In the year 2043, a mysterious disease kills 98% of children and teenagers in the United States, while the 2% who survive develop supernatural abilities. The government rounds up these children and sends them to "rehabilitation" camps, where they are classified into different color-coded groups based on their abilities.
The story follows Ruby, a 16-year-old girl who is classified as an "Orange," the most powerful and feared group. Ruby possesses telepathic abilities and is forced to hide her true identity as a Green, a less threatening group.
Ruby escapes from the camp with the help of Doctor Cate, who claims to be part of an organization called the Children's League. However, Ruby soon discovers that Cate's motives are not entirely pure, and she joins a group of children on the run, including Liam, a boy with telekinetic abilities.
As they journey to a secret location called East River, they face numerous challenges and dangers, including Lady Jane, a ruthless child hunter. Along the way, Ruby develops feelings for Liam, but their relationship is put to the test when they discover that the leader of the East River community, Clancy, is actually the son of the President and has been manipulating events to create an army of superpowered children.
Ruby and her friends must fight against Clancy and the government to survive. In the end, Ruby joins the Children's League to fight against the government, but not before erasing her memories from Liam's mind to protect him. The story concludes with Ruby training with the League, but the struggle is far from over, as Clancy is revealed to be still alive, setting the stage for a future battle.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The story takes place in the United States in the year 2043.
2. A disease affecting only children and teenagers has spread, resulting in the death of 98% of children and teens.
3. The disease is contagious and spreads quickly, but it is not lethal to adults.
4. The 2% of children who survive the disease develop special abilities that make them "abnormal."
5. The government establishes camps to "heal" and research these children.
6. Children in the camps are classified into five color groups based on their abilities: Green (intelligence), Blue (telekinesis), Gold (electricity manipulation), Red (fire control), and Orange (mind control).
7. The Red and Orange groups are considered dangerous and are ordered to be killed immediately.
8. A girl named Ruby, who is an Orange, escapes from the camp with the help of a doctor named Cate.
9. Ruby meets three friends: Zu (a mute Gold), Liam (a Blue), and Charles (a Green).
10. The group is pursued by Lady Jane, a child hunter, and Cate, who are working for the government.
11. Ruby and her friends eventually find a secret location, East River, where they meet other children with special abilities.
12. The leader of the East River group, Clancy, is revealed to be an Orange and the son of the President.
13. Clancy's goal is to create an army of children with superpowers to take control of the government.
14. Ruby and her friends discover Clancy's true intentions and try to escape.
15. A battle ensues between the children and Clancy's army.
16. Ruby uses her powers to control the minds of others and escape.
17. Ruby meets Kate, the leader of the Children's League, and bargains to release Liam in exchange for joining the League.
18. Ruby erases herself from Liam's memory to allow him to be released.
19. Ruby joins the Children's League to fight against the government.
20. The story concludes with Ruby training with the League, but the struggle is far from over as Clancy is revealed to be still alive.