The book begins by introducing a New York City policeman named Bill Nichols.

The setting shifts to Chile, where a boy by the birth name of Catequil and the nickname of Tigre sits in class.

As his three friends drop him off, the conversation shifts to a very famous pop singer by the name of Venus.

Meanwhile, what is regarded as Venus's most disliked song by music critics (discussing the end of the world) plays.

The story then moves to Gus, who is now living in Los Angeles with his older brother Andrew.

Still coping with the death of their parents, the brothers live together, and Andrew is working in a theatre business.

On December 21, Andrew prepares the set for the now 16-year-old seductive pop sensation, Venus, of whom Gus is now a fan.

After realizing how much work was needed to set up for Venus's arrival, Andrew requests Gus's helping, telling him to stay clear of the pop star, as she is a bit of a "diva".

Returning to the room, he finds an extremely attractive, tom-boyish girl who looked less perfect to Venus, who he assumed to be some sort of relative.

An earthquake began and the two teenagers fled from the theater building, hoping that everyone else made it out alive.