Double-Cross
This novel is characterized primarily by intrigue. Cia is attempting to uncover secret after secret about this complex organism which is the United Commonwealth. In this pursuit, she agrees to work for the rebellion as a double-agent. She trains to earn a position as the president's intern, a highly sought after position. Once she gets the job, Cia begins hunting for proof of the true nature of the redirections, as well as anything which would incriminate either her boss or Dr. Barnes. As the story progresses, this theme of the double-cross becomes increasingly complicated as Cia learns more. She witnesses Symon, a supposed leader among the rebels, shoot Michael Gallen after Gallens delivered evidence. Although Cia's identity is safe, she has lost her mentor. Now she's on her own inside the machine. She learns that Symon has worked with Dr. Barnes to establish this rebellion as a ruse to keep people occupied as well as to find and punish those who aren't loyal to the Commonwealth.
Competition
The United Commonwealth seems to have been built upon the principle of competition. From the Testing to the Debate Chamber, the entire government functions as a competitive machine designed for the survival of the fittest or at least the most clever. Because Cia is talented, she is able to succeed well within the system, making her an especially useful tool for the rebellion. Others, however, are not so fortunate, like Tomas. He is an average person who is not rewarded in the Commonwealth for his moderation. People like Damone, who is willing to kill Cia for her internship, are rewarded. This is why the young people are forced to engage in the Testing, in order to train them to value competition and success over all else, because their very lives depend upon it.
Civic Responsibility
As a new government, the Commonwealth relies upon propaganda to support itself. It needs the citizens on board with its mission in order to succeed, so government employees stress the value of civic responsibility. This is why students study matters of government and science instead of literature and art. Because the government wants to raise loyal citizens for a noticeably selfish cause, it gains nothing from encouraging free thought or self-expression. People are mandated to participate in certain activities like the Testing which are designed to eliminate disloyalty and encourage selfish ambition and competition. In this way people have so corrupted themselves in order to view the Commonwealth as relatively less corrupt.
