In an energy-starved future, Richard Hampton's world is blown apart when his younger brother Danny disappears and the police are too busy trying to keep a lid on a hungry, overcrowded city to search for him. Richard has to make the transformation from bookish nerd to street-smart warrior to survive when he jumps the "Food Train" for the disintegrating suburbs in a desperate search for Danny and his dog, Zonk.
Branded a criminal by a community of outcasts and condemned to death, Richard is rescued by streetwise Carrie, who joins in his search. As they trek across the remnants of suburbia, facing criminal gangs, renegade militias, and the hardships of the road, their friendship evolves into something more.
The trail finally unwinds at a deserted complex in the remotest corner of the suburbs. The incredible secret they uncover there will alter their lives and their world forever.