Ben, a math geek and comic book fan, dreams of superpowers and heroic deeds. However, his obesity and antisocial environment keep him trapped in a bleak reality. While being treated in the hospital, he discovers a new world. A world where no one fits the norm, but where nothing is real, neither life, light, nor air. Ben shares his patient room with the burn-scarred Tobias and the refugee boy Asmarom from Eritrea. Excitement arises from a novel gene therapy being applied to the seriously ill Elena, turning her into a research subject. The teenagers are measured and shaped to fit the norm. When mysterious symptoms appear in Asmarom, the other three want to help. From a hiding place, Asmarom's sister Noemi observes the ward and comes up with a daring idea. The five teenagers receive surprising support.