Katarina and Heath arrive in Los Angeles exhausted from delayed travel, and Katarina is too tired to enjoy the city on the ride from the airport. When they reach the Lin Ice Academy, both are stunned by how polished, modern, and expensive it looks compared with their home rink. The empty lobby and trophy display immediately show Katarina the level of excellence she has entered, and Sheila Lin's Olympic image makes Katarina more determined to become that kind of champion herself.

When the last practice session ends, other skaters begin filing out of the rink. Katarina recognizes competitors from Nationals and elite international teams, which makes clear that this summer program is filled with serious talent. Because Katarina and Heath arrive late, dirty, and obviously less polished than the others, Katarina senses that the competitive pressure has already begun and that they are starting from a disadvantage.

Ellis Dean, whom Katarina met in Cleveland, is the first skater to greet them. He introduces himself to Heath, makes flirtatious conversation, and offers a quick welcome, but Katarina remains cautious around him. When Ellis calls over Josephine Hayworth, he privately warns Katarina that Josie is untrustworthy, then immediately turns charming again when Josie approaches, confirming Katarina's suspicion that social maneuvering at the Academy will be as important as skating skill.

Josie leads Katarina toward the girls' dormitory while Ellis takes Heath toward the boys' side. Heath objects because he assumed he and Katarina would share a room, but Josie tells them boys are not allowed in the girls' dormitory. Katarina accepts the separation because they have no better option, even though neither of them likes it. As Josie shows her the luxurious housing and pointedly suggests she should "freshen up," Katarina reads the insult clearly and ends the chapter even more determined to prove that she belongs at the Academy.