Sofarende is at war, and Mathilde and her friend Megs are simply trying to survive in a world of bombings and food shortages. When the children are offered an exam with the promises of training to serve the country as well as handsome payments for their families, Mathilde is sure she will not be chosen.

Surprisingly enough it is not brilliant Megs who is chosen, but Mathilde, who is sent to a school where the students work on strange projects. Mathilde struggles with her own assignment, but finds her place and purpose using her unique talents.