In the novel, Katniss begins a significant personal change by assuming a new persona as tribute and contender. At the same time, she struggles to maintain her own unique identity.

This is true. The world of the Hunger Games and Tribute training is far different than her world of District 12. Preparation for the games is full of high-tech pomp and pageantry while District 12 is about mining, poverty, and struggle to find food. Katniss must try to reconcile both worlds to stay grounded and survive the games.