Content Warning: This section discusses intimate partner violence, physical and emotional abuse, violent death, murder, suicide, and anti-gay bias.

The Prologue is narrated from an unnamed woman’s perspective as she fights against a man. (The combatants are later revealed to be Conor Brian and his girlfriend, Zana Robertson.) They are each attempting to submerge the other in the ocean depths. Zana asks, “Does she want him to die?” (1).

An unnamed character tests a radio, trying to reach anyone within range.

Lyla Santiago surveys her lab results while her partner, Nico Reese, tries to persuade her to join him as a contestant on a reality show called One Perfect Couple. Lyla distractedly points out that Nico can go alone, and he petulantly reminds her that the show’s premise requires couples to compete together. As a struggling actor, Nico is convinced that the show will improve his career prospects.

Nico explains that the show will launch on a new streaming network as a reality competition for five couples. In the rules of the game, he explains, “you have to stay coupled up to stay in” (8).