amazon stay until everyone else has left. Since they aren’t allowed outside, they decide on a movie. On the way, America notices it is raining for the first time since she came to the palace. She wants to touch it, so Maxon takes her to secret stairwell that leads to the roof. He pushes her out in the rain and she pulls him out with her. He admits he didn’t know about the diaries before she talked about them, but he is reading them now. She admits the girls were watching the guards train when she mentioned he look as good as them with his shirt off. He admits he brought Olivia up to that same spot and that he recently kissed Kriss. She hates dating him in this way, but they both realize life hasn’t been fair to them. She tells him his father has been seeking her out to make her feel insecure. They dance in the rain and kiss. America realizes she is in love with him, but doesn’t tell him. They go back into the palace where King Clarkson is waiting for them. He scolds Maxon for taking the unnecessary risk and blames America for being involved. He drags his son away and America gives him an encouraging smile.
11. America gets herself cleaned up and goes to join the others in the women’s room. Everyone is distracted by what is going on and worried about their family, friends, and the people. Elise stares out the window. Kriss attempts to draw determined to distract herself. America goes to the library to find a new book and finds Celeste there crying. Celeste shows her the latest magazine showing a poll where 39% of the people prefer America. Celeste knows she is out of the running. She admits she doesn’t live Maxon, she just didn’t want to lose her fame in a few years when she gets too old to be a model. America assured her she has the ambition to keep herself in the spotlight. She promises not to tell the others she was crying and goes back to leave. As she is walking back to the woman’s room without a new book, she runs into Aspen and says she need his help.
12. America and Maxon are in her room changing into the denim workwear sixes usually wear. Maxon is amused at how America looks in it. He asks how she arranged it and she said she just asked the guard she noticed was always ready and had helped her get to the safe room. Aspen arrives and tells them they will go out in a delivery truck to meet August in the location he specified after getting Macon’s note. Aspen is a bit upset by America’s interaction with the prince, but he tries not to let it show. Aspen talks to Delilah about a run he thought they were supposed to have that night. She says she didn’t don’t hear about it but sends him out with the truck anyway. America and Maxon get into the back of the box truck and try not to be scared as they leave the palace.
13. The box truck gets them to their meeting with August and Georgia. August reports around 300 people have died in the attacks so far. They think that is low, but America is a bit shocked. Maxon wonders if they should cave in, but the rebels point out that would give the Southern rebels more initiative to walk all over them. August points out America’s words have made a difference. Maxon is still a bit suspicious of August and reluctant to give them weapons. Aspen volunteers to help train the Northern rebels in hand to hand combat in return for their support. Maxon agrees that would be a good compromise to keep his father out of the loop. As they are getting ready to leave, a group of Southern rebels arrive and recognize America. Maxon helps her over a wall so she can get away from the attack, but she is shit in the arm in the process. She moves when she realizes Maxon isn’t going to follow, but she doesn’t get very far. She meets a girl named Paige. Paige explains her father died and left his restraint to his sister as he promised his mother he would. The sister mistreated Paige, so she ran away and lives on the street. She found a group of girls and joined them for protection, but she has to have sex for money. She offers America company and to join them for protection. The pain in America’s arm gets worse and she asks Paige to just sit with her a while. She hears Maxon call out for her and she tells Paige she can come with her for a better job. They wave down Maxon in the truck and the three of them get in the back ti go to the palace.
14. When they get back, Aspen Carrie’s America to his room. They debate calling the doctor, but America tells them to get her maid, Anne. While they are waiting, Maxon reads the first love letter America wrote to Aspen hanging on the wall. He doesn’t seem to recognize the handwriting from her younger days. He asks Aspen if she kept her word. Aspen replies that she is always with him before he leaves. Maxon feels bad about Aspen’s reaction especially since he saved them that night. Maxon tells her the Northern rebels came to their aid, but one of them, Micah, didn’t make it. Anne arrived and so does Marlee. They get everything prepared and give America liquor to help with the pain. Fret the wound is cleaned and stitched, Maxon carries America back to her room and she falls asleep in his arms
15. America wakes up late the next day with her head and arm hurting. She takes some painkillers while Anne checks the wound. They get her ready for lunch and she does her best to act like nothing is wrong. Sylvia comes to tell them there will be a tea party and they are each responsible for inviting two people. America realizes this is an attempt to make her look bad. Celeste asks her who she is going to invite and offers to share her list with her. Back in her room, America is alone with Anne and she asks if there is anything she can do to repay her. Anne is interested in Aspen and asks America to put in a good word for her. America says she will do her best and wonders how to bring up the topic with him. She is relieved that her feelings for him are gone and she doesn’t feel any jealousy at the idea of him with someone else.
16. Aspen comes to check on America and her maids leave them alone. He tells her not to ask him for any more dangerous favors that could get them all killed. He hadn’t realized how bad it was until they were attacked. They still feel connected to each other, but it seems they are not in love any more. Neither one wants to say it. At dinner, America pulls on her ear and Maxon comes to her room that night. He learns her maids’ names before dismissing them. Maxon is upset at how little he know about their mission before they went. He had no idea there were so many rebels in the streets and how well armed they were. America reassured him she is fine, but agrees to rest. America and Maxon dance around the idea of saying they love each other, but America isn’t ready knowing he still may not choose her. She changes the subject saying she needs his approval for her risky guest choice for the upcoming tea party.
17. America attends the tea party with her two guests: Georgia the Northern rebel and Nicoletta the Italian princess. She lays it on thick for the cameras because Maxon said this would be an important event. She tells the reporters she invited a new friend as well as someone from her past in hopes of joining the two. When they get a few minutes alone, they sit and America is able to introduce them. She explains to Nicoletta there are two different rebel factions and the Northern one wants to help Maxon. They fear if the Southern rebels win, there country will fall to chaos and even more oppression. America suggests Nicoletta could help fund the Notthern rebels in cash to help fight the Southern rebels. She says she can get the cash to Georgia that day. When the cameras come around, they talk about how amazing queen Amberly is.
18. After breakfast the next morning, Maxon comes to deliver a present to America. He says he wanted to explain the gift to her first so she would not be jealous of the others. It is tradition for the Elite to wear jewelry from the prince during the Convicting. He got the other girls necklaces. Know how America likes to wear the necklace from her father, he got her a bracelet he thought was her taste. Since it cost half as much as the other girls’ gifts, he gives her an envelope of the difference to send home to her family. She thanks him and he fishes for her feelings. She still isn’t ready to tell him she loves him first. The next afternoon, Sylvia takes them to where the stage is being set up for the Convicting. She explains they will be responsible for sending a man to jail for committing a crime (most likely theft). America doesn’t want to do it as she thinks of how she saw Aspen’s brother get beaten for stealing food. She knows the only thieves are the low level castes who are starving. After the others have gone, she begs Queen Amberly not to make her convict some poor person who was just trying to survive. She would be more than happy to send the person that killed the guard that saved her and Maxon. Queen Amberly points out it is a requirement in the selection processes and America specifically needs to do it because she has been a bit of a rebel. She need to show she can be obedient. Amberly tells her to do it for Maxon.
19. Aspen comes to America’s room to escort her to the Convicting. While he is walking her there, he asks her how she can go through with it. She scolds him for judging her. They arrive and he leaves her with the other girls. They are all dressed in white and gold. None of them are comfortable with with they are supposed to do and it shows in their behavior. America suggests they all refuse, but Elise thinks she is trying to trick them. They go out in stage in front of crowds and cameras one by one with America being last. The other three girls send their prisoners to their sentence though it is obvious the punishment is too harsh for their crimes. When America is supposed to send Adam to jail for life because he stole some clothes for his girls, she takes off her jewelry and gives it to him. She tells him ti pay his debt to the king. He does and the crowd erupts. America knows she will be in trouble, but hopes Adam makes it home and is checked up on.
20. After the girls are away from the cameras, King Clarkson grabs America by her arm and drags her into another room. He is furious and threatens to send her home. He offers to have Maxon restart the Selection with a new set of girls. He mentions a French princess Maxon had been friends with. Maxon doesn’t make a decision right then. Back in her room, America is preoccupied with the idea of the French princess. The girls come to sit with her and Celeste apologizes to Elise and Kriss for the things she did to them throughout the competition. They continue talking about their lives until Maxon arrives to talk to America alone. As the girls leave, Celeste stops to whisper a threat to the prince if he hurts America. When they are alone, Maxon tells America she is not out of the running. The press and the people adore her. She asks about the French princess and he says he never had feelings for her. She was the only girl he really knew growing up and though she had feelings for him, he didn’t feel the same. He is glad they can be open with each other, but America seems to feel a bit guilty for not telling him about her past.
21. The girls spend some time together giving each other makeovers. They write a letter to Maxon requesting a camera. America knows Queen Amberly is holding back laughing at their antics. America goes to join her and receives permission to brush her hair. When Maxon arrives with the camera, Kriss takes it and sends him away. They take pictures of themself and with the queen. Later, a guard comes to America’s room to take her to King Clarkson. Maxon enters the room with her. The King is upset because the Italians have written to invite them to visit and include America in the invitation. He can’t understand how America had improved their relations so quickly. He asks her to make propaganda commercials asking the people to only associate within their own castes. She sees how the king is trying to further divide the nation and refuses. She storms out and Maxon follows. He tells her he would have chosen her right then if she would have agreed. He is upset she hasn’t told him she loves him. She is furious that he can’t understand why she can’t when he isn’t loyal to her. He tries to tell her he won’t abandon her (like Aspen). She points out he also won’t love her completely since he’s been handing out his affections to each of them in slices. She storms away and he does not follow a third time.
22. That week during the Report, America is feeling off and barely pays attention. She takes Celeste hand and Celeste continues the gesture down the line and so does Kriss. Later, Maxon shows up and America’s room and says he wants to show her his room. He admits he has also shown Kriss. When she enters, she is surprised by the size and his collage of pictures on the wall from all over the world. There are pictures of all of the girls from the Selection. America asks him if he would be a photographer if he wasn’t the prince. When he says yes, she is happy to know he’d be a five like her. He wants to know that she loves him be she explains she cannot say it while there is still a chance he won’t pick her. He kisses her and says he wants her. Before she can say anything, a guard comes looking for her. He whispers something to Maxon. The prince tells America that her father died.
23. America starts to fall and Maxon catches her. When she wakes up in her own room, she can her Maxon outside the door arguing with his father. Maxon was able to get her four days at home, but not for him to go with her. He told the king she would do his commercials and he insists she get into the studio as soon as she returns. Maxon calls Aspen into her room and tells him he will take some guards to accompany her. Maxon tells her she can take one of her maids and Aspen suggests Lucy because she got along with her mom and sister when they came to visit. When she arrives home, she is surprised there are crowds of people cheering and asking for autographs. She decides it will be okay to ignore them this once and goes inside. She is greeted by her sisters with hugs. Her brother Kotex starts complaining about being confined to the house. America reminds him they are there to bury their father and tellls him to go home and risk death if he is going to continue to have a bad attitude. She storms off to her room and Lucy follows.
24. The funeral was short but beautiful and America suspects it was partially strange by Sylvia. She gets lost in a blur of hugging people in black clothing. She comments to Aspen that she is surprised she hasn’t been crying. He tells her when his dad died, he had to keep it together for everyone else. But the sadness would be triggered at random times. Most of the family is annoyed with Akita’s complaining and they leave him in the studio. America takes Lucy and May to her room and they play dress up on Lucy. May channels her creativity and grief into styling Lucy’s hair. Aspen comes up to check on them. America fulfills her promise to Anne and asks Aspen if he could ever consider her. He says she is too rigid for him. America tries to stick up for Anne, but Aspen points out Lucy’s easygoing, happy nature despite what she had been through. He is glad Maxon met America because he thinks it gave the prince an idea of how the people are oppressed by the caste system.
25. The next day, their mother gives the three older children are given letters from their father. She says he must have known about his heart issues for a while, so he wrote them out for each child. She is waiting for the others to get a bit older before giving them theirs. She promises she hasn’t read them. America looks over and sees her siblings envelopes are still sealed. Hers has been taped back together. The first letter is her father telling her how proud he is of her. He tells her to do her best and go after what she wants. There is a second, newer paper where he wrote about finding the Journal of Illea in her room and had to tell certain people. He hoped it hadn’t gotten her into any trouble. Suddenly, America realizes her dad has been leaving her clues with eight pointed stars. He sent August and Georgia to her. He was a Northern rebel. Kota starts to have a fit about the letter. He is upset their father left him the family house. He demands Aspen to get him a drink, but America stops him. Kota makes a comment about Aspen and America being together. America says they were together before the Selection but broke it off when she left. She warns him if he does anything to her or her family or speaks I’ll if their dad again, she will have him beaten. She goes to her room and May is in shock from overheating the conversation. Lucy is near tears. America promises she will tel Maxon when she gets back.
26. America is overwhelmed with everything that has happened in the past few days. Lucy avoids her while she focuses on her speech to confess to Maxon. Kenna comes to her room to talk. She says she can see on TV that America is in love with Maxon. She is surprised America didn’t tell her about Aspen when it was going on. America admits the secrecy of her relationship with Aspen was what made them work hard towards their future together. She admits she had feelings for him, but she isn’t in love with him. She has been hanging on in case Maxon sends her home. Kenna helps her realize she needs to let him go. Aspen comes to the door to tell them they have to leave because Maxon wants her back at the palace immediately. In the plane. Aspen and Lucy sit towards the front talking. When Aspen comes back to talk to her about his feelings for her, she sends him away because she has too much to deal with.
27. When America gets back to the palace, she is shocked at how much it feels like home. She is immediately dragged to a party where she is greeted by all the girls from the Selection (except Marlee). They tell her Maxon eliminated Celeste and Elise from the competition and will announce his engagement the next day. During the festivities, she sees Kriss’ necklace and realizes she is a rebel. She pulls her aside to confront her about it. Kriss admits that is why she came, but she has fallen in love with Maxon and isn’t giving up. She storms out to return to the party. America isn’t sure how she feels about it. She goes back to her room and shorty after there is a knock in the door. She is surprised to see Maxon when she answers. He has a Christmas present for her and she is impressed with the framed picture of a house. He tells her the house is her gift to move her family closer. She is overjoyed that he has chosen her and that they will be getting married. They make out for a bit and start to undress each other. He stops when she feels his back wondering if the scars repulse her. She tells him she loves him and he reciprocated the sentiment. They make out more, but he stops their progress because he wants to give her a proper honeymoon. She asks him to stay the night and he agrees. She decides to tell him about Aspen in the morning.
28. When they wake up, America and Maxon talk a bit about their future. He starts to tickle her and when she screams, Aspen rushes in. America is embarrassed as he is excused by Maxon. The prince tells her their relationship will constantly be in the public eye. He gets dressed and says he will make it official in a few hours. Once he is gone, America goes to apologize to Aspen. He knew it was coming, but was still a bit surprised. Maxon turns the corner with Kriss to see their embrace and sends Kriss back to her room. He tells Aspen to get out of his sight. He was suspicious of them the whole time but ignored his intuition. He says she broke his heart too many times and is sending her home. She tries to explain and tells him she loves him, but he storms off unwilling to hear her out.
29. While America was away, Maxon wrote her love letters which he left for her to read when he delivered her Christmas present. He discovered he didn’t want to the without her. He was scared to admit his feelings, but decided to take a leap of faith
30. America is seated with Maxon and Kriss. She looks at the crowd and sees Celeste, who can tell something is wrong. America shakes her head to tell her she lost and Celeste mouths to her that it will be okay. America looks around at the guards and a lot of them seem nervous and like they are looking for something. Even Aspen seems distracted. Maxon catches her looking at Aspen and assumes it is to arrange a meeting. He tells her he is glad she is going home. He’ll let her keep the house he gifted her. Suddenly, some of the guards out in red masks and start shooting the crowd. America watches Celeste get killed. Kriss starts crying. A rebel goes for Maxon, but turns his gun on America. Maxon dives in front of her and takes the bullet while Aspen knocks her to the ground and lands on top of her. He is able to kill the rebel and then gets Kriss to a safe room. America finds Maxon under the table with a bullet wound below his shoulder. She presses her dress into the wound to slow the bleeding. He tells her he loves her and always will. His heart was always hers and he doesn’t care what she does with it. Aspen comes back to them and Maxon makes him promise to get America to safety. Aspen gets her to agree by saying he will be able to help Maxon faster if she cooperates. He hands her a gun and they head out to find a safe room. When they finally find an open one, he gets her in and tries to give her a message in case he doesn’t make it. America sees a rebel over his shoulder and shoots. Aspen shoved her in the safe room and closes the door
31. America tries to shoot her way out of the saferoom. When that fails, she has no choice but to wait. When the door unlocks, she points her bullet less gun at the door in case it is the Southern rebels coming for her. A guard comes in and August is with him. She is taken to the infirmity for shock and the cuts all over her. When she wakes up, she is in the doctor’s office away from the rest of the injured people. She walks out, but doesn’t seem to recognize anyone. She asks a guard if Maxon is there, and he says he isn’t. She hears Aspen call her name and she goes to him. He has a broken leg and several other injuries, but will be okay. He tells her he isn’t in love with her anymore and she tells him she feels the same about him. She mentions Maxon dying and Aspen tells him he is alive and now king. Clarkson and Amberly did not make it through the attack. He believes the only reason Amazon lives was because the Northern rebels were prepared and had been acquired firearms. Lucy comes in and immediately goes to Aspen. It is very clear they are in love. America leaves to go find Maxon.
32. America looks at the devastation around her as she makes her way to Maxon. When she gets to his room, a guard says he has been waiting for her. She sees Maxon in bed with his wound bandaged, discussing things with people and signing documents. When he sees her, he asks everyone else to leave. She gives her sympathies for the loss of his parents. He shows her the document he has started to eliminate the caste system starting with the lower castes and working their way up. He then presents her with a ring that has both of their birthstones. He asks her to marry him and goes into detail about how much he loves her. She says yes.
EPILOGUE
America is nervous in her wedding/coronation day. Mary, her only remaining original maid (Anne is gone and Lucy retired), made her dress. Her mom and May are there. Marlee is her only bridesmaid. She is America’s attendant now and it seems the people are taking it as a sign for change. Aspen walks her down the aisle and she looks over the crowd too afraid to meet Macon’s eyes at first. Aspen gives her away and then it is like her and Maxon are the only ones there. She knows it will be a lot of hard work but worth all the effort.