The Selection Fan Pilot Script (Parts 1-3)

8/11/2019 The Selection Fan Pilot Script (Parts 1-3)

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"THE SELECTION"EPISODE 1.01: "PILOT"

SCREENPLAY BY

ASHLEIGH HAYNES

BASED ON THE BOOKS BY KIERA CASS


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"THE SELECTION" PAGE 1

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A WORK OF FAN FICTION. I, ASHLEIGH HAYNES,DO NOT OWN THE SELECTION. FURTHERMORE, THIS WORK DOES NOTREFLECT THE VIEWS OF KIERA CASS, HARPERTEEN, OR ANY OTHERPARTIES INVOLVED IN ANY OFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIAL CAPACITY WITH THESELECTION . THIS FAN SCRIPT BELONGS TO ASHLEIGH HAYNES AND MAYNOT BE PRODUCED IN ANY WAY/SHAPE/FORM. THIS SCRIPT IS FORREADING ONLY. NO PRODUCTION OF THIS SCRIPT IS INTENDED.

SCREENWRITER'S NOTE: I HAVE NO PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OREDUCATION IN SCREENWRITING. I AM BASING THE FORMAT OF THISSCRIPT ON MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE READING SCREENPLAYS.

TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY INQUIRIES, PLEASE EMAIL:

[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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PART ONE

ESTABLISHING : SHOTS OF SEVERAL MODERN CITIES (NEW YORK, LA,CHICAGO, TORONTO, ETC.). THE CITIES ARE BUSTLING WITH PEOPLE,MOVING HURRIEDLY BACK AND FORTH, NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THEWORLD AROUND THEM. A VOICE OVER BEGINS AS THE SHOTS ALTERNATE.

AMERICA (V.O.)

Years ago, our country was divided into several othersuccessful but politically corrupt nations. The UnitedStates, Canada, a slew of others. Millions uponmillions of people lived here. It used to be known asNorth America. At least, that's what the history bookstell us.But then, about 300 years ago. . .

SCREEN BLACKS OUT. AMERICA'S VOICE OVER CONTINUES.

AMERICA (V.O.) (CONT.)

. . . Everything changed.

BRIEF SHOTS OF BOMBS EXPLODING, REGULAR AND NUCLEAR; RAGINGFIRES ON BATTLEFIELDS; SCREAMING IN THE BACKGROUND.


The nations here in the west were attacked and invadedby the nations of the east, and the entire continentof countries nearly fell to ruin. Finally, havingwatched millions of people suffer and die at the handsof the countries of the east, the remnants of thewestern countries allied to form a new country. Illa.

AERIAL SHOT OF A NEW CITY, IN "PRESENT DAY ILLA," OVER 300YEARS IN THE FUTURE. IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER, YOU'D THINKIT WAS A TOWN FROM HUNDREDS OF YEARS IN OUR OWN PAST; THE


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STREETS THAT WERE ONCE MADE OF ASPHALT ARE NOW IN DISREPAIR,COVERED IN DIRT AND GROWING WITH WEEDS; THE BUILDINGS THAT SKIRTTHE ROAD ARE DIRTY, STACKED UP AGAINST EACH OTHER, EACH MOREDILAPIDATED THAN THE LAST. IT'S LATE AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING.


With the new country still in shambles from the war,the founders of Illa instituted a caste system togive every citizen their place in the new society.

THE VOICE OVER CONTINUES AS WE MOVE THROUGH THE TOWN, CATCHINGGLIMPSES OF SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE; CHILDREN IN DIRTY CLOTHES

PLAYING WITH AN OLD BALL THAT'S JUST ABOUT HAD IT; PARENTSSHOPPING AT THE MARKET AND BUYING THE LITTLE THEY CAN AFFORD;ETC.


There are eight castes, each with their own skill setsand status, and knowing where you belong in the systemis a necessity for survival.

AS AMERICA LISTS THE CASTES, WE SEE GLIMPSES OF MEMBERS OF EACHAND HOW THEY LIVE IN THE ILLAN SOCIETY.


I suppose I'll start from the bottom and work my wayup. After all, didn't that used to be the Americandream? Well, it's crazy. And it's certainly not thisAmerica's dream. (SHE LAUGHS AT HER JOKE.) You'll getthat later.

SHOT SHOWS THE HOMELESS, CROUCHED IN ALLEYS OR BEGGING FOR MONEYON THE STREET CORNER. MOST PEOPLE JUST IGNORE THEM ENTIRELY ANDWALK PAST.


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The lowest caste are the Eights. Unless you are one,you learn to stay away from them at a young age. TheEights are street rats. They're orphans and runaways,the mentally ill or the physically disabled. And thetraitors of the crown, of course. That is, if you'relucky enough to still have a head after betraying themonarchy.

A BEAUTIFUL, NEW, CHROMED-OUT, SCI-FI-LOOKING CAR DRIVES THROUGHTHE STREET PAST THE CAMERA, THE ONE REDEEMING IF CONFUSING QUALITY ABOUT THIS SMALL CITY THAT PLACES IT IN A TIME FAR

BEYOND THIS ONE. THE CAR SEEMS SINCERELY OUT OF PLACE AS ITPASSES HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES AND CHILDREN RUNNING AND PLAYING INTHE STREET, AS WELL AS BUSY WORKERS, MOVING FROM ONE JOB TO THENEXT OR LEAVING THE MARKET TO HEAD HOME. THE CAMERA FOLLOWS THECAR THROUGH THE CITY FOR A MOMENT BEFORE THE ROAD BECOMES ACTUALBLACKTOP, FRESHLY-PAVED AND WELL-MAINTAINED. AMERICA'S VOICEOVER CONTINUES AS A HUGE MANSION COMES INTO VIEW. THE CAMERAPULLS AWAY FROM THE CAR TO MOVE THROUGH THE ESTATE; FIRST OFF,WE SEE THE SEVENS AMERICA IS DESCRIBING A COUPLE IN THE GARDENTENDING TO PERFECT FLOWERS AND FERNS, ONE MOWING A PERFECTLYMANICURED LAWN.


Just a step up from the street are the Sevens. They'rea thousand times better off than the Eights, and stillfifty steps down from being remotely financiallystable. They're the labor class. They're the onesyou'll see building new houses or cleaning theswimming pool of some rich Two or Three. They don'thave much, and it isn't unusual for them to have to go

a couple of days without eating, even during a goodweek. They go to public school for a few years, butmostly, the kids have to start working pretty young tohelp out the family.


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THE SHOT MOVES INSIDE THE HOUSE AS AMERICA CONTINUES TO NARRATE.WE PASS BY HOUSEKEEPERS BUSTLING ABOUT ON THE UPPER FLOORS;MAIDS AND OTHER HOUSE WORKERS PREPARING A LARGE BALLROOM FOR APARTY TO COME, SETTING TABLECLOTHS AND CANDLES EVERYWHERE; COOKSIN THE KITCHEN PREPARING A FEAST FOR THE HOUSEOWNER'SEXTRAVAGANT PARTY.


Then there's the Sixes. Even though they thankfullywork inside most of the time, which especially helpsduring the burning Carolina summers, they're not thatmuch better off than the Sevens. Sixes are the peoplewho work for the upper castes. They're secretaries,waiters and waitresses, housekeepers, drivers.

THE SHOT SWIVELS BACK AROUND TO THE CAR; A YOUNG MAN, HANDSOME,BUT RUGGEDLY SO, HURRIES FROM HIS SPOT AT THE SIDE OF THE LONGROUND-ABOUT DRIVEWAY TO THE CAR AND PULLS THE BACK DOOR OPEN FORTHE PASSENGERS. WE DON'T KNOW IT YET, BUT THIS IS ASPEN LEGER,19. HE'S AMERICA'S SECRET BOYFRIEND. WE'LL BE SEEING A LOT MOREOF HIM. THE FIRST PERSON EXITS THE CAR; IT'S A MIDDLE-AGED MAN.HE STRAGHTENS HIMSELF AND TAKES IN THE SIGHT OF THE MANSION WITHA SMILE THIS IS AN ANCHIEVEMENT INDEED. HE REACHES OUT HIS HANDAND DROPS A FEW COINS INTO ASPEN'S HAND AS A TIP. ASPEN SMILESFAKELY AT THE "TIP." THE MAN REACHES BEHIND HIM AND EXTENDS HIS

ARM, WHICH IS TAKEN BY A WOMAN, WHO PULLS HERSELF GRACEFULLY OUTOF THE CAR. BOTH THE MAN AND WOMAN ARE DRESSED EXTRAVAGANTLY,THOUGH NOT QUITE EXPENSIVELY. THESE ARE THE FOURS IN THE CASTESYSTEM. THEY ARE THE HOMEOWNER'S FRIENDS, A REAL ESTATE AGENTAND AN INSURANCE BROKER, PERHAPS?


The Fours have probably the biggest variety of skillsand jobs in all the castes. They're mostly business

people you know, store owners, real estate agents,insurance brokers. Though, some of them, like mysister, Kenna, and her husband are factory workers.They aren't rich at least not usually but they aren'texactly destitute either. Fours actually havesomething to their name. For those in the lowercastes, a Four's wealth is enough to make you go greenwith envy.


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AS THE TWO FOURS WALK TOWARD THE HOUSE, ASPEN CLOSES THE CARDOOR AND IT PULLS AWAY, REPLACED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BY ANOTHER.AGAIN, ASPEN OPENS THE DOOR, HOLDING OUT A HAND TO THEPASSENGER. A YOUNG WOMAN, SLIGHTLY MORE EXTRAVAGANTLY DRESSED INAN EVENING GOWN, EMERGES FROM THE CAR, SMILING GRACIOUSLY ATASPEN. SHE WEARS STYLISH GLASSES. HER HAIR IS PULLED BACKBEAUTIFULLY, WRAPPED IN A BUN THAT IS HELD IN PLACE WITH ASIMPLE BLACK WOODEN PENCIL. SHE'S A THREE, A WRITER.


The lowest of the three main upper castes, Threes arethe intellectuals. They're anything from writers and

inventors to psychologists and teachers. Of course,there's film directors, music producers, and lawyerstoo. Being a Three means living comfortably and havingthe money to feed your family, or even the money toprotect yourself from having a family if you don'twant one. As strange as that might sound, you'd besurprised exactly what is a luxury that people likeFives and below don't have access to, much less havethe money for. Planned parenting is a coveted luxuryfor Threes and above.

THE WRITER MAKES HER WAY UP TO THE HOUSE SHE DOESN'T HAVE AHUSBAND OR A DATE, AND SHE SEEMS FINE NOT HAVING ONE. ASPENCLOSES THE CAR DOOR, AND THIS CAR, TOO, PULLS AWAY. THE SHOTDOESN'T STICK AROUND TO SEE ANY MORE CARS PULLING UP. INSTEAD,WE GO UP TO THE HOUSE, FOLLOWING THE WRITER AND THE FOUR COUPLE,JUST AHEAD OF HER, AS THEY REACH THE GIANT MANSION. ON THE HUGEVERANDA IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE, A REASONABLY HANDSOME, SHARPLY-DRESSED MAN OF ABOUT 40 WELCOMES HIS GUESTS TO HIS HOME; A YOUNGGOERGEOUS WOMAN OF ABOUT 25 WITH PLATINUM BLONDE HAIR AND ASHINY EVENING GOWN THAT FITS HER PLENTIFUL CURVES TIGHTLY IS ONTHE MAN'S ARM, SMILING AND NODDING OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOTSPEAKING. SHE IS CLEARLY A TROPHY WIFE. THE MAN IS THE MAYOR OFCAROLINA; THE WOMAN IS HIS WIFE.



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And then, above pretty much everyone else, are theTwos. They have more money than sense and they wantfor nothing. Theyre the who 's who of any province andjust about everyone in the country knows them by name.They're celebrities for the most part, like actors andpop stars and athletes. Then there's the politicianslike the province mayors. Last but not least, there'sthe protectors, like firefighters, police. Even thesoldiers that are drafted from the lower castes becomeTwos. The Twos are literally a step down from royalty.

AMERICA FALLS SILENT AND WE CONTINUE TO WATCH THE MAYOR AND HISWIFE GREET GUESTS. THE FOUR COUPLE FINALLY REACHES THEM. THE MANSHAKES HANDS WITH THE MAYOR WHILE HIS WIFE EXCHANGES AIR KISSESWITH THE MAYORS WIFE.

JONATHAN (FOUR MAN)

Mayor Wagner, thank you for inviting us.

MAYOR WAGNER

Of course, Jonathan. Mila, ever lovely as always.

MILA (FOUR WOMAN)

Why thank you, Mayor.

MAYOR WAGNER

We are so glad the two of you could make it. Please,come in.

THE TWO FOURS NOD AND THEN JONATHAN ESCORTS MILA BY THE ARM INTOTHE HOUSE. THE WRITER IS NEXT TO GREET HER HOSTS. MAYOR WAGNERKNOWS HER AND SMILES BRIGHTLY AT HER ARRIVAL, BRINGING HER HANDTO HIS LIPS AND KISSING LIGHTLY.


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WAGNER

Anne Marie, how wonderful that you could make it.

ANNE MARIE

I wouldn't miss one of your parties for the world,Nathan. Though you have been noticeably lacking on thedetails as to why exactly you're having it.

WAGNER (CONFIDINGLY)

It's a secret. Come inside, and find out the excitingnews for yourself.

AMERICA'S VOICE OVER RETURNS AS ANNE MARIE NODS CONSPIRATORILYTO THE MAYOR BEFORE DISMISSING HERSELF AND WALKING INTO THEHOUSE. THE MAYOR AND HIS WIFE CONTINUE WITH THE PLEASANTRIES OFGREETING MORE GUESTS.

AMERICA (V.O.)

That was the night before everything changed for me.Of course the Mayor knew before anyone else in theprovince and welcomed the Selection with open arms,throwing a party to celebrate the minisculepossibility that the future Queen of Illa would beone of his citizens. I'm sure there were dozens ofother parties across the country that night. Peoplethat were lucky enough to score invitations would knowbefore the letters even arrived what a whirlwind thecountry was about to be thrown into. They'd find outin a grand announcement followed by applause andcheering. They'd be excited, as most of the countrywould be when they found out that the time once againhad come to auction off one of Illa's own to become aprincess. I, on the other hand, wasn't the least bitthrilled at the idea.


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SHOTS FADES FROM THE MAYOR'S SMILING FACE AND HIS GLORIOUSMANSION TO A DILAPIDATED TINY HOUSE THE NEXT MORNING. IT'S THESINGER RESIDENCE. WE SEE MAGDA, AMERICA'S MOTHER, WALKING THROUGHTHE FRONT DOOR, CARRYING A BAG OF GROCERIES UNDER ONE ARM, THEMAIL IN HER HAND AS SHE CAREFULLY OPENS THE DOOR. SHE IS A MIDDLEAGED WOMAN THAT, THOUGH PERHAPS ONCE BEAUTIFUL, TIME HAS NOT BEENTOO KIND TO. CAMERA FOLLOWS HER AS SHE MAKES HER WAY THROUGH THEFRONT DOOR, PAST THE SMALL ENTRY WAY, AND INTO THE SMALL KITCHEN,WHERE SHE HAPHZARDLY DROPS THE MAIL ONTO THE TABLE BEFORE MOVINGTO PUT THE GROCERIES UP. THE SHOT ZOOMS IN ON THE PILE OF MAIL,WHICH FEATURES SEVERAL SMALL, DULL ENVELOPES SITTING ON TOP OF AMUCH BRIGHTER AND MORE COLORFUL LARGER ENVELOPE, MADE OF A THICKPAPER. THE ENVELOPE CLEARLY STANDS OUT IN THE PILE OF MAIL.AMERICA'S VOICE OVER CONTINUES AS HER MOTHER PLACES THEGROCERIES.


I've heard that, when this place was still called theUnited States of America, there were elected leaderswho could choose who they wanted to be with for love.Marrying wasn't as much of a business transaction as itwas an exchange of vows meant to say 'I love you.'

CAMERA FINALLY PULLS AWAY FROM THE ENVELOPE AND MOVES THROUGHTHE SMALL HOUSE, MAKING ITS WAY DOWN A HALL UNTIL IT REACHES ADOOR THAT STANDS SLIGHTLY OPEN. THE CAMERA MOVES THROUGH THEDOOR INTO A SMALL BEDROOM. (AMERICA'S VOICE OVER NOW RESUMES).IN THE ROOM IS A SMALL BED, SITTING ON WHICH IS A VIBRANTREDHEAD, HER BACK TO THE CAMERA. SHE FACES A MUSIC STAND INFRONT OF HER AS SHE PLAYS A VIOLIN THAT RESTS ON HER CHIN. WEHEAR THE SWEET MELODY SHE PLAYS; SHE IS QUITE TALENTED. THIS ISAMERICA SINGER, 16, FIERY TEMPER TO MATCH HER BRIGHT RED LOCKS.


I don't know whether that's true or not, but I knowthat rarely happens now. That country is gone, and theonly America left is me. Terrible pun, I know, butit's true. My name is America Singer. I'm a Five. I


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kind of skipped them earlier. We're artists musicians,painters, sculptors. I am a Five. At least, I was. AndI was happy with that, I really was.

Most people hear about the Selection and think thatit's the story of a prince finding his princess. Butthis isn't a prince's story. It's all mine. I neverreally had that girly interest in being a princess. Icertainly never asked for anything like that. Thenagain, Cinderella never asked for a prince. She askedfor a night off and a dress. I didn't even want thatmuch. I just wanted to live my life as a Five, maybeeven as a Six if things went the way they weresupposed to; marry the love of my life, have children,grow old, and die. Was that really so much to ask?

THERE IS A SCREAM OF SURPRISE OFF SCREEN, FOLLOWED BY MAGDA'SVOICE CALLING HER DAUGHTER'S NAME.

MAGDA (O.S)

America!

THE GIRL SITTING ON THE BED PULLS THE VIOLIN AWAY FROM HER FACEAND TURNS AROUND TO FACE THE DOOR, A MIXTURE OF FEAR ANDCONFUSION ON HER FACE. THIS IS THE FIRST LOOK WE GET OF AMERICASINGER, AND SHE IS POSITIVELY RADIANT. IT'S NOT MAKEUP OR BEINGOBNOXIOUSLY OVERTLY BEAUTIFUL; SHE'S JUST NATURALLY ATTRACTIVE.SHE JUMPS UP OFF THE BED AFTER ONLY A MOMENT'S HESITATION,LAYING THE VIOLIN DOWN ON THE THIN COMFORTER AS SHE RUNS THROUGHTHE DOOR.

SHOT RETURNS TO MAGDA; SHE'S STANDING IN THE KITCHEN, THE MAILDROPPED AT HER FEET, ALL EXCEPT ONE LETTER THE BEAUTIFULLYCOLORFUL ONE WE NOTICED EARLIER. SHE STARES AT IT, AWESTRUCK, AHAND OVER HER MOUTH, WHEN AMERICA RUNS INTO THE ROOM. WE HEARHER BEFORE WE SEE HER.

AMERICA (O.S)


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Mom? What's wrong?

SHE STOPS IN THE KITCHEN DOORWAY, STARING AT HER MOTHER WITH APUZZLED EXPRESSION.

AMERICA (CONT.)

Mom, what's going on? You scared me to death!

MAGDA DROPS HER HAND REVEALING A HUGE GRIN, HOLDING OUT THELETTER AS HER ONLY EXPLINATION. AMERICA, HALTINGLY, STEPSFORWARD TO TAKE THE LETTER. SHE FIXES HER MOTHER WITH ONE LASTQUESTIONING GLANCE AS SHE LOOKS DOWN AT THE ENVELOPE IN HERHAND. THE CONFUSED LOOK ON HER FACE DOESN'T DISAPPEAR, BUT HERURGENCY AND WORRY FADE AWAY.

AMERICA (CONT.)

A letter from the royal palace in Angeles?

SHE TURNS THE LETTER OVER IN HER HANDS TO OPEN IT.

AMERICA (CONT.)

What's all this ab ?

SHE FALTERS, FREEZING AS SHE FINALLY SEES THE EMBLEM ON THE BACK

OF THE ENVELOPE A GOLD-EMBOSSED TIARA, WITH THE LETTER 'S'PRINTED BELOW IT. HER EYES RAISE TO HER MOTHER'S, AN UNEASY LOOKON HER FACE. SHE DOESN'T BOTHER TO OPEN THE LETTER NOW SHE KNOWSEXACTLY WHAT IT WILL SAY.

AMERICA (CONT.)


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Let me guess Prince Maxon has a birthday coming up.

MAGDA'S EXHILARATED EXPRESSION FALLS.

MAGDA

Why aren't you excited? This could be just what weneeded. This could be an opportunity for us.

AMERICA

You're right, it could be an opportunity. If I wasSelected. Which I won't be. Being Selected generallymeans that you have to put in your application, andthat's something I'm not going to do.

MAGDA

And why is that, exactly? Give me one good reason for

you to stay here for the rest of your life, a Fivewith next to nothing, when you could be living in a palace.

AMERICA

Mom, I am not entering for even the slightest chanceto become a part of the most outdated, pathetic showthat is the Selection. I am not going to try to be oneof thirty five girls that fall all over themselves

trying to become a royal while our pompous snob of aprince just chooses the prettiest and most obedient ofthem to marry.

MAGDA


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We could use the money. You know that. The Selectioncontestants and their families get paid just to be atthe palace, even if they don't win! And imagine whatthis could do for the family in general, how far itcan move us up

AMERICA

I'm happy where I am, Mom. Sure, we don't have tons ofextra cash lying around, but we get by just fine.Besides, do you know how many girls in this province

alone are going to be entering? They're all vying forthat one spot in the Selection. It wouldn't be fairfor us to get May and Dad's hopes up when there's noway I'm going to be chosen.

MAGDA

If you're so sure you aren't going to be chosen, thenwhat's the problem?

THEIR VOICES HAVE RISEN TO SHOUTS AT THIS POINT, DRAWING THEATTENTION OF THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD. MAY AND SHALOMCOME IN FROM ADJOINING ROOM, MAY'S HANDS COVERED IN PAINT WITH AFEW STREAKS ON HER FACE. MAY IS LIKE AMERICA'S 13-YEAR-OLDDOPPELGANGER, WITH THE SAME HAIR AND A SIMILAR FACE, ONLY THREEYEARS YOUNGER. SHALOM, AMERICA'S FATHER, IS AN OLDER MAN, MID-FORTIES, WITH A FACE WEATHERED BY TIME AND STRESS. THERE ISCONCERN ON HIS FACE AS THEY ENTER THE ROOM.

SHALOM

What is going on in here?


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MAGDA STARTS TO ANSWER, BUT AMERICA INTERUPTS HER BEFORE SHE CANGET A WORD OUT.

AMERICA

Nothing, Dad. It's fine. Just go back to whatever youwere working on.

SHALOM

It certainly didn't sound like nothing, America.Magda?

MAGDA SNATCHES THE LETTER OUT OF AMERICA'S HAND AND HOLDS IT UP.

MAGDA

This came in the mail today. A letter from the courtof the Royal Palace in Angeles.

SHALOM STEPS FORWARD TO LOOK AT THE LETTER, PUZZLED. THEN HESTOPS IN HIS TRACKS, A REALIZATION COMING TO HIM.

SHALOM

The Selection?

MAY GASPS, CLEARLY OBLIVIOUS TO THE TENSION BETWEEN AMERICA ANDHER MOTHER. SHALOM EXCHANGES INTENSE LOOKS WITH HIS WIFE. MAYGUSHES, EXCITED.

MAY


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The Selection? As in the Selection? As in, PrinceMaxon choosing his future wife and the future Queen ofIlla from thirty five normal girls from across thecountry?

AMERICA TEARS HER GAZE AWAY FROM HER PARENTS TO LOOK AT HERSISTER.

AMERICA

Is there any other Royal Selection out there that I'veforgotten about? Maybe that's the one Mom's talkingabout and I've just mistaken her meaning entirely.

Because surely she's not trying to talk me intobasically selling me off to jump up a few castes.

MAGDA BREAKS HER GAZE FROM SHALOM'S AND GLARES AT AMERICA.

MAGDA

That's hardly fair, America. I only want what's best

for you.

AMERICA

No, that's not what you want. You want to sell me offto the highest bidder because you're a caste-jumpingpsychopath. What you're trying to do is one step offfrom prostitution, actually.

MAGDA

Whatever you think of me, America, you cannot talk tome like that. I am still your mother and you willrespect me as such.


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MAGDA LOOKS DOWN AT THE ENVELOPE IN HER HANDS FOR A MOMENTBEFORE RIPPING IT OPEN AND PULLING OUT THE LETTER INSIDE.

AMERICA (RESIGNED)

Mom, what are you doing?

MAGDA

Hush. I think your family deserves to know exactlywhat it is you're denying them so selfishly.

AMERICA BEGINS TO PROTEST, BUT MAGDA CARRIES ON OVER HER,READING FROM THE LETTER OUT LOUD.

MAGDA (CONT.)

"To the House of Singer. The recent census hasconfirmed that a single woman between the ages ofsixteen and twenty currently resides in your home. Wewould like to make you aware of an upcoming

opportunity to honor the great country of Illa."

AMERICA

Mom.

MAGDA CONTINUES UNINTERUPTED.

MAGDA

"Our beloved Prince Maxon Schreave is coming of agethis month. As he ventures into this new part of hislife, he hopes to move forward with a partner, tomarry a true daughter of Illa. If your eligible


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daughter, sister, or charge is interested in possiblybecoming the bride of Prince Maxon and the adored

princess of Illa, please fill out the form" Blahblah blah "One woman from each province will be drawnat random to meet the prince." And here's the bestpart. "Participants will be housed at the lovely IllaPalace in Angeles for the duration of their stay. Thefamilies of each participant will be generouslycompensated for their services to the Royal family."

MAGDA REFOLDS THE LETTER AND LOOKS AT MAY AND SHALOM FORSUPPORT, WILLING THEM TO SHAME AMERICA FOR HER SELFISHNESS.SHALOM SPEAKS, BUT OFFERS NO SUPPORT TO HIS WIFE.

SHALOM

Who knew Maxon was already nineteen? How time flies.

MAGDA

Thats hardly the point. America could be bringing inserious money for this family. She doesn't even haveto win.

AMERICA

Well, that's a relief, because there's no chance ofthat happening, is there?

MAGDA

But you don't know that, America. You could be theprincess of Illa.

MAY

Not to mention a One. We'd all be Ones. Royals , Ames.We could have everything we ever wanted.


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AMERICA

But it's not what I want. I've never wanted that.

MAGDA

Your sister married a Four, America. Don't you thinkyou could do so much better?

AMERICA

James! Kenna's husband's name is James. He's more thanjust a number, though I can see where you might notrealize that. And James is a good guy. Kenna's happywith him. Maxon Schreave is a spoiled little brat whodoesn't know anything about the world outside thepalace walls or what it's like to be in one of thelower castes. He has no idea what it's like to workfor a living. But I do. And I'm happy to do it. I lovethe music, the singing and playing. It's what I'm goodat. I'm good at being a Five. And it's what I'm goingto do for the rest of my life.

THE FOUR OF THEM STAND IN A STRAINED SILENCE FOR A MOMENT. THENWE HEAR A SMALL VOICE AS WE SEE A LITTLE BOY (GERAD, AGE 7) PEERAROUND THE EDGE OF THE DOORWAY, LOOKING IN UNCERTAINLY.HE LOOKSNEAR TEARS.

GERAD

'Merica?

AMERICA TURNS AROUND, CATCHING SIGHT OF HER LITTLE BROTHER. SHEKNEELS DOWN AND OPENS HER ARMS TO HIM; HE RUSHES INTO THEM,HOLDING ONTO HER NECK TIGHTLY AND PUSHING HIS FACE AGAINST HER


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SHOULDERAS SHE PICKS HIM UP. AMERICA'S DARK DEMENOR DISAPEARSAND SHE PUTS ON A HAPPY FACE FOR HER BROTHER.

AMERICA

Hey, buddy. What's wrong?

GERAD

I heard you guys shouting.

AMERICA SHOOTS AN ACCUSING GLANCE AT HER MOTHER, CAREFUL NOT TOLET GERAD SEE.

AMERICA

It's alright, Gerad. Just grown up stuff. It's overnow.

MAGDA

America, this conversation is not over.

AMERICA

Yes, it is. It's my decision, and I've made it.

THERE'S A MOMENT WHERE SHE SHARES A LOOK WITH HER MOTHER ANDTHEN PULLS HER GAZE BACK TO HER LITTLE BROTHER IN HER ARMS,SPEAKING EASILY TO HIM.

AMERICA (CONT.)


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Hey, you want to come hear me play violin? I can playyour favorite.

GERAD IS SILENT, BUT NODS AGAINST AMERICA'S SHOULDER. SHE SMILESAND RUFFLES HIS HAIR AS SHE SHOOTS ONE LAST GLANCE AT EACH OFHER FAMILY MEMBERS, UNIQUE EXPRESSIONS ON EACH OF THEIR FACES(ANGER ON MAGDA'S, SYMPATHY ON SHALOM'S, AND CONFUSION ON MAY'S)BEFORE SHE TURNS AND CARRIES GERARD THROUGH THE KITCHEN DOORWAYAND BACK DOWN THE HALLWAY TO HER BEDROOM. END SCENE

AMERICA'S BEDROOM : AMERICA SITS IN A RAGGEDY OLD RECLINER CHAIRBESIDE HER BED, PLAYING HER VIOLIN. THE MELODY IS MOREMELANCHOLY THAN BEFORE. GERAD LAYS ON THE BED, ASLEEP; HE HAS

DOZED OFF WHILE SHE PLAYS. THERE'S A SOFT KNOCK ON THE DOOR ANDAMERICA DROPS THE VIOLIN FROM HER CHIN, LOOKING UP AS MAYENTERS. AMERICA RAISES A FINGER TO HER LIPS, THEN POINTS ATGERAD. MAY NODS, THEN LOOKS DOWN NERVOUSLY AT HER HANDS; SHEHOLDS THE SELECTION LETTER IN HER HAND. AMERICA LAYS THE VIOLINDOWN NEXT TO HER BROTHER ON THE BED, CAREFUL NOT TO WAKE HIM.SHE HOLDS OUT HER ARMS TO HER LITTLE SISTER AND SPEAKS SOFTLY TOHER.

AMERICA

Come here, you.

MAY LISTENS, COMING OVER AND SQUEEZING ONTO THE CHAIR BESIDE HERSISTER. AMERICA PUTS AN ARM AROUND HER SISTER'S SHOULDERS,REACHING OUT WITH HER FREE HAND TO TAKE THE ENVELOPE FROM HER.THE SCENE BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM SHOULD LOOK AWKWARD CONSIDERING MAY IS ONLY THREE YEARS YOUNGER THAN AMERICA BUTINSTEAD IT'S ENDEARING. THE TWO OF THEM ARE AS CLOSE AS SISTERS

GET. THEY'RE BEST FRIENDS. MAY'S EXPRESSION IS TROUBLED; SHE'SNERVOUS TO ASK WHAT SHE CAME TO ASK, BUT SHE FINALLY GATHERS UPTHE COURAGE.

MAY

Ames, why won't you just try?


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AMERICA

May I know it's hard to understand. But I just don'twant to be a princess. I don't want to meet thenation's richest and most obnoxious if alsohandsomest bachelor. I certainly can't see myselfmarrying him.

MAY

But why?

AMERICA HAS TO BE CAREFUL HERE; HER FAMILY DOESN'T KNOW THATSHE'S BEEN DATING ASPEN FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS IN SECRET. THEYDON'T KNOW THAT THEY'RE PLANNING ON GETTING MARRIED, EVEN THOUGHHE'S A SIX AND SHE'D ACTUALLY DROP A CASTE JUST FOR MARRYINGHIM. HER FAMILY CAN NEVER KNOW THAT'S THE REAL REASON SHEDOESN'T WANT TO ENTER THE SELECTION. SHE PRESSES FORWARD, HOPINGMAY DIDN'T NOTICE HER HESITATION.

AMERICA

I know you haven't met a lot of the upper castes likeI have. Probably not many Twos, if any Threes. But Momand I perform for them at their parties all the time.They hire us and then stick us in a corner when we getthere; we're lucky if we get two words said to us thewhole night. You can see it in those people's eyes that they just know they're better than you. And thenthere's the money. They have too much and not a singleounce of gratitude for any of it. For their hugeparties, they buy way too much food, and then they

just throw what's left over out. Meanwhile you and Ihave seen the bad days when we've gotten used to onemeal a day. They keep their ACs on all summer andtheir heaters on all winter. And we either completelyroast in the heat or freeze in the cold, unless we'relucky enough to find some old firewood. Even if I gotinto the Selection, I'd still be carrying that withme. The Prince would be able to spot it in me in a


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second, and I'd probably be the first one home. Imight not even make it through the Palace doors. Iwonder if there's some kind of record I could beat forquickest a girl got sent home.

MAY LAUGHS SOFTLY, HER SAD FACE LIGHTING UP A LITTLE.

AMERICA (CONT.)

Now do you understand a little better?

MAY

You can take the girl out of her caste, but you can'tthat the caste out of the girl?

NOW, AMERICA LAUGHS.

AMERICA

Not exactly how I'd put it, but that's the gist of it,

I guess.

MAY NODS AND STANDS UP OUT OF THE CHAIR, A SMILE PLASTERING HERFACE. SHE SPINS AROUND TO FACE AMERICA.

MAY

I don't understand how you can't at least dream about

it. Living in a palace, married to a Prince Charming,who can give you everything in the world. What's notto love?

AMERICA (MORE TO HERSELF THAN TO MAY)


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I just have a feeling that the thing I want most inthe world is the one thing Maxon Schreave, with allhis money and power, can't give me.

MAY

What do you mean?

AMERICA SHAKES HER HEAD AND SMILES, EAGER TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT.

AMERICA

Never mind. Don't you have a painting you're workingon?

MAY

Yes, but how am I supposed to work when there's thismuch excitement in the house?

AMERICA (SARCASTICALLY)

I'm sure you'll find a way through this terriblytrying time, May.

OFF: THE SISTERS LAUGHING AND SMILING TOGETHER.END SCENE.

THE TREEHOUSE. MIDNIGHT. INTERIOR SHOT. IN THE SINGER'S SMALLBACKYARD, THERE IS A DILAPIDATED OLD TREEHOUSE. AMERICA CLIMBSUP THE LADDER, LOOKING AT HER FEET TO MAKE SURE SHE DOESN'TFALL. IT IS PITCH BLACK INSIDE, AND SHE DOESN'T REALIZE THAT SHEISN'T ALONE UNTIL SOMEONE SPEAKS RIGHT AS SHE GETS TO THE TOP OFTHE LADDER, PULLING HERSELF UP INTO THE TREEHOUSE. YOU CAN HEARHIS SMIRK IN HIS VOICE.


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ASPEN (O.S)

Boo.

SHE GASPS IN SURPISE, JUMPING OUT OF HER SKIN AND LOSING HERGRIP, NEARLY FALLING BACKWARD. A HAND REACHES OUT AND GRABS HERSTO HELP HER STEADY HERSELF AND TO PULL HER ALL THE WAY INTO THEROOM. ASPEN, STILL OFF SCREEN, LAUGHS LIGHTLY AS HE PULLS HERUP. AS SOON AS SHE IS STEADIED, AMERICA PUSHES THE ARM AWAY,FURIOUS.

AMERICA (WHISPER SHOUTING)

Aspen! You are such an idiot. I almost died! Whatwould you have done if I'd have screamed or something?We'd have been caught out after curfew and we'd bescrewed.

A LIGHT FLARES UP AMERICA HAS LIT A MATCH AND SUBSEQUENTLY LIT AVERY SAD, USED CANDLE THAT PROVIDES THE ONLY LIGHT IN THE ROOM.THE DIM LIGHT GIVES US THE FIRST LOOK AT THE PERSON AMERICA HAS

CALLED "ASPEN." WE'VE SEEN HIM BEFORE, THOUGH, WHEN HE WAS BUSYOPENING CAR DOORS FOR THE UPPER CASTES. HE HAS SINCE CHANGED,AND NOW WEARS DIRTY JEANS AND A LOOSE, THREADBARE SHIRT.

ASPEN

Oh, come on, Mer. It was funny. Admit it.

AMERICA GLARES AT HIM, LETTING HIM KNOW THAT SHE FOUND IT THEOPPOSITE OF FUNNY.

ASPEN (CONT.)


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Come on, America. What's wrong with Oh. You got theletter today, didn't you?

AMERICA

The twins got matching ones, too, I'm assuming.

ASPEN NODS.

ASPEN

Sixteen for two weeks. They just barely made thedeadline.

AMERICA SETTLES IN NEXT TO HIM, HANDING HIM THE SMALL BAG SHE'SCARRIED UP TO THE TREEHOUSE. HE OPENS IT IT IS FULL OF FOOD,LEFTOVERS FROM AMERICA'S DINNER. THEY PICK AT THE FOODTHROUGHOUT THIS SCENE, ASPEN MORESO THAN AMERICA AS HE EATS MUCHMORE INFREQUENTLY.

AMERICA (UNENTHUSIASTICALLY)

I bet Kamber and Celia are just thrilled.

ASPEN

Delighted. Though you clearly aren't.

AMERICA

Don't even get me started on the Selection, Aspen.It's all I've heard about from anyone today and it'sdriving me insane. And I was finally in a good mood tocome meet you.

ASPEN


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Oh, but you're cute when you get angry and startranting about the things that you despise. The goodnews is that Im not your family I'll sit here andlisten to all of it. I never tire of hearing yourvoice.

AMERICA HITS HIM PLAYFULLY ON THE ARM AND SIGHS, GIVING IN TOHER ANGER AN LAUNCHING INTO EVERYTHING SHE'S BEEN HOLDING BACKALL DAY.

AMERICA

It's just so barbaric . They get every sixteen to

twenty year old in the country excited, thinking thatmaybe they'll be chosen and go from rags to riches injust two weeks like a fairy tale. And then they don'teven get Selected in the lottery, except for thosethirty five girls. And then, as if it wasn't badenough, they have to watch the prince fall in lovewith one particular girl, maybe even the candidatefrom their province. And they torture themselves andgo crazy, thinking it should have been them. Then theymarry lovelessly and lead what they only see as apointless existence. But if they're lucky enough tohave daughters, then there's hope! Another chance forthat girl to do what you never could.

ASPEN

Are we still talking about women in general? Or justyour mother?

AMERICA GLARES BUT DOESN'T ANSWER THE COMMENT ASPEN KNOWS HE ISRIGHT.

AMERICA

What am I supposed to do? I mean, I am happy stayinghere and living in Carolina with you. But how do I


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explain that to my mother? And it's not like she'swrong when she says we could use the money, as much asI hate to admit that anything that woman says is everright.

ASPEN

I know, Mer. Especially about the money. If Kamber orCelia just got in It would be a game changer. Itsall that I've been able to think about all day. Fornow, though, I'm going to see if I can pick up someextra work. Just on Sundays, make a little more moneyso the others don't have to worry about supporting us.

AMERICA

Aspen Leger, don't you dare. You work too muchalready. So much that we have to break the law tosneak up here every night just to see each otherbecause you work all day. You can't do everything.

HE KISSES HER.

ASPEN

Says who?

AMERICA

Aspen, I'm serious. Don't overwork yourself before youeven turn twenty.

ASPEN SMILES AT HER REASSURINGLY, BUT HE'S UNEASY. HE'S GOTSOMETHING ON HIS MIND, A DECISION WARRING IN HIS MIND. HEDOESN'T KNOW HOW TO SAY WHAT HE HAS TO SAY. HE FINALLY TAKES ADEEP BREATH, STEELING HIMSELF AS HE SPEAKS.


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ASPEN

Mer?

AMERICA

Oh no. That's your 'we need to talk' voice. I hatethat voice.

ASPEN

Look, don't take this the wrong way. Please. But Ithink you should enter the Selection.

AMERICA STARES AT HIM. SHE ISN'T REALLY MAD SO MUCH AS SHE'STRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF SHE JUST HEARD HER BOYFRIEND OF TWOYEARS RIGHT. SHE LAUGHS NERVOUSLY SEEING HIS SERIOUS FACE.

AMERICA

What? Aspen, you can't be serious. I mean, you want meto enter for a chance to get married to another guy? Ican't be that bad a girlfriend, can I?

ASPEN

We both know that a future with him would be three

times the life I could give you.

AMERICA

Except for the fact that he isn't you. You're all Icare about. I couldn't care less about the money orthe status


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ASPEN

You won't be saying that when your kids are having towork at eight years old just because you can't affordto feed them otherwise.

AMERICA IS TAKE ABACK, A HORRIFIED LOOK ON HER FACE.

AMERICA

Where is this coming from? Do you I mean, you stilllove me, don't you?

ASPEN ROLLS HIS EYES IRRITABLY AT HER.

ASPEN

Of course. Of course I still love you. There's nofalling out of love with you, America Singer. It's

just that

HE LOOKS AWAY, FROM AMERICA AS HE CONTINUES.

ASPEN (CONT.)

If you married me, you'd become a Six. You know that.But, marrying him, you'd become a One. Any sane person

would see that there shouldn't even be a decisionthere. And I know the only reason you're making it adecision is because of me. If I knew that you had achance, however small, to have a better life, a morestable life, with someone else


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AMERICA

Aspen, please. Don't

ASPEN

I would never forgive myself, America. That guiltwould be on my shoulders for the rest of my life. Ican't do it.

AMERICA LOOKS LOST, SHAKING HER HEAD AND LAUGHING HUMOURLESSLY.

AMERICA

Everyone has something to say about it. You say youjust want what's best for me. My mother actually triedto bribe me at dinner, saying that, if I enter, she'lllet me start keeping my own commissions, andperforming solo. May can't even fathom why anyone intheir sane mind wouldn't want to be a princess. Butnone of you seem to really understand how desperatelyI do not want this. I mean, what happens if I getchosen? If I have to go stay at the palace? Even if I

go home in a minute, everything will change. Everyonewill look at me differently. You know, the letter saidthat the Selection girls become automatic Threes fromthe moment their names are chosen. What then? My wholelife, I've been a Five. I'm a musician. What the Hellwould I do as a Three? Teach? Write? And God forbid Iactually win.

ASPEN

Getting a bit ahead of yourself there, aren't you,Mer? Remember how long it took me before I could standbeing in the same room as you for more than fiveminutes?

AMERICA


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How can you be joking right now? I'm serious.

ASPEN

So am I. America, the guy has lived in a guardedpalace his whole life. He's probably only seen abouttwo Fives. Ever. He's looking for a prim, proper,cookie-cutter princess. Not you.

AMERICA

I'm not sure whether I'm supposed to be insulted orflattered, though I'm heavily leaning toward insulted.

ASPEN

You know what I meant.

AMERICA

Yeah, I do. But it doesn't make any difference. Any

chance that I might not spend the rest of my life withyou is too much of a chance for me. I'm sorry.

ASPEN

You're sorry? America, you're nobler than any titlecould ever make you; but it would be selfish of me tolet you keep yourself from an opportunity like this.

AMERICA

No. What's selfish is you trying to get me sent awayto fall in love with someone else just for the money.As if that were ever possible. You're just like mymother.


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ASPEN DOESN'T MEET HER EYE, BUT HE'S ANGRY. REALLY ANGRY.

ASPEN

Just tell me one thing: is it just me? Am I the onlything that's making this so complicated?

AMERICA

It isn't complicated

ASPEN

Just answer, America. Am I the only thing holding youback?

AMERICA SHAKES HER HEAD AS SHE LOOKS AT HIM. WHY CAN'T HEUNDERSTAND HOW HAPPY SHE IS RIGHT HERE IN CAROLINA? SHE CLOSESHER EYES AND SIGHS.

AMERICA

Yes. You are the only real reason I am staying hereand not even thinking about the Selection. Are youhappy now?

ASPEN

Hardly.

HE STARES AT AMERICA, A SAD BUT RESOLVED LOOK ON HIS FACE.


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ASPEN (CONT.)

Its obviously a hard choice for you , America. Animpossible one. So let me make it easier on you. Takeme out of the equation.

AMERICA

What are you saying?

ASPEN

I wont live with that kind of guilt, Mer. I cantlive the rest of my life with you knowing that youcould have done so much better, but you wouldntbecause of me. You cant ask me to do that. But if youare

AMERICA

Aspen, dont do this

ASPEN CONTINUES, IGNORING HER PROTESTS.

ASPEN

I guess that means that you arent the America Iveknown my whole life. You certainly arent the one Ifell in love with.

ASPEN SHUFFLES TO THE HATCH IN THE FLOOR BOARDS AND THE LADDERBENEATH. AMERICA IS TAKEN ABACK, NOT QUITE SURE WHAT TO SAY. SHEIS IN PURE SHOCK. SHE FINALLY FINDS HER WORDS AS ASPEN STARTS TOCLIMB DOWN THE LADDER.


35/77


AMERICA

Aspen, stop. Please. You cant be serious right now!

ASPEN STOPS A FEW STEPS DOWN ON THE LADDER, BUT DOESNT LOOK UPAT AMERICA.

AMERICA (CONT.)

Dont do this. Dont make me choose.

ASPEN

Thats the problem, Mer. There shouldnt be a choice.Theres only whats good for you and what isnt. Andyou, for whatever reason, are choosing wrong. If youcant do whats best for yourself, well How can youexpect me to?

AMERICA IS STUNNED INTO SILENCE AS ASPEN CRAWLS THE REST OF THEWAY DOWN THE LADDER AND OUT OF SIGHT. CAMERICA STAYS ONAMERICA S FACE; SHE IS TRYING NOT TO CRY. OFF: AMERICA CLOSINGHER EYES AS TEARS FINALLY SPILL DOWN HER FACE.

END OF PART ONE


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PART TWO

AMERICA S BEDROOM. THE NEXT MORNING. INTERIOR SHOT: AMERICA LAYSIN BED. SHE STARES AT THE CEILING, DEPRESSED. LETTING OUT A BIGSIGH, SHE FLIPS OVER, HER HAND FALLING OFF THE SIDE OF THE BEDAND COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE SMALL MASON JAR HALF-FULL OFPENNIES SITTING UNDER THE EDGE OF THE BED, NORMALLY HIDDEN BYTHE BLANKETS. AMERICA PICKS IT UP AT STARES AT IT SADLY. SHECLOSES HER EYES, LETTING HER MIND TAKE HER BACK TO HAPPIER TIME.WE HEAR ASPENS VOICE BEFORE THE SCENE COMES UP, BUT HE ISNTANGRY OR SAD LIKE HE WAS BEFORE; NOW HES JUST CAREFREE AND YOUNGER.

ASPEN (O.S)

I brought you something.

WE HEAR AMERICAS LIGHT LAUGHTER AS THE FLASHBACK COMES UP.INSTEAD OF AMERICAS BEDROOM, WE ARE NOW BACK IN THE TREEHOUSE,A NIGHT FROM A WHILE BACK. AMERICA IS CURLED UP IN ASPENS ARMS,A BLANKET WRAPPED AROUND THE TWO OF THEM. ASPEN REACHES DOWNNEXT TO HIM AND PICKS UP A SMALL MASON JAR WITH THREE PENNIES INIT.

AMERICA

Whats this?

ASPEN

Well, I know we talked about the whole wedding thing

AMERICA

And I am not changing my mind, Aspen. I m not backingdown on it. I love you.


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HE SMILES AND KISSES HER LIGHTLY.

ASPEN

Let me finish, will you, smart ass? You arent backingdown and I see that now. So I am.

AMERICA

You are what?

ASPEN

Backing down, I guess. I realized that a wedding mightbe expensive and starting a family as a Six is goingto be hard, but if youre willing to try, then Imwilling to try. And the first step is going to be tosave up money in advance. I really think that willhelp us why are you looking at me like that?

AMERICA IS SMILING WIDELY UP AT HIM, WIDE-EYED IN WONDER ANDEXCITEMENT.

AMERICA

Youre serious. I never thought I thought you saidthis wasnt you? Being in love? Doing something thispermanent?

ASPEN

How would I know back then ? I didnt really knowmyself before I knew you, Mer. This is all new to me.Now, these pennies dont seem like much, but I amgoing to bring you every single extra one I get fromnow on. Its going to take a while, but its going towork. Were going to work, Mer. I love you.


38/77


SHOT SWITCHES BACK TO AMERICA IN HER BEDROOM NOW, SITTING UP ONHER BED AND HOLDING THE SAME JAR FROM THE FLASHBACK, SMILINGSADLY AT THE MEMORY. WE HEAR HER LAST LINE AFTER THE FLASHBACKIMAGES HAVE DISOLVED.

AMERICA (VOICE ONLY)

I love you too.

THE SHOT REMAINS ON AMERICA AS SHE REMINESCES. AFTER A MOMENT,THERE IS A KNOCK ON AMERICAS DOOR THAT STARTLES HER AND MA KESHER LOOK UP, EFFECTIVELY BREAKING HER REVERIE. HER MOTHER CALLSTO HER FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR.

MAGDA (O.S.)

America?

AMERICA JUMPS INTO ACTION, STOWING THE JAR OF PENNIES UNDER THEBED AND MANAGING TO SIT BACK UP, MASKING HER FEATURES TO BEIMPASSIVE AS HER MOTHER ENTERS THE ROOM.

MAGDA

What are still doing in bed? Its noon.

AMERICA

Sorry. Im up now.

MAGDA

Awake, maybe, but still in bed, so technically not up.


39/77


AMERICA

Did you need something?

MAGDA

Well, if its not too much of an inconvenience to you,you had promised to go with me to the market today.But I can understand if thats asking too much of you.

AMERICA

Mom, please don t start.

MAGDA

I dont know what youre so sore about. What are youstill doing in bed, anyway? Have an exhausting nightof being a teenager with no sense of responsibility toher family, or to anyone for that matter

AMERICA

Mom. Enough. Please. Ill take you to the market,alright? Just let me get ready.

MAGDA DOESNT RESPOND. SHE JUST TURNS TO LEAVE, SCOWLING.AMERICA SPEAKS UP, STOPPING HER. HER EXPRESSION IS TROUBLED; SHEHAS A HUGE DECISION WEIGHING IN HER MIND.

AMERICA (CONT.)

Mom, wait.

SHE SIGHS HEAVILY. THE DECISION IS MADE.


40/77


AMERICA (CONT.)

Were you serious? About the money? Youd really let mekeep half of what I make, let me do solo gigs?

MAGDA

I always mean what I say. Yes, I was serious. Ofcourse, youll still be responsible for helping aroundthe house and cooking and cleaning, everything youredoing now. But thats only if

AMERICA

I enter the Selection. I know. But Mom, you know thatthere are thousands of other applicants in Carolinaalone. The odds that Ill be chosen

MAGDA

The deal is for you submit your application, America.Not to win the competition, or even to be Selected.All you have to do is fill out the form and take it to

the Province Service Office and youve held up yourend of the bargain.

AMERICA NODS, BUT STARES SILENT. MAGDA LOOKS AT HER EXPECTANTLYAND ANXIOUSLY. FINALLY, AMERICA CRACKS A SMILE AND LOOKS UP ATHER MOTHER.

AMERICA

Youre still carrying the a pplication and your goodpen around in your pocket, arent you?


41/77


42/77


MAGDA

America, I know I was harsh yesterday, but I dontwant you to think Id ever stop loving you if youdidnt do this. I mean, Id be disappointed, but Idhave gotten over it eventually.

AMERICA

Of course. I know that mom. But what I was doing bynot entering It just felt selfish.

THEY FALL SILENT. MAGDA IS ABOUT TO SAY SOMETHING, MAYBE

REASSURING, MAYBE CHASTISING FOR BEING OVERDRAMATIC, BUT WEDONT HEAR. AMERICA CUTS HER OFF.

AMERICA (CONT.)

Its too dark in here. Im going to go fill this outin the kitchen. Do you want to help?

MAGDAS EXCITED EXPRESSION RETURNS AND SHE BEAMS AT HERDAUGHTER.

MAGDA

I thought youd never ask.

END SCENE

THE PRINCES BATHROOM. LATER THAT EVENING. INTERIOR SHOT. SIDESHOT OF A TALL, MUSCULAR YOUNG MAN LEANING HEAVILY ON THEBATHROOM SINK, LOOKING IN THE MIRROR. THE LIGHTING IS DIM ANDTHERE IS A SHADOW DARKENING HIS FEATURES SO WE CANT PROPERLYMAKE OUT HIS PROFILE. HE TURNS THE SINK ON. THE SHOT SHIFTS SOTHAT OUR VIEW OF THE ROOM IS FROM BEHIND THE MIRROR. MAXONSHEAD IS BENT AS HE SPLASHES WATER ON HIS FACE WHICH WE STILL


43/77


HAVENT SEEN FULLY. HE TURNS THE WATER OFF AND STARTS TO RAISEHIS HEAD, GRABBING A TOWEL TO DRY AND STILL INFURIATINGLY COVER HIS FACE AS HE STRAIGHTENS UP. AFTER PATTING HIS FACE DRY, HEFINALLY PULLS THE TOWEL AWAY, REVEALING A GORGEOURS, YETSOBERINGLY NERVOUS, BOY NINETEEN YEARS OLD STARING STRAIGHT ATTHE CAMERA. THIS IS PRINCE MAXON SHREAVE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.AND HIS MIND IS REELING THINKING ABOUT THE FACT THAT, IN JUST AMATTER OF DAYS, 35 GIRLS WILL ARRIVE AT THE PALACE ONE OF THEMTHE ONE HE MUST CHOSE TO MAKE HIS WIFE AND HIS PRINCESS. NOTTHAT THE AUDIENCE REALIZES THIS THE ONLY THING THEY KNOW IS THATTHIS GORGEOUSLY HANDSOME YOUNG MAN IS NERVOUS, EXCEEDINGLY SO.

MAXON EXITS THE BATHROOM, WHICH WE NOW SEE IS ATTATCHED TO HISBEDROOM, PULLING A JACKET OFF THE COUNTER AND SHRUGGING IT ON.HE IS LOOKING DOWN AS HE REUTRNS TO HIS ROOM, AND SO IS UNAWAREOF HIS FATHERS PRESENCE UN TIL THE KING SPEAKS.

KING CLARKSON (O.S.)

Nervous, are we?

MAXONS HEAD JERKS UP AND HE SEES HIS FATHER LEANING UNEXPECTEDLAGAINST HIS BEDROOM WALL. KING CLARKSON IS IN HIS MID-TO-LATE40S, HANDSOME, BUT WEATHERED BY TIME, AS WELL AS THE STRESS OFRUNNI NG BOTH A COUNTRY AND A FAMILY. MAXONS RELATIONSHIP WITHHIS FATHER ISNT EXACTLY ICY, BUT IT IS FAR FROM BEING WARM ANDCUDDLY, TOO. MAXON BOWS STIFFLY TO HIS FATHER BEFORE RESPONDING.

MAXON

Father. Forgive me. I wasnt expecting to see you foranother

MAXON LOOKS DOWN AT THE WATCH ON HIS WRIST AND SIGHS.

MAXON (CONT.)

Half an hour ago.


44/77


CLARKSON TSKS HIM.

CLARKSON

A king must always be aware of everything around him,especially the time. What if it were a state dinnerwith the ambassadors of a potential ally that you werelate to and not a simple birthday celebration beingheld in your honor? Punctuality is something youabsolutely must learn, Maxon.

MAXON, HAVING HEARD THIS SAME LESSON A THOUSAND TIMES BEFORE,TRIES AND FAILS TO HIDE THE SARCASM DRIPPING FROM HIS WORDS.

MAXON

Of course, Father. I do apologize. Im out of sortstonight, as you might imagine.

CLARKSON

A leader must always keep his wits about him. Itslike Ive taught you nothing, son. If you cant evenkeep calm for a birthday dinner, I have serious doubtsabout your ability to rule the entire country. Godforbid I should die tonight. The country would fall toruin.

MAXON

It is not the dinner that has me distracted, Father.It is the day itself, all this birthday means for me.Becoming eligible for the Selection, having thousandsof women eager for the chance to become the nextqueen, and myself having to choose the one Ill spendthe rest of my life with and who will rule by my side


45/77


from 35 girls selected at random. It s all a littleintimidating, if Im to be honest.

CLARKSON

Intimidating? Dont be foolish, Maxon. Its meant tobe exciting.

MAXON

And it is. But I feel like everythings moving so fastI can barely see straight in front of me.

CLARKSON

Whats fast for you has been years in the making on myend, son.

MAXON EYES HIM, CONFUSED.

MAXON

I dont understand. What does that mean?

CLARKSON ONLY GRINS MISCHEVIOUSLY. MAXON OPENS HIS MOUTH TO ASKSOMETHING ELSE, BUT THE DOOR TO HIS BEDROOM OPENS AND QUEENAMBERLY RUSHES IN.

AMBERLY

Are you two nearly ready? The crowd downstairs isgetting impatient.

CLARKSON GRASPS AMBERLYS SHOULDERS GENTLY AND KISSES HER CHEEK.MAXON SMILES AT HIS PARENTS THEY MET THROUGH THE SELECTION.SURELY THAT MEANS THERES HOPE FOR HIM AFTER ALL?


46/77


CLARKSON

Stunning as ever, my Queen. And yes, I do believe weare ready. Maxon?

MAXON NODS POLITELY. AMBERLY KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK FONDLY ANDPUTS A REASSURING HAND ON HIS SHOULDER, SEEING THE ANXIETY INHIS EYES.

AMBERLY

Happy birthday, sweetheart.

MAXON SMILES WARMLY AT HER.

MAXON

Thank you.

BEHIND AMBERLY, CLARKSON CLAPS HIS HANDS TOGETHER TO DRAW THEIRATTENTION. HE HOLDS OUT AN ARM TO AMBERLY.

CLARKSON

Right then. If we are all quite ready, shall we?

AMBERLY TAKES CLARKSON'S ARM, MAXON FOLLOWING BEHIND THE TWO OFTHEM AS THEY LEAVE HIS ROOM AND START DOWN THE ORNATE STAIRCASE,INTO A FLURRY OF REPORTERS SHOUTING FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY'SATTENTION, MOST OF THEM SHOUTING FOR MAXON. OFF: MAXON'S WORRIEDEXPRESSION BEING REPLACED BY A FAKE SMILE HE PLASTERS ON FOR THECAMERAS.END SCENE.


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SINGER HOUSE'S KITCHEN. SIMULATENOUS W/ PREVIOUS SCENE. INTERIORSHOT. AMERICA SITS AT THE KITCHEN TABLE; HER FATHER SITS NEXT TOHER; TOGETHER, THEY LOOK OVER THE APPLICATION.MAGDA IS BUSYPREPARING DINNER, LISTENING TO AMERICA READ OUT EVERYTHING OFFTHE ENTRY FORM. MAY SITS AT THE TV IN THE LIVING ROOM ATTATCHEDTO THE KITCHEN, ENGROSSED, WHILE GERAD KICKS A BALL AROUND THEROOM.

AMERICA

I could have walked all the way to Angeles and toldthe king personally that I wanted to marry his son inthe time it has taken me to fill out half of this

application. I mean, why do they have to know thisstuff? I get them asking about my age, my height, myhair color, even my weight. But my favorite color?Really?

MAGDA

Its for after the names have bee n Selected, darling.It's for the prince to try to get to know the girlsbefore they arrive at the palace.

AMERICA

Well that isn't fair, is it? We won't know any moreabout him than he would know about us. I mean, them.They won't know. As in the Selection candidates. As innot me.

MAGDA

It could be. You have as good a chance as any of thosegirls. Even more you're smarter, prettier, moretalented


48/77


AMERICA

And still just one entry among thousands in Carolinaentering the Selection, only one of which will bedrawn at random when they choose the candidates. It hasnothing to do with how pretty I am or how smart. Itall comes down to luck. (SHE SPEAKS UNDER HER BREATH)Which I seem to be sincerely lacking in lately.

MAGDA BEGINS TO RESPOND, A QUESTIONING LOOK ON HER FACE, BUTSUDDENLY MAY SHRIEKS IN EXCITEMENT AN SHE JUMPS UP TO MOVECLOSER TO THE TV SCREEN, TURNING IT UP PAINFULLY LOUD.

MAY

Quiet! Everybody keep it down! It's coming on!

AMERICA ROLLS HER EYES, BUT FINDS HERSELF WATCHING THE TVANYWAY. ON THE SCREEN, WE SEE A NEWS CASTER (GAVRIL)INTRODUCING A VIDEO OF MAXON'S PARTY.

GAVRIL

And tonight, straight from the Royal Palace inAngeles, we're celebrating a very special day. Ourbeloved Prince Maxon turns nineteen years old. A veryimportant milestone certainly. But what's moreexciting is what this special birthday means for allof Illa. That's right, ladies and gentlemen! As I'msure you all have heard by now, the Selection is uponus! Now, I know you're all anxious to get a glimpse atthose thirty-five lucky candidates from all over thecountry, one of them the future princess of Illa, andaren't we all? For now, let's see what the Prince hasto say about all the excitement in this brand newfootage from the Prince's royal birthday celebration.

THE TELEVISION FEED SWITCHES TO SHOT OF MAXON, STANDING AT THEFOOT OF A LARGE STAIRCASE (THE ONE HE HAD BEGUN TO DESCEND AT


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THE CONCLUSION OF THE PREVIOUS SCENE). HE SMILES HIS SAME,POLITE SMILES AS EARLIER, LOOKING DECEPTIVELY AT EASE IN FRONTOF THE CROWD. HIS PARENTS STAND BEHIND HIM, OFF TO SIDE. HISFATHER SMILES, BUT IS WATCHING HIM CRITICALLY, SEEING HOW HISSON HANDLES HIMSELF IN FRONT OF THE PRESS. SEVERAL REPORTERSTHROW OUT QUESTIONS FOR MAXON TO ANSWER.

REPORTER #1 (O.S.)

The wait for the Selection is positively killing us,your Majesty. Exactly when will the candidates beSelected?

MAXON

The applications have been pouring in by the thousandssince yesterday, and I think I speak not only formyself, but for my whole family, when I say that wecan hardly wait as well. The names will be Selectedand announced this Friday on the Capitol Report andthe candidates will arrive here at the Palace thefollowing Friday.

REPORTER #2 (O.S.)

Are you nervous at all, your Majesty?

MAXON

About meeting, falling in love with, and marrying myfuture Queen on live television? Oh, it's all in aday's work.

MAXON SMILES AND WINKS AT THE CROWD, WHO LAUGH COLLECTIVELY. WEFLIP BACK BRIEFLY AND SEE AMERICA SCOFF AND ROLL HER EYES BEFOREWE GO BACK TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE.


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REPORTER #3 (O.S)

Prince Maxon! Do you have anything to say to the girlsentering the Selection?

MAXON PAUSES. CAMERAS FLASH IN THE SILENCE. AGAIN, WE SEE AGLIMPSE OF AMERICA, LEANING IN EVER SO SLIGHTLY, WAITING TO HEARTHE PRINCE'S RESPONSE. MAXON HESITATES ONE MORE MOMENT BEFORE AWIDE GRINS SPEADS ACROSS HIS FACE AND HE LOOKS DIRECTLY AT THECAMERA FOR THE FIRST TIME.

MAXON

Only this: the girl I choose to marry will rule by myside as Queen of Illa and so I do not in any way take

the Selection lightly. That being said, let me alsopoint out that any girl who settles for me as acompanion cannot possibly be of sane mind, but I stilllook forward to knowing what that woman might belike.Now, ladies and gentlemen, I'm afraid you'll haveto excuse me. I have family visiting and Im alreadyterribly late.

MORE VOICES DRAWL ON IN THE BACKGROUND AS WE RETURN THE SHOT TOAMERICA AND HER FAMILY. AMERICA IS ROLLING HER EYES AT THEPRINCE, TURNING BACK TO THE APPLICATION.

AMERICA

What a positively obnoxious, self-deprecating prick.

SHALOM LAUGHS AND CHOKES ON THE COFFEE HIS IS DRINKING, TRYINGNOT TO SHOW HIS SMILE; THE BOWL IN MAGDA'S HANDS CLATTERS TO THETABLE; MAY GASPS AND SPINS AROUND TO GLARE AT AMERICA; GERAD,SENSING SOMETHING IS HAPPENING, STOPS RUNNING AROUND AND LOOKSBACK AND FORTH BETWEEN EACH OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS.

MAGDA


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America Singer, you watch your mouth! How dare youtalk about the Prince like that?

MAY

I'm starting to think that we really shouldn't let yousend your application. I can't imagine what wouldhappen if you got Selected and actually had to hold upa conversation with Maxon. Knowing you, you'd probablyinsult him before he even learned your name. I'd besurprised if you didn't end up getting arrested withina day for, like, treasonous speech or something.

MAGDA

May, enough. That's not funny.

AMERICA

I don't think she was joking, Mom. Look, I told youguys. I just don't care for the Royal family that

much. I mean, what have they ever done for anyonearound here?

MAY

I do care, though. I want all of it. The tiaras, theball gowns, the Prince.

AMERICA

The staying locked up in a palace twenty-four seven?

MAY


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Yes! What's so bad about all that? Two years. Two moreyears and I could have entered.

AMERICA

Hey, you could just take my application. We can justput all your information down and then send you. Noone ever has to know.

MAY SCOWLS AT AMERICA, BUT FAILS TO SUPRESS THE SMILE THATSPREADS ACROSS HER FACE.

MAY

Now there's a good idea. I knew you were good forsomething, Ames.

AMERICA

Hey!

THE TWO OF THEM START LAUGHING, JOINED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BYGERAD.

AMERICA (CONT.)

No, really. I could totally see you as the princess.Though I'd love to see you try to walk in heels.

MAY

You're right. That might be a deal breaker.


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MAGDA SLAMS A PLATE DOWN ONTO THE KITCHEN TABLE, CUTTING OFFTHEIR GIGGLES.

MAGDA

Enough. Dinner's ready. May, Gerad, go wash up.

THE TWO YOUNGEST CHILDREN EXIT AND AMERICA LOOKS UP AT HERMOTHER.

AMERICA

Mom, relax. It was just a bit of fun. Look, we evengot Dad to laugh.

SHALOM IS TRYING TO HIDE HIS GRIN. HE LOOKS TO AMERICA.

SHALOM

Oh, no. Don't drag me into this. I'm not getting introuble with you, Kitten.

MAGDA

You'll have to forgive me if I don't see eye to eye

with your humor, America.

MAGDA EXITS THE ROOM, LEAVING AMERICA ALONE WITH HER FATHER. SHELOOKS UP AT SHALOM, AN EXASPERATED LOOK IN HER EYES.


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SHALOM

Don't be too hard on her, America. She's just stressedright now. And I'd imagine all this is bringing backmemories of her own.

AMERICA

I know she missed out on her own Selection, Dad. Iknow why she's doing it. I don't blame her foranything. I'm filling out the application aren't I?

SHALOM

Are you sure your mom's who you're doing that for?

AMERICA'S DEFENSES GO UP. SHE VISIBLY TENSES. HER FATHER KNOWSABOUT ASPEN. BUT HOW? SHE VENTURES AS CASUALLY AS POSSIBLE,TRYING TO ASSES WHAT HE REALLY KNOWS.

AMERICA

Who else would it be for?

SHALOM

Oh, come on, America. I think you know that we allknow your little secret. Did you think you could hideit forever?

MAGDA REENTERS THE ROOM, NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THEIRCONVERSATION. AMERICA'S FACE IS FROZEN IN TERROR.

SHALOM (CONT.)


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We both know you've been wanting to be a princesssince you were four and you first saw Maxon ontelevision.

AMERICA LAUGHS, LETTING HERSELF BREATHE FINALLY. THEY DIDN'TKNOW ABOUT ASPEN YET. MAY AND GERAD RETURN TO THE KITCHEN ASWELL, TAKING THEIR SEATS AT THE SMALL TABLE.

AMERICA

That is not true, and you know it.

SHALOM

Oh, yes it is. You might not remember, but I know Ido

MAY

Remember what?

AMERICA HAS ALLOWED HERSELF TO RELAX AND FALL INTO HERCOMFORTABLE NATURAL RHYTHM WITH HER FAMILY. SHE TURNS TO HERFATHER, EMBARASSED, POINTING A FINGER AT HIM.HER EARLIER FEARSARE FORGOTTEN.

AMERICA

Nothing! Don't you dare tell her that story! She'llbelieve anything she hears.

SHALOM

When you were still really little and your sister hadjust turned four, she


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AMERICA

I didn't do anything! Stop!

MAGDA

Don't shout at the table!

MAY

Okay, but Dad has to tell the story now!

AMERICA'S HEAD FALLS INTO HER HANDS AS SHE LAUGHS EMBARASSEDLY.THE VOICES SLOWLY FADE AWAY AS THE CAMERA PULLS BACK, WATCHING AGENUINELY HAPPY FAMILY MEAL WITH AMERICA'S FATHER TELLINGSTORIES AND EVEN MAGDA ALLOWING HERSELF A SMILE. OFF: AMERICA'SFACE AS SHE CRACKS UP WITH LAUGHTER LISTENING TO HER FATHER. ENDSCENE.

END OF PART TWO


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THE GREAT HALL OF THE ROYAL PALACE. PRINCE MAXONS BIRTHDAY

EXTRAVAGANZA. INTERIOR SHOT. THE ROOM IS FULL OF PEOPLE IN ONECORNER, FOREIGN DIGNITARIES, IN ANOTHER ARE REPORTERS. TABLESARE COVERED WITH DARK BLUE CLOTHS, CANDLES ARE THE ONLY LIGHT,AND THEY SHINE BRIGHT FROM ALL AROUND THE ROOM ON THE TABLES,HANGING IN ELABORATE CANDELABRAS ON THE WALLS, ETC. THE CROWDCHEERS AS MAXON ENTERS AND HE SMILES, W AVING. HES LOOKINGTHROUGH THE CROWD, OVER HEADS, BUT WHO FOR? BEFORE HE CAN FINDWHOEVER IT IS, CLARKSON COMES UP BEHIND HIM.

CLARKSON

Still distracted, I see.

MAXON TURNS TO SEE HIS FATHER, PUTTING HIS DEFENSES UP ANDSPEAKING FORMALLY.

MAXON

No, sir. Just checking out the crowd is all.

CLARKSON

Looking for anyone in particular?

MAXON LOOKS PAST HIS FATHERS SHOULDER AND HIS FACE LIGHTS UP ASHE FINALLY SEES HER.

MAXON

As it so happens, Father, I believe Ive found her.

Excuse me, if you will.

HE BEGINS TO WALK OFF, BUT CLARKSON CATCHES HIS ARM, FOLLOWINGHIS GAZE TO A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN, WHO DROPS HER GAZE (ANDSMILE) FROM MAXON WHEN SHE SEES THE KING WATCHING.


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CLARKSON

The French princess? Thats who you were looking for?What is her name? Diana? Dahlia?

MAXON

Daphne. Her name is Daphne. She did stay here in courtfor a time when she was younger. Im surprised youveforgotten her.

CLARKSON EYES MAXON SUSPICIOUSLY, LETTING HIS EYES FLICK BACK TOTHE GIRL FOR A MOMENT BEFORE COMING TO REST ON MAXON ONCE MORE.

HE SIGHS, BUT KEEPS A TIGHT SMILE FOR THE CAMERAS THAT FLASHEVERY FEW MILLISECONDS.

CLARKSON

Maxon, please tell me you havent been foolish enoughto let yourself fall in love with

MAXON

Love? What are you talking about? Its not like that.Shes only my oldest friend, Father. I have no lovefor her aside from the love one might have for asister.

CLARKSON

Does she know that? Because all it would take would be

her getting her feelings hurt to talk. That is howrumors get started, Maxon. If the people of Illathought that you were cheating their daughters out ofthe opportunities the Selection could bring theirfamilies, there would be uprisings, civil war. Allbecause youve been carrying out an affair with aforeign princess


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MAXON

Unless you count us sitting in the palace library,talking about life the few times a year we are even inthe same country an affair, I dont believe there isanything to worry about, Father.

CLARKSON

Why cant you take this more seriously ?

MAXON

Of course I take it seriously!

CLARKSON

Running a country is no joke, Maxon. You cant be asflippant as you were with those reporters earlier. Itis no laughing matter, nor is the Selection. The onlyway to prevent rebellion from the lower castes is the

idea that any girl from any caste could becomePrincess, could eventually be the queen, ruling atyour side.

MAXON

I know that! Ive known that my whole life. Youvetaken every opportunity to remind me of it. It is allIve been thinking about all day.

CLARKSON

Your sarcasm with those reporters


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MAXON

Was meant to lighten the mood.

CLARKSON

You called your future wife a madwoman!

MAXON

Because its a party! Forgive me, but I thought itwould be appropriate to put on the air that I was nottroubled by t he Selection, that it isnt ruling myevery thought. That it hasnt done so for the past fewmonths.

CLARKSON IS CLEARLY ANGERED BY MAXONS INTTERUPTIONS.

CLARKSON

Be careful how you speak, son. Do not think that itbeing your birthday gives you the right to speak tome, your father, in such a callous manner.

MAXON CAREFULLY CONSIDERS THE THREAT, FINALLY CONCEDING HISPREVIOUS DEFENSIVE ATTITUDE.

MAXON

Please forgive me, Father. I only meant to reassureyou. I do take the Selection seriously. This woman

will one day rule by my side as my queen. She will bemy wife. Choosing her wisely is a decision I can nevertake lightly. I am ready for this.

CLARKSON


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MAXON

Of course.

OFF THE PRINCE AND THE QUEEN WALKING AWAY FROM THE CROWD TOWARD A DOORWAY. SEGUE TO:

AN EMPTY HALLWAY IN THE PALACE, JUST OUTSIDE THE GREAT HALL.INTERIOR SHOT. AMBERLY PULLS MAXON AWAY FROM THE CROWDS IN THEGREAT HALL INTO A NARROW HALLWAY DEVOID OF PEOPLE. THE MUSIC ANDSOUNDS OF THE PARTY CAN STILL BE HEARD.

AMBERLY

Are you having fun?

MAXON

Does it look like I am?

AMBERLY

Yes, it does.

MAXON

Then, thats all that matters.

AMBERLY

To the others, perhaps. To your father. But I am amother first and Queen second. You are my priority,Maxon. Id like to know what you are thinking. Do younot like the celebration?

MAXON


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MAXON LOOKS HORRIFIED AT THE THOUGHT. AMBERLY CONTINUES, MORESOMBER, ALMOST SAD.

AMBERLY (CONT.)

But those girls dont know what it really means to bea princess. The roles you have to play, the pressureon your shoulders constantly, the lack of privacy. Thegirl you choose will be going through a lot of changeswhen you marry her. I think you can endure at leastone more big party for her sake, cant you?

MAXON SMILES.

MAXON

Well I suppose I can find it in myself to at leasttry.

A PAUSE, THEN MAXON CONTINUES.

MAXON (CONT.)

Mom? Do you ever regret it? Being Selected? Becoming aprincess, a queen?

AMBERLY

How can you even ask that? Maxon, no matter what hashappened or what will happen because of the Selection,I will never regret the choices I made. They didntjust give me your father, whom I love so dearly. Thosechoices, the Selection Theyre what gave me you aswell. And because of that, I am nothing but grateful.To say that the Selection changed my life is a tragic


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understatement. And it is going to be the same forwhatever girl you choose.

MAXON

I know.

AMBERLY

And it is your choice, Maxon. Yours alone. Not mine,not your fathers, not any advisors, not all ofIllas. Yours.

MAXON

Of course. Why?

THE QUESTION HANGS IN THE AIR AS MAXON COMES TO THE REALIZATION.HIS MOTHER LOOKS AT HIM SADLY.

MAXON (CONT.)

Id heard rumors that you werent in the Kings favorduring your Selection, that he and his advisors didntwant you to be Queen.

AMBERLY

No, they didnt. And they tried everything in theirpower to sway your father away from choosing me tomarry.

MAXON

But why? You are intelligent and beautiful and thebest queen Illa has seen in generations.


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AMBERLY

Thank you. But it had nothing to do with any of thosethings. The reason they did not want me on the thronewas because I offered nothing new to the country, tothe relationship. Only love.

MAXON

Well, what else did they expect? What did they wantfrom you?

AMBERLY HESITATES.

AMBERLY

Maxon, do you know what I was? Before I came to thepalace, before the Selection?

MAXON

You mean your caste? Id never really thought aboutit. I guess I assumed you were a Two or a Three, atmost.

AMBERLY

A Four, actually. Until the Selection, I worked in afactory. My hands were always cracked and my nailswere caked with dirt. You should have seen the maidsreactions when they first saw me, all the preparationsthey had to go through to make me presentable toClarkson. I had absolutely no political connections orwealthy family members. We had no title. I was thelast person anyone in the palace thought of as being


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the next princess, including the King and hisadvisors. I wasnt exactly treated the same as theothers.

MAXON

But thats madness. You were cast aside because ofwhere you came from, not because of who you are. Iftheyd have been successful, who knows what could havehappened to the country?

AMBERLY SMILES GRACIOUSLY AT HIM.

AMBERLY

Maxon, Im telling you this not to anger you, but tolet you know what might lie ahead for you. Your fatherwill be looking at each candidate from the perspectiveof a ruler. He will be looking as his father did, tomake sure your wife is good for Illa. But I am hereto tell you that I will be looking at each candidateopenly. I promise you now that I will try to see thesegirls, not as a mother or a queen, but as you seethem. I will not judge any choice you make as I dotrust your judgment. I only ask that you realize thisfrom what Ive told you: any woman can rise to theoccasion of being a Queen. They dont have to comefrom money or nobility; they dont have to know rightaway how to speak to foreign dign itaries; they donteven have to have the best manners at first, thoughtthat might be of some use later. What a Queen trulyneeds is patience. She needs to be able to listen.Above all, she must be strong and resilient. Palacelife is not exactly paradise, as you know. And this

girl will need to know how to weather the hard timeswithout letting her head fall in defeat.

MAXON


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So, youre saying I shouldnt choose from the highercastes?

AMBERLY

I would never tell you that, Maxon. I am merely sayingthat you must truly know the woman you are choosingbefore you choose her. If you can promise me that, Ishall promise my support of whatever choice you end upmaking. Whether you choose a Two or an Eight, I willstand behind you. This is my gift to you, Maxon. Imonly sorry I cant be of more help.

MAXON TAKES THIS ALL IN, THEN SMILES WARMLY AT AMBERLY.

MAXON

Thank you, Mom. And know that, even though I will soonbe bringing a new woman into my life, I will stillalways make room for you. Shell never be able toreplace you.

AMBERLY

You are welcome, my son. And thank you. Come now. Weshould return. Before people start missing you.

MAXON OFFERS HER HIS ARM AND THE TWO OF THEM EXIT BACK INTO THEPARTY. END SCENE.

SINGER HOME. KITCHEN. INTERIOR SHOT. AMERICA SITS AT THE KITCHENTABLE, THE SELECTION APPLICATION IS IN FRONT OF HER ONCE AGAIN.SHE LEANS HER HEAD ON HER HANDS; SHE IS EXHAUSTED. HER FATHERENTERS AND SITS NEXT TO HER. AMERICA LOOKS UP AS HE ENTERS.


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AMERICA

Wheres Mom?

SHALOM

Still trying to get Gerad to fall asleep. You know howhe is when he gets excited about something.

AMERICA

Hell be up until midnight, then wake back up at twoA.M.

SHALOM

Exactly.

THE TWO LAUGH LIGHTLY; SHALOM NODS AT THE SELECTION APPLICATION.

SHALOM (CONT.)

Arent you almost done with that thing yet?

AMERICA

Actually Dont kill me, but I finished most of itwithin an hour of starting it.

SHALOM REGARDS HIS DAUGHTER CURIOUSLY.

SHALOM

Then what ?


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AMERICA (READING FROM THE PAGE)

Please list any talents/unique features that make youstand out from other potential candidates.

SHALOM

Is that what the application actually says?

AMERICA

Yeah. I wrote down the instruments I can play, thelanguages Mom taught us. But they gave me nearly fivepages of blank space for this question alone and mostof it is going to stay that way blank. The other girls

coming in to this can say things like Ive learnedhow to drive a car or I met the New Asian ambassadorone time at a party my parents threw for my birthday.They can list so much that makes them special. Whatabout me? What makes me special? Besides the abilityto sleep in, maybe.

SHALOM

Oh, yes. You have to write that down. Also, eating

full meals in under a minute.

AMERICA

Of course! How can I have forgotten? While Im at it,I might as well mention that Im a complete heathenthat intends to completely destroy the country shouldI come to power.

AMERICA LAUGHS SHORTLY, BUT THEN SIGHS TIREDLY.

SHALOM


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America, you are my wonderful, beautiful, talenteddaughter.

AMERICA

See? You even have two of those.

SHALOM

You are special, America. More special than youllever know. I wish you could see that about yourself.

AMERICA SMILES, UNCONVINCED. SHE CLOSES THE APPLICATION ANDSTANDS.

AMERICA

Thanks, Dad. But I think Ill just leave everything asit is. Besides, its not like Im trying to seem more

desirable, right? Maybe being boring me has itsadvantages.

SHALOM TRIES TO PROTEST, BUT AMERICA REACHES DOWN TO HUG HIM,SPEAKING OVER HIM AS SHE DOES.

AMERICA (CONT.)

Its fine, Dad. Really. Im going to go to sleep. Goodnight.

SHE EXITS. SHALOM LOOKS AFTER HER SADLY, THEN GALNCES BACK TOTHE SELECTION APPLICATION. CLEARLY, SOMETHING IS TROUBLING HIM,BUT WHAT IS HE PLANNING IN THAT SNEAKY MIND OF HIS? OFF: HIS


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MAXON

Are you alright?

DAPHNE

You do k now that its going to be you running thecountry one day, not your father. Youre eventuallygoing to have to make your own decisions.

MAXON

Where is this coming from? Are you Are you angry withme?

DAPHNE

No. No matter how hard I try, Maxon, I dont know thatI could ever be angry at you. Its just that thisparty and everything it means Its making my head andmy heart do crazy things.

MAXON

The party? It doesnt mean anything. Just that Im ayear older

DAPHNE

It means everything is going to change, Maxon! Youreof age now. The Selection is about to happen andyoure going to go fall in love with some girl youdont even know yet. And then shes going to be yourqueen, your wife. But she will never know you, notlike I do.


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MAXON

The Selectio n? Thats what this is about? I dontunderstand

DAPHNE

No. You dont. You never have, have you?

MAXON SHAKES HIS HEAD, CONFUSED, AND DAPHNE SUDDENLY REACHESFORWARD, THROWING HER ARMS AROUND MAXONS NECK AND HOLDING HIMTO HER AS SHE KISSES HIM FERVENT LY. HES IN SHOCK FOR A MOMENTBEFORE HE ANXIOUSLY SEPARATES FROM HER, BACKING AWAY WIDE-EYED.

MAXON

What are you doing ?

DAPHNE

You cant tell me you dont feel anything for me. You

love me just as much as I love you. I know you do.

MAXON

No! Daphne, youre my best friend

DAPHNE

Its more than that! You and I both know it!

MAXON IS STILL REELING, TRYING TO FORM A RESPONSE AS HE LOOKS ATHER PLEADINGLY. SHE CONTINUES DESPERATELY.


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DAPHNE (CONT.)

My fathers arranged a marriage with some ambassadorsson, but I dont want to marry him. You cant want theSelection, either. If we talk to our fathers, explainto them that we are in love, that we want to bemarried

MAXON

Daphne, no. Im not I dont feel that way about you.Im so sorry.

DAPHNE

Youre lying to yourself!

MAXON

No, Im not! Daphne, please . Youre like my sister.Youve been the closest friend Ive ever had but Idont love you like that. I never could.

DAPHNE IS IN TEARS NOW, QUIETLY SOBBING AS SHE GAZES DESPERATELYAT MAXON. MAXON HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO DO WITH A CRYING GIRL INFRONT OF HIM. HE TRIES AND FAILS MISERABLY TO STEER THE TOPICAWAY FROM HIS LOVE FOR DAPHNE.

MAXON (CONT.)

Dont. Please dont Um Please dont cry. Look, our

parents are probably wondering where we are. Should wemaybe go back to the party, try to still have a goodtime tonight?

DAPHNE GLARES AT HIM, SHAKING HER HEAD IN DISBELIEF.


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DAPHNE

I was wrong. I can be angry with you. I hate you. Godforbid you actually fall in love with a girl in theSelection, Maxon. Y ou wont even realize thats whatyoure feeling. Whatever your father has done ingrooming you to be King, he has made you entirely numbto real emotions, yours and others. I really do pityany other girl that falls in love with you. Youregoing to break her heart, Maxon Schreave. Just as youhave broken mine.

SHE BOWS HER HEAD AND BRUSHES ROUGHLY PAST MAXON, LEAVING HIM

ALONG IN THE ROOM IN SHOCK. OFF: MAXONS STUNNED EXPRESSION. ENDSCENE.

END OF PART THREE

Documents

The Selection Fan Pilot Script (Parts 1-3)