The games, part 2.

The vip section was the fanciest place Bryan had ever seen. He watched as waitresses adorned in skirts and black vests delivered wine and other pleasantries to the viewers.
But nobody paid them much attention. The veiwers all sat adorned in suits and ties with glasses of wine in hand. they drank and discussed who thought would win. Every few seconds a joke would be made and they would all burst into drunk laughter.

These were rich people, men who had most likely brought several people simply so they could donate attributes to the fighters.

Some people had brought so many donors that they didn’t even try to guess who would win. If you asked they would tell you. “Whoever i want. We’ll have to see who I like best.”

Thus was the nature of the VIP section: white old men who decided who they wanted to win and who they didn’t. Bryan didn’t belong. So he was surprised when one of the men walked up to him.

The man was young, with kind eyes, but a devilish smile.

“Hey lil fella. You lost?” 

“No,” Bryan said sternly, then flashed him his ticket.

“Ah, that’s an expensive ticket you got there. Are you here with someone?” he asked.

Bryan wasn’t sure he liked his prying, he’d grown up in the streets. When people wer nice to him, it usually meant

A: they want to show you where the homeless shelter is (he’d rather die)
B: their friend is mugging you while you’re distracted
Or C: they bout to kill you.

His brow furrowed.
“Who are you?”

He smiled a smile that disarmed Bryan entirely. He stared for a small moment before shaking it off. He didn’t know much, but he knew one thing for certain; that smile was the work of the devil.

It could remove doubt where doubt ought to be, instill trust where trust shouldn’t be. He didn’t trust him. Not one bit.
“My name’s Dr.Aeron. Perhaps you’ve heard of me.”

Bryans eyes widened, he had heard of him. He thought he’d be older by now but he did suddenly recognize those slim devilish features, that million dollar haircut, that smile…
“You-you created the games,” he said, stuttering from the shock. “But you look so young-”

Dr.Aeron quickly swept aside the observation, as if it were dangerous.

“I am him indeed,” he put a hand on his shoulder, “You’ll enjoy the games. I guarantee it.” Dr.Aeron assured him with a winning smile. He felt comfortable… Dr.Aeron was right, how had Bryan ever been unnerved by this guy? He was visibly very logical.
The man nodded, letting his persuasion kick in, then walked off. As soon as he was gone Bryan was again filled with suspicion. It was a strange experience. Dr.Aerons voice had been almost hypnotizing… it was as if he spoke with the persuasion of a hundred men.

Strange.

But he removed the thought from his mind. he wouldn’t want to be distracted. This was, after all, a once in a lifetime event.