"Isn't this exciting?" Lucy chirped, fixing the bowtie that Norm had poorly put on. "Your application was finally accepted!"

Norm stared straight ahead at the mirror in his room. The suit had been worn by previous Vault 33 men for their weddings, and been tailored all to Hell just to fit Norm's smaller build. Even then it felt too loose around his narrow shoulders.

"This is archaic," he said flatly, rolling his eyes at his big sister.

He'd never had a high opinion of the Vault marriage exchanges. His father could preach about "genetic diversity" all he wanted. Norm still found it ridiculous to fill out an application in hopes that a girl from a neighboring Vault would like him. He felt like a dog doing tricks in hopes of getting a treat.

He'd been lucky so far in dodging the Triennal Trade. If his prickly personality and lack of enthusiasm were good for one thing it was keeping him out of the breeder program. Until this year, when his father met with fellow Overseers to personally ensure Norm would finally be picked.

"I bet you'll love her," Lucy chirped, ushering him through the steel tunnels connecting Vaults. Everyone else was already gathered around Vault 31's door in anticipation. The other members of Vault 33 were practically holding their breath while waiting to see which poor soul got stuck with Norm for a husband.