'There's seven ways to kill a cat. But when it comes down to it, there's only two ways. In a civilised fashion or like a fucking savage'.

In Buenos Aires, the economy has collapsed and people are protesting on the streets. But in the barrio, life goes on - the slums of the city are ruled by gangs, drugs and guns.

Gringo and Chueco are almost adults, and joining the gang warfare that governs their community seems inevitable. Chueco thinks he can join El Jetita's gang but remain his own man, Gringo knows this can't happen - you obey the leader or else. As the two get drawn ever deeper into the turf war between El Jetita and his rival Charly, Gringo sees an alternative way of life, and love, pass before his eyes. A few days ago he and Chueco were joking about killing cats; now he's fighting to save his skin.

Translated by: Frank Wynne