The Elite

America guesses that Natalie has the least hold on the prince and will be eliminated. She marvels that Maxon has chosen her but doesn’t want to lose Aspen’s friendship when she tells him her choice. America’s maids bring her a black gown to wear for a mysterious event, and America fears someone died. Anne advises her, “You are a lady now, miss. You must handle this like a lady” (87).

America is led outside to join a crowd of spectators around a platform. Officer Carter Woodwork and Marlee are dragged out in chains. An announcer explains that they were found in an embrace, a crime punishable by death, but their sentence has been commuted to a beating and a reduction to level Eight, the lowest caste. Officer Woodwork is caned on the back and tries to say encouraging words to Marlee as she is caned on the hands. America calls for Maxon to stop the punishment, even as the crowd cheers. When Maxon doesn’t move, America tries to climb the platform and is carried away by guards.

America is left in her room and cries over Marlee. America realizes Marlee must have been in love with Carter for a while and actively saw him.