In this chapter, we're introduced to the characters who have come before us. They're all 18 years old or younger, and they're from different parts of the world: Thomas Kelly, Lena, Thomasina, Dagny Gilhooley, Petier Troia, and, of course, Megan Amano. Thomas Kelly's birthday is February 5, Lena's is February 29, Thomasina's usually February 29 , and so on. Petier is 35, and he's the headmaster of the school where Thomas Kelly and Lena are taking up residence.