Markus is in an institution for young sex offenders. He is a shy boy whose face tells wordless stories. There is no physical proximity at the institution, so the inmates wrestle. It is a place where skinlessness quivers in the air. Markus's only friend in the institution is the wayward, violent Tobias. Markus's trial approaches, and then Tobias will find out why Markus has been locked up.

Elle Marja, 14, is a reindeer-breeding Sami girl. Exposed to the racism of the 1930s and phrenological examinations at her boarding school, she starts dreaming of another life. To achieve this other life she has to become someone else and break all ties with her family and culture.