Shell it all. There was no way he could say no to that. He couldn't tell if it was an act or someone genuinely scared, but...if he just turned and walked off, he'd only be adding to his guilt and hatred. Which he had plenty of. Which he really didn't need more of.

So, after a moment of hesitation, a shadow suddenly appeared to Elsa's side, as if out of nowhere, landing softly on one knee. His blank eyes stared at Elsa from underneath his bandanna. And he was completely silent, for a moment, trying to figure out whether to say "don't be scared" would either help the situation or end his run in this Arena there and then.

Particularly given the fact that, hi, Elsa, there's a giant but actually probably shorter than her, rather intimidating-looking turtle now in the visual vicinity.