Pets

Pets are human companions that are raised by a kennel, or a corporate facility where they grow up and learn how to be good companions to the country's elite. They are then bought by "owners," or people who make them a part of their family.

Perfected
The concept of pets is introduced in this book by Ella, who was called Eight at the time. According to Ella, pets are genetically bred to look perfect, unique, and beautiful. They grow up in a kennel such as Greenwich, where room and board is provided for them until they are ready to be bought. Along with room and board, the pets also get lessons in things they need in order to live successfully with an owner, such as ettiquette, music, dining, and dancing. Each pet has two "talents" chosen for them by the kennel. They are primarily art forms, like Ella's two, piano and dance. Other girls sing or play different instruments or paint as their talent. However, as pets are meant only to look beautiful and please their owners, and do not get jobs in the real world, they are not taught academics, even basic ones, such as how to read. Ella's teacher was Miss Gellner, a strict woman who was always reminding the pets of their purpose. There are no male pets.

When the pets gradually turn sixteen, interested owners come for an orientation at their chosen kennel. Each pet is named only with a number so the owners can decide on a unique name for their pet. First, the owners get to look over all the pets to see which look they like best. Then, each pet performs their best talent for everyone. Finally, the potential buyers select their pets in a random order. Ella was the third to be chosen.

The owners then get aqquianted with their pets as they leave the kennel. They tell pets what their purpose is. Ella's purpose was to be a playmate for her owner's daughter, Ruby, and to occasionally show off her talents when her owners' friends come.