you live in a world where a multidimensional alien empire known as the Combine invaded and subjugated Earth, after the war between humanity and the combine, known as the 7 hour war, you live in City 17, an Eastern European city which houses the Citadel, a several-miles-tall tower which serves as the headquarters of the Combine on Earth.

You live in an apartment complex and are currently in line to get your daily rations.